Citrus Sesame Noodles with Orange-Ginger Sauce

A quick, flavorful weeknight dinner: orange sesame noodles with juicy chicken thighs tossed in a bright orange-sesame sauce. Easily adapted to be gluten-free or vegan, this simple dish is family-friendly and ready in about 30 minutes.

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Let’s get cooking.

Ingredients in Orange Sesame Noodles

• Ramen noodles – regular ramen works well; use gluten-free ramen or brown rice noodles to make the dish gluten-free.
• Tamari or soy sauce – tamari is the gluten-free choice.
• Orange – zest and juice for bright citrus flavor.
• Honey – balances the tang of the orange; maple syrup is a vegan alternative.
• Cashews – optional; omit for nut allergies.
• Sesame oil – for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
• Chicken thighs – boneless, skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces; swap for chicken breast or omit for a vegan version.
• Shiitake mushrooms – sliced; other mushrooms or vegetables can be substituted.
• Garlic – finely minced.
• Fresh ginger – peeled and grated.
• Kale – destemmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces.
• Sesame seeds – for garnish.

How to Make Orange Sesame Noodles

STEP 1: MAKE NOODLES

Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

STEP 2: MAKE THE SAUCE

Whisk tamari (or soy sauce), orange zest, orange juice, and honey (or maple syrup) together in a medium bowl. Set aside.

STEP 3: TOAST CASHEWS

Heat a large pan or wok over medium. Add cashews and toast, stirring, until lightly browned (3–5 minutes). Remove and set aside.

STEP 4: COOK CHICKEN

Add sesame oil to the pan and cook the chicken pieces, turning occasionally, until cooked through, about 5–8 minutes. Remove and set aside.

STEP 5: COOK VEGETABLES

In the same pan, add the shiitake mushrooms and cook 3–5 minutes until they begin to soften. If they stick, add a little more sesame oil. Stir in garlic and ginger and cook for 1 minute, then add the kale and cook until wilted.

STEP 6: COMBINE EVERYTHING

Return the chicken to the pan, add the cooked noodles and pour in the orange-tamari sauce. Toss to coat the noodles and cook just until most of the liquid is absorbed. Stir in toasted cashews and sesame seeds. Serve immediately or cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Easy Swaps You Can Make

Can you make this recipe vegan?

Yes. Omit the chicken, cook the vegetables as directed, and swap honey for maple syrup.

Can you make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use certified gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of regular soy sauce.

Can you meal prep this recipe?

Yes. Prepare as directed and refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat before serving; the dish keeps well for up to 3 days.

Allergic to nuts? No problem!

Simply omit the cashews—the dish is delicious without them.

Optional toppings

Finish with chopped cilantro, red pepper flakes, or sliced green onions for extra brightness and a touch of heat.

Prefer different veggies?

Substitute snap peas, carrots, red bell pepper, or cabbage—use whatever you have on hand.

Like this recipe? Here are some other under-30-minute meals you might enjoy:

• Veggie Pad Thai
• Chicken Pad See Ew
• Thai Basil Tofu
• Veggie Massaman Curry
• Spicy Ramen Noodles