Spicy Sesame Shrimp & Noodle Salad

Indulge in the delightful fusion of Korean flavors and fresh vegetables with this Spicy Sesame Shrimp & Noodle Salad recipe. Inspired by the cherished memories of the Cold Sesame Noodles from her Korean heritage, Karen Bowlden of Boise, Idaho, crafted this delectable shrimp-noodle salad that pays homage to her roots while incorporating her love for wholesome ingredients.

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 ounces uncooked multigrain spaghetti
• 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 6 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon Sriracha Asian hot chili sauce or 1½ teaspoons hot pepper sauce
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon pepper
• 2 teaspoons canola oil
• ½ pound uncooked medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1½ cups coleslaw mix
• ¾ cup julienned carrots
• 1 celery rib, thinly sliced
• 1 small sweet red pepper, julienned
• ½ cup sliced water chestnuts
• 2 green onions, chopped

PREPARATIONS:

1. Cook the multigrain spaghetti according to the package directions.
2. In a small bowl, mix together the toasted sesame seeds, sesame oil, reduced-sodium soy sauce, minced garlic, rice vinegar, honey, Sriracha Asian hot chili sauce (or hot pepper sauce), salt, and pepper to create the flavorful sauce.
3. In a large skillet, heat canola oil over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the peeled and deveined shrimp for 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink. Remove the shrimp from the pan.
4. Add the sauce mixture to the same pan and bring it just to a boil. Reduce the heat and let it simmer, uncovered, for 2 minutes.
5. Drain the cooked spaghetti and add it to the pan with the sauce. Toss to combine the noodles with the savory sauce.
6. Return the cooked shrimp to the pan and add the coleslaw mix, julienned carrots, thinly sliced celery, julienned sweet red pepper, sliced water chestnuts, and chopped green onions.
7. Cook and toss the ingredients over medium-low heat until the vegetables begin to wilt, which takes about 4 minutes.

COOK TIME: 15 minutes (Cook: 2-3 minutes for shrimp, 2 minutes for sauce, 4 minutes for vegetables)

YIELD: 4 servings

SPECIAL INSTRUCTIONS:

• To enhance the nutty flavor, make sure to toast the sesame seeds before incorporating them into the sauce.
• Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less Sriracha Asian hot chili sauce (or hot pepper sauce) according to your preference.

TIPS:

• For an extra kick of freshness, consider adding some chopped cilantro or basil to the salad.
• This dish can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, depending on your preference.
• Customize the vegetable mix to your liking by adding other favorites like snap peas or baby corn.

In conclusion, the Spicy Sesame Shrimp & Noodle Salad is a mouthwatering marriage of Korean influences and a celebration of fresh vegetables. Karen Bowlden’s culinary creation not only pays tribute to her cherished family memories of Cold Sesame Noodles but also brings a delectable twist with succulent shrimp and vibrant vegetables.

The multigrain spaghetti serves as the perfect canvas for the flavorful sauce, boasting the nutty notes of toasted sesame seeds and the harmonious blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, rice vinegar, honey, and optional spiciness from Sriracha or hot pepper sauce. This delightful sauce beautifully coats the shrimp and spaghetti, ensuring every bite is bursting with savory goodness.

Moreover, the addition of colorful coleslaw mix, julienned carrots, sweet red pepper, and water chestnuts adds a delightful crunch and fresh texture to the dish. The thinly sliced celery and chopped green onions infuse a pleasant aromatic element, elevating the overall experience.

This Spicy Sesame Shrimp & Noodle Salad not only excels in flavor but also in ease and efficiency. The quick cooking time makes it a perfect weeknight meal, and the generous yield of four servings allows for sharing with family and friends.

For those who prefer a touch of herbaceousness, consider adding chopped cilantro or basil to enhance the fragrance and taste. Furthermore, the versatility of this dish allows for experimentation with different vegetable combinations, making it a delightful option for personalizing to individual tastes.

Whether served warm or at room temperature, this delectable salad is sure to become a favorite go-to recipe for seafood and vegetable enthusiasts alike. So, embrace the Korean-inspired flavors and savor the freshness of the vegetables with this Spicy Sesame Shrimp & Noodle Salad—a delicious fusion of tradition and innovation.