Name: Sesame Noodles with Asian Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 500 g / 1 lb fresh egg noodles; 3/4 cup green onions, finely sliced (scallions); 1 tbsp sesame seeds, plus more for garnish; 2 – 3 tbsp crushed peanuts, optional, plus more for garnish; 1 ½ tbsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp normal soy sauce; 1 ½ tbsp rice vinegar; 2 tbsp sesame oil; 2 tsp fresh grated ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 tsp white sugar; 2 tbsp peanut butter; 1 tbsp Chinese sesame paste or tahini; 2 tsp garlic chilli paste, like Sambal Oelak or Sriracha (adjust to taste)

If you’re on the hunt for a dish that’s bursting with flavor yet quick and easy to whip up, you’re going to adore this Sesame Noodles with Asian Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe. It’s one of those recipes I turn to when I want something comforting, fresh, and packed with that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and a little spicy kick. I absolutely love how it can be served warm or at room temperature, making it super versatile whether it’s a quick lunch, a side for dinner, or a dish for your next gathering.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Simple & Quick: Ready in just 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute entertaining.
Flavor Explosion: The Asian sesame peanut dressing brings a harmonious blend of nutty, spicy, and tangy notes that your taste buds will crave.
Flexible & Versatile: Whether you keep it basic or load it with fresh veggies and shredded chicken, this recipe adapts easily.
Serves Crowd Pleasers: My family and friends always ask for seconds—and leftovers vanish fast.

This close-up photo shows a pile of thick noodles mixed with green vegetable slices, sprinkled all over with small white sesame seeds and tiny bits of crushed nuts. The noodles are glossy and coated in a light brown sauce with red chili flakes scattered throughout. The vegetables are fresh and bright green, evenly mixed among the noodles, which are twisted and curved in different directions. The whole dish sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

For sesame noodles, the ingredients are simple but work so well together to create a rich, creamy, and slightly spicy dressing that clings to tender noodles. Fresh egg noodles are my go-to because of their wonderful texture, but you can sub in what you have on hand.

Fresh egg noodles: These have a great bite and absorb the dressing without getting mushy—try to avoid dried noodles if you can.
Green onions (scallions): Adds a fresh, crisp pop of flavor that cuts through the richness.
Sesame seeds: Toast them lightly for an extra nutty crunch.
Crushed peanuts (optional): I like tossing some in for texture; plus it amps up the nutty vibe.
Dark and normal soy sauce: The dark soy brings color and a deeper flavor, while the regular balances saltiness.
Rice vinegar: For that essential tangy brightness.
Sesame oil: This is non-negotiable—it’s what makes that iconic sesame noodle taste.
Fresh grated ginger: Adds zing and a little warmth.
Garlic clove, minced: Classic flavor punch.
White sugar: Balances all the savory and acidic notes.
Peanut butter: Use a creamy style here to make your dressing silky smooth.
Chinese sesame paste or tahini: This deepens the sesame flavor—if you can find Chinese sesame paste, it’s a game-changer.
Garlic chili paste (like Sambal Oelek or Sriracha): Adjust the heat to your liking; I like it with a bit of a kick!

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

The beauty of this Sesame Noodles with Asian Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe is how easily you can make it your own. Whether you’re tweaking the heat level or turning it into a hearty meal, there’s plenty of room for creativity here.

Veggie Boost: I love adding crunchy shredded carrots, cabbage, and bean sprouts to bulk it up with fresh, crisp veggies.
Protein Power: Shredded chicken or tofu transforms this into a filling main course when I need extra sustenance.
Heat Control: Swap out the chili paste based on your spice tolerance—I’ve made it completely mild for little ones and spicy enough for spice lovers.
Gluten-Free: Use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce if you need gluten-free options, and it still tastes fantastic.

How to Make Sesame Noodles with Asian Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Noodles Perfectly

Start by boiling your fresh egg noodles according to the packet directions. I’ve found that timing is everything here—overcooked noodles turn mushy and won’t hold the dressing well. Once cooked, drain them and give a brief rinse under cold water to stop them from sticking together. This little trick makes tossing the noodles in the dressing so much easier because they won’t clump up.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing

In a bowl, combine the dark soy sauce, normal soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, fresh grated ginger, minced garlic, sugar, peanut butter, Chinese sesame paste, and your garlic chili paste. Give everything a good stir until the dressing is smooth and luscious. If your peanut butter or sesame paste feels a little stiff, microwave the bowl for 10-15 seconds to help it loosen up—this always does the trick and makes mixing so much easier.

