Kelp Noodle Stir-Fry (Printable)

Crunchy kelp noodles with crisp vegetables in a tangy ginger-sesame sauce. Perfect quick and healthy meal.

# What You Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 12 oz kelp noodles, rinsed and drained

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 - 1 cup snap peas, trimmed and halved
04 - 1 medium carrot, julienned
05 - 2 cups baby spinach
06 - 2 green onions, sliced

→ Sauce

07 - 2 tbsp tamari or low-sodium soy sauce
08 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
09 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
10 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, finely grated
11 - 2 tsp maple syrup or agave nectar
12 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1/2 tsp chili flakes

→ Toppings

14 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
15 - Fresh cilantro leaves
16 - Lime wedges

# How-To Steps:

01 - Place kelp noodles in a large bowl and cover with warm water. Let soak for 10 minutes to soften, then drain thoroughly and set aside.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together tamari, sesame oil, rice vinegar, grated ginger, maple syrup, minced garlic, and chili flakes until well combined.
03 - Heat a large nonstick skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add bell pepper, snap peas, and carrot. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp.
04 - Toss in spinach and green onions. Stir-fry for 1 minute until spinach just begins to wilt.
05 - Add drained kelp noodles to the skillet and pour in the sauce. Toss everything together for 2–3 minutes until noodles and vegetables are evenly coated and heated through. Serve immediately topped with sesame seeds, cilantro, and lime wedges.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The texture contrast between crisp vegetables and springy noodles keeps every bite interesting
  • It comes together in under 30 minutes but tastes like something from a restaurant
  • The sauce hits all the right notes with salty, sweet, tangy, and just enough heat
02 -
  • Kelp noodles do not cook like pasta. They soften in warm water but never get mushy, which is exactly their appeal
  • The sauce thickens quickly as it coats the noodles, so have everything ready before you start tossing
03 -
  • Prep all ingredients before you start cooking because stir-frying moves fast
  • A wok is ideal but any large skillet works beautifully
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