Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe

Cold Sesame Noodles are pure joy in a bowl. This classic takeout favorite is incredibly quick and easy—ready in just 10 minutes—and every bite is a harmonious blend of creamy, nutty, and savory flavors with a hint of spicy brightness. These noodles are cool and refreshing, yet deeply satisfying, making them an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you crave something special but don’t want to spend ages in the kitchen. Whether you’re feeding yourself after a long day or looking for a crowd-pleasing dish for friends, these noodles never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather up these simple yet powerful ingredients—each one brings something essential to the dish.

• Noodles: Fresh or frozen noodles are best for chewiness, but any long noodle (even spaghetti) works in a pinch. The noodle is the canvas—choose your favorite!
• Sesame Oil: Deep, fragrant, and toasty—this is the flavor backbone. A splash for tossing, more for flavor.
• Soy Sauce: Adds a salty, umami punch. Low-sodium is a good choice if you’re watching salt.
• Chinese Rice Vinegar: Brings a bright, subtle tang that balances the richness.
• Chinese Sesame Paste: Extra nutty and creamy—if you can’t find it, substitute with tahini, but the toasted flavor is key.
• Smooth Peanut Butter: For extra creaminess and a hint of sweetness.
• Granulated Sugar: Rounds out the flavors—just a touch keeps everything in harmony.
• Fresh Ginger: Sharp and aromatic, it wakes up the whole sauce.
• Minced Garlic: For that unmistakable bite—don’t skip it!
• Chili-Garlic Paste / Chile Crisp / Chili Oil: Adds heat and complexity. Adjust to your spice preference.
• Cucumber: Crispness and coolness—a refreshing contrast to the bold sauce.
• Chopped Peanuts: For topping, adding crunch and even more nutty flavor. Roasted is best.

Variations

• Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce, and pick rice or buckwheat noodles.
• Amp Up the Protein: Add shredded rotisserie chicken, poached shrimp, tofu, or even thin strips of omelet for a more substantial meal.
• Go Veggie Crazy: Toss in shredded carrots, blanched bean sprouts, or steamed broccoli for extra veggies.
• Switch Up the Heat: Prefer no spice? Omit the chili. Want it hotter? Drizzle with sriracha or extra chili oil.
• Nut-Free: Swap peanut butter with sunbutter or just use extra sesame paste.

How to Make Cold Sesame Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Drop in your noodles and cook just until al dente—usually about five minutes, but follow package instructions. Don’t overcook; you want that satisfying chew! Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking and cool them down.

Step 2: Toss with Sesame Oil

Shake off excess water. Return the noodles to the pot and toss them with a splash of sesame oil to prevent sticking and ensure every strand is flavorful.

Step 3: Assemble the Sauce

In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame paste, peanut butter, sugar, ginger, garlic, and your chosen chili condiment. Whisk until smooth, creamy, and well-combined—no lumps!

Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce

Pour the luscious sauce over your cooled noodles. Using tongs or clean hands, thoroughly toss to coat every strand. It may look like a lot of sauce, but it will cling beautifully.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Arrange the dressed noodles in bowls or on a platter. Scatter over the cucumber sticks and chopped peanuts. Serve immediately, or chill for up to a few hours—the flavors deepen as they sit.

How to Serve

Cold Sesame Noodles shine on their own, but here are some pairing ideas to round out your meal:

Garnishes:

A sprinkle of sesame seeds, sliced scallions, extra cucumber, or a dash more chili crisp for color and flavor.

As a Main:

Pile into big bowls as a standalone meal, or top with your favorite protein (grilled chicken, shrimp, tofu, or soft-boiled eggs are all fantastic).

As a Side:

Serve alongside simply steamed dumplings, a Chinese cucumber salad, or crispy spring rolls.

Picnic or Potluck:

This dish holds up beautifully at room temperature, so pack it for picnics, lunchboxes, or outdoor gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cold sesame noodles only get better as flavors mingle!

Freezing

While the sauce can be frozen on its own, noodles tend to lose their texture after freezing—this dish is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated, not frozen.

Reheating

If you want to serve leftovers warm, gently microwave or toss briefly in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Or just enjoy them cold, straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re ever stumped on what to make for dinner, give Cold Sesame Noodles a try—they’re a fast, flavor-packed reward after a busy day. With just a handful of pantry staples, you’ll have a dish that’s endlessly customizable and utterly crave-worthy. Dive in, experiment, and discover why this recipe is so beloved; let it become your new weeknight staple. Enjoy every slurp!

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