Step 3: Toss Together with Flair

Place your noodles in a large bowl, then add the finely sliced green onions, sesame seeds, crushed peanuts (if using), and pour over the dressing. I love using tongs for this step to gently toss everything together, making sure each noodle strand gets evenly coated. This is also the moment you get to see and smell how beautifully the flavors come together—it’s incredibly satisfying.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle some extra sesame seeds or crushed peanuts on top for that perfect final crunch and presentation. These noodles are fantastic served warm right after tossing, but trust me—they’re equally amazing at room temperature, making them perfect for potlucks or packed lunches.

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Pro Tips for Making Sesame Noodles with Asian Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe

Rinse to Stop Cooking: Always rinse noodles under cold water right after cooking; it prevents them from overcooking and sticking.
Balance Your Flavors: Taste your dressing before tossing—if it’s too tangy, add a touch more sugar; too thick, a splash of water helps thin it out.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic make a massive flavor difference compared to pre-minced or powders.
Serve Immediately or Chill: Leftover noodles seize up in the fridge; briefly toss with a bit of sesame oil before serving cold again.

How to Serve Sesame Noodles with Asian Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe

A bowl filled with golden brown noodles mixed with green peas and small herb leaves, topped with finely grated cheese that adds a light white dusting over the top. The noodles look slightly glossy and soft, sitting inside a white bowl on a white marbled surface. The photo was taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for adding extra sesame seeds and crushed peanuts on top because they bring that extra crunch and nuttiness. Sometimes I’ll toss on some finely sliced red chili or fresh coriander for a fresh herbal lift—trust me, these little touches take the dish next level.

Side Dishes

This dish really shines as a side to things like grilled chicken, easy stir-fried veggies, or even alongside some crispy tofu. When I’m having a casual dinner, I like pairing it with a light cucumber salad or steamed edamame for a balanced, flavorful meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For entertaining, I’ve served these noodles in individual bamboo steamers or small bowls garnished with edible flowers and a sprinkle of chili flakes for a fancy look. You can also pile them over a bed of mixed greens or shredded cabbage for a vibrant, colorful presentation that gets everyone excited to dig in.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After tossing the noodles with dressing, I find it’s best to store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. The noodles do soak up the dressing, so the next day they’re even tastier, but they can dry out—just stir in a little sesame oil or a splash of water before eating to revive them.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze sesame noodles because the texture of the noodles can change after thawing. If you want to prep ahead, freeze the dressing separately and toss freshly cooked noodles with it when you’re ready to eat.

Reheating

If you prefer warm noodles, reheat leftovers gently in a microwave or a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or sesame oil to keep the noodles from drying out or sticking together. Heat just until warmed through—overheating can make the noodles mushy.

FAQs

Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh egg noodles?

Yes, you can substitute dried noodles like spaghetti or dried rice noodles. Just cook them according to package directions and make sure to rinse well to prevent sticking. Fresh egg noodles have a softer, chewier texture that works perfectly with this dressing, but dried noodles are a fine alternative if that’s what you’ve got.
How spicy is the sesame peanut dressing?

The heat level depends on the amount and type of chili paste you use. I recommend starting with 1-2 teaspoons of Sambal Oelek or Sriracha and adjusting to taste. You can always add more if you like it spicy, or omit entirely for a mild version perfect for kids.
Is this Sesame Noodles with Asian Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely! It’s great for meal prep since it keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days. Just keep in mind to stir in a bit of oil or water before serving so the noodles don’t stick together. For best texture, add fresh crunchy veggies or protein when you plate it.
Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This Sesame Noodles with Asian Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe is naturally vegan as long as you ensure your soy sauce and chili paste don’t contain any fish or animal ingredients. Just skip adding any meat or animal-based toppings.

Final Thoughts

This Sesame Noodles with Asian Sesame Peanut Dressing Recipe holds a special place in my rotation because it’s so quick, flavorful, and adaptable. I remember the first time I made it for a family dinner, everyone was asking for seconds and it instantly became a requested dish. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a tasty side, or an easy meal that can be customized any way you like, you’ll find this recipe ticks all the boxes. Give it a try—it might just become your new favorite go-to!