Spicy Oriental Orzo

Prepare your taste buds for a fiery flavor journey with Spicy Oriental Orzo, a creative fusion dish that combines tender orzo pasta with the bold, savory notes of Asian-inspired ingredients. This quick and easy recipe features a zesty blend of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and rice vinegar, balanced with a touch of honey for the perfect harmony of sweet and salty flavors. Infused with the warmth of garlic, ginger, and red chili flakes, and tossed with crisp julienned vegetables, baby spinach, and a sprinkling of toasted sesame seeds, each bite delivers a satisfying crunch and vibrant freshness. Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect as a standout main course or a dazzling side dish. Customize the heat level with optional sriracha for an extra kick, and enjoy a meal that’s as nutritious as it is irresistible.

Nutriscore Rating: 72/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams orzo pasta
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 units garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, finely grated
• 1 teaspoon red chili flakes
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 3 units green onions, thinly sliced
• 1 unit carrot, julienned
• 1 unit red bell pepper, julienned
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon sriracha (optional, for extra heat)

Directions

Step 1

Cook the orzo pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.

Step 2

In a large skillet or wok, heat the sesame oil over medium heat.

Step 3

Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and red chili flakes to the skillet. Stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 4

Stir in the carrot and red bell pepper. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are slightly tender but still crisp.

Step 5

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, rice vinegar, and honey. Add the mixture to the skillet, stirring to combine.

Step 6

Toss the cooked orzo into the skillet, ensuring it’s fully coated in the sauce.

Step 7

Add the baby spinach and cook for an additional 2 minutes, stirring, until the spinach has wilted.

Step 8

Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Step 9

If desired, drizzle sriracha over the orzo for an extra spicy kick.

Step 10

Serve hot as a main course or a flavorful side dish. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(726.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1470.3

Total Fat 37.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 4.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 12.3g
Cholesterol 1.0mg	0%
Sodium 3048.2mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 248.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 23.4g	0%
Total Sugars 41.8g
Protein 43.9g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 266.4mg	0%
Iron 14.4mg	0%
Potassium 968.5mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 22.6%

Protein: 11.6%

Carbs: 65.8%