Cold Sesame Noodles Dish (Print View)

Tender noodles tossed in creamy sesame sauce with fresh vegetables and crunchy toppings for a light meal.

# Components:

→ Noodles

01 - 12 oz wheat noodles or spaghetti
02 - 1 tbsp sesame oil

→ Sauce

03 - 4 tbsp tahini or Chinese sesame paste
04 - 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter
05 - 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
06 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
07 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (for vegan)
08 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
09 - 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
10 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
11 - 1–2 tsp chili oil (optional)
12 - 3–5 tbsp cold water (to adjust consistency)

→ Vegetables & Toppings

13 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned
14 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
15 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
16 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
17 - 1 handful fresh cilantro, chopped
18 - Crushed roasted peanuts (optional)
19 - Lime wedges (optional)

# Preparation Steps:

01 - Boil noodles as per package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
02 - Whisk together tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili oil if using. Gradually add cold water to reach a smooth, creamy, and pourable consistency.
03 - Place noodles in a large bowl. Pour the sauce over noodles and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
04 - Divide noodles into serving bowls. Top with julienned cucumber, carrots, spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and crushed peanuts if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
05 - Refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes to enhance flavors if time allows, or serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It's ready in under 30 minutes, and most of that time is waiting for water to boil.
  • The creamy sesame sauce tastes like restaurant-quality but comes together with ingredients you probably already have.
  • You can make it ahead, chill it, and eat it straight from the fridge over several days.
  • It's endlessly customizable—add protein, swap vegetables, adjust the heat to your mood.
02 -
  • If your sauce breaks or looks grainy, it means the tahini and peanut butter didn't emulsify properly—whisk it harder or add a teaspoon of warm water at a time until it comes back together.
  • Chilling the finished noodles for 10–15 minutes makes the flavors meld into something more complex than eating them warm, but they're delicious either way.
  • The vegetables stay crunchiest if you add them right before serving rather than tossing them in earlier.
03 -
  • Buy pre-grated ginger and garlic in jars if you want to save time—the flavor difference is negligible and it takes stress out of cooking when you're already hot.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry skillet for two minutes if you have time; they taste deeper and more complex than store-bought pre-toasted.
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