Cold Sesame Noodles

Light and creamy cold noodle recipes

Cold Sesame Noodles are a delightful and refreshing dish, perfect for warm days. This quick recipe features chilled noodles tossed in a creamy sesame sauce, complemented by crisp cucumbers and carrots. Ideal for a light lunch or dinner, it serves four and is sure to impress your family and friends.

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

• 8 oz (225 g) dried noodles (wheat noodles or spaghetti)
• Salt (for boiling water)

For the Sesame Sauce:

• 1/4 cup Chinese sesame paste (or tahini)
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 tablespoon chili oil (adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon water
• 3 cloves garlic, grated

For Garnishing:

• 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup carrots, julienned
• 2 scallions, chopped
• Crushed peanuts (for topping)

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Boil Water: In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil.
2. Cook Noodles: Add the dried noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 5–7 minutes). Reserve about 1/4 cup of the cooking water before draining.
3. Cool the Noodles: Drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain well to remove excess water.

Step 2: Prepare the Sesame Sauce

1. Mix the Sauce: In a bowl or jar, combine sesame paste, light soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, chili oil, water, and grated garlic. Whisk or shake until smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Combine Noodles and Sauce

1. Combine Noodles with Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled noodles and pour in the sesame sauce. Toss well to coat all the noodles evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved noodle cooking water to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Divide the sauced noodles among serving plates. Top with sliced cucumbers, julienned carrots, chopped scallions, and crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
2. Enjoy: Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving for an even cooler dish.

Tips for Perfect Cold Sesame Noodles

Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to add other fresh vegetables like bell peppers, bean sprouts, or shredded cabbage for extra crunch and nutrition.

Adjust the Heat: Modify the amount of chili oil based on your spice preference.

Make Ahead: These noodles can be prepared a few hours in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until ready to serve.

Serve as a Salad: This dish can also double as a cold noodle salad, perfect for picnics or potlucks.

Discover more about Chinese noodles