Cold Sesame Noodles Delight (Printable Page)

Noodles coated in rich sesame sauce with fresh veggies, served cold for a light, flavorful meal.

# What You'll Need:

→ 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 option
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

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Cook noodles following package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
02 - In a bowl, whisk tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili oil if desired. Gradually add cold water until sauce reaches a smooth, creamy, pourable consistency.
03 - Place noodles in a large bowl and add sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat noodles evenly with sauce.
04 - Divide noodles into serving bowls. Top with cucumber, carrots, spring onions, sesame seeds, cilantro, and optional crushed peanuts. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
05 - For optimal flavor, chill noodles for 10 to 15 minutes before serving, or serve immediately if preferred.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • The sauce keeps for five days in the fridge, so you can make noodles in three minutes flat
  • Cold noodles somehow taste better when the sauce has soaked into every strand overnight
02 -
  • The sauce thickens as it sits, so always reserve some pasta water or keep a measuring cup of water nearby
  • Overdressed noodles are better than underdressed ones because the noodles drink up the sauce over time
03 -
  • Double the sauce and keep half in a jar in the fridge for instant noodles all week long
  • Use a vegetable peeler to make quick ribbons of cucumber and carrots if you are short on time
Go Back