Toasted Sesame, Scallion, and Red Pepper Udon Noodles

Ingredients

12 oz udon noodles
3 Tbsp low sodium soy sauce
3 Tbsp unseasoned rice wine vinegar
3 Tbsp packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp toasted sesame oil
1/4 C neutral oil (canola or grapeseed)
5 tsp sesame seeds
1 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust for preferred heat profile)
12 scallions, white and green parts sliced thinly on the bias and separated

Instructions

While the water is coming to a boil whisk together the soy sauce, vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil in a large bowl. Heat the oil over medium in a large skillet, add the sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, and heat 3-5 minutes until the seeds just begin to brown. Add scallion whites and stir, remove from heat. After a couple of minutes, transfer to the soy sauce mixture. Cook the pasta, drain, add to the sauce, and toss. Add the scallion greens and serve.


From Milk Street Magazine, May-June 2017 issue.