Cold Sesame Noodles

Name: Cold Sesame Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: chinese_american
Ingredients: 350 g spaghetti (or lo mein noodles); 1.5 tbsp sesame oil (toasted, divided); 3 tbsp peanut butter (creamy, unsweetened); 2 tbsp soy sauce; 1.5 tbsp rice vinegar; 1 tbsp honey; 2 pcs garlic (cloves, minced); 1 inch ginger (grated); 1 pinch red chili powder; 1 pinch salt; 1 pcs cucumber (small, julienned); 1 pcs carrot (medium, julienned); 2 pcs green onion (thinly sliced); 2 tsp sesame seeds (toasted); 2 tbsp cilantro (chopped, for garnish)

RATING

4.6/5(123)

TASTE SCORE

9/10

Chewy noodles tossed in a creamy, nutty sesame-peanut sauce with a gentle kick of heat. Served chilled or at room temperature, these noodles make the perfect refreshing lunch or light dinner on warm days.

PREP

15m

COOK

SERVES

1 CUP

497 cal

SERVINGS

METHOD · 6 STEPS

boil · ~10 min
Cook the noodles.
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add spaghetti and cook until just al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
TIPDon't overcook — the noodles will soften further as they absorb the sauce.
mix · ~5 min
Make the sesame-peanut sauce.
1.In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, and remaining 0.5 tablespoon sesame oil until smooth and creamy.
2.Add minced garlic, grated ginger, red chili powder, and salt. Whisk again to combine.
3.If the sauce seems too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons cold water and whisk until pourable.
TIPUse room-temperature peanut butter — it blends more smoothly than cold.
mix · ~2 min
Toss noodles with sauce.
Place the cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sesame-peanut sauce over them. Use tongs to toss thoroughly until every strand is evenly coated.
assemble · ~1 min
Add the vegetables.
Add julienned cucumber, julienned carrot, and sliced green onion to the noodle bowl. Toss gently to distribute the vegetables throughout the noodles.
rest · ~20 min
Chill the noodles.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. The noodles can be chilled up to overnight.
TIPCold sesame noodles taste better after a rest — the sauce penetrates the noodles and flavors deepen.
garnish
Garnish with sesame seeds and cilantro, then serve.
Just before serving, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped cilantro over the noodles. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

PRO TIPS

What to keep in mind.

6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.

1
Rinse the noodles under cold water immediately after draining to stop carryover cooking and remove excess starch.
2
Use warm water to thin the sauce if needed, adding 1 tablespoon at a time until it reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
3
Let the noodles chill for at least 20 minutes — the resting time allows the sauce to fully absorb into the pasta.
4
Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden for maximum nuttiness.
5
Slice cucumbers just before serving to keep them crunchy and prevent them from releasing water into the dish.
6
For make-ahead, store the sauce and noodles separately up to 2 days, then toss together before serving.

RECIPE VARIATIONS