Sweet Chili Tahini Noodles

These sweet chili tahini noodles are packed with the umami flavor from gochujang, aromatics, plus richness from tahini. The sauce is also easily customizable depending on your preference. This is best with wheat noodles of your choice!

📝 Ingredients

• 3.5 oz king oyster mushrooms (sliced into small cubes (you can use other mushrooms or even extra firm tofu))
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• Pinch of salt to taste
• Dark mushroom soy sauce (optional for color)
• 1 tbsp neutral oil
• 1 small shallot (minced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 - 1.5 tbsp gochujang
• 1.5 tbsp soy sauce (or to taste)
• 2 tbsp water
• 2 tbsp hon mirin
• 1 tbsp maple syrup ( or sugar, adjust to desired sweetness)
• 2 tsp vinegar
• 2 tbsp tahini (see notes)
• 1/2 lb knife cut noodles ( or guan miao sliced noodles (uncooked))
• Noodle water (, to water down the sauce)
• Drizzle sesame oil (, to finish)
• 2-3 tsp Chili oil
• Fried shallots
• Sliced scallions (, for garnish)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1--- MUSHROOMS & SAUCE ---
2. 2I sliced the mushrooms into 1/2-inch (1.25-cm) cubes or size of your choice. Heat a large pan or wok over medium heat with oil. Once hot, add the mushrooms. Add a pinch of salt, to taste. Stir-fry until golden brown on all sides. You can add a splash dark soy sauce for extra color (if desired).
3. 3Remove the mushrooms from the pan/wok and set aside.
4. 4In the same wok/pan, add the oil. Over medium heat, sauté the shallot until translucent. Add the minced garlic and sauté until aromatic, around 30 seconds.
5. 5Add the gochujang and mix with the aromatics. Add the soy sauce, water, mirin, maple syrup (or sugar), and vinegar. Mix until well combined.
6. 6Lower the heat and then add the tahini or sesame paste.
7. 7Mix well. Lower or turn off the heat while you cook the noodles.
8. 8--- NOODLES ---
9. 9Meanwhile, heat a pot of water. Once it boils, cook the noodles until very chewy or al dente to your liking.
10. 10Remove the noodles from the water.
11. 11--- TO FINISH ---
12. 12Add the cooked noodles into the sauce. You can turn on the heat. Coat the noodles in the sauce.
13. 13You can add 1-2 tbsp of the noodle water to thin out the sauce. Taste the noodles and feel free to season with more soy sauce, if needed.
14. 14Serve the noodles while hot. Top with the mushrooms, chili oil, fried shallots, and scallions, if desired. Mix everything and enjoy!