Cold sesame noodles dish (Printable Version)

Silky sesame sauce coats chilled noodles with crisp veggies for a refreshing, flavorful meal.

# Ingredient List:

→ 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)
08 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
09 - 2 cloves garlic, finely grated
10 - 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
11 - 1 to 2 tsp chili oil (optional)
12 - 3 to 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)

# Steps:

01 - Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled. Toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
02 - Whisk together tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and chili oil if using. Add cold water gradually until sauce reaches smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - Place noodles in a large bowl, pour sauce over, and toss thoroughly to coat evenly.
04 - Divide noodles into serving bowls and top with cucumber, carrots, spring onions, toasted sesame seeds, cilantro, and crushed peanuts if desired. Serve with lime wedges on the side.
05 - Chill for 10 to 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors, or serve immediately.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in 25 minutes and tastes like you've been simmering something all day.
  • Make it ahead and let it chill—it actually tastes better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or surprise guests.
  • The sauce is creamy and indulgent without feeling heavy, especially on days when hot food sounds impossible.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing the noodles under cold water—warm noodles will heat up your sauce and turn the whole dish lukewarm and sad.
  • Add the water to your sauce gradually, not all at once, because once it's too thin you're stuck starting over.
  • Make this the night before if you can; the flavors deepen and marry together overnight in a way that feels almost magical.
03 -
  • Buy pre-grated garlic and ginger from the jar if you want to save time—the flavor difference is minimal and life is too short to stand there grating on hot days.
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes before sprinkling them on top; they transform from invisible to absolutely magical.
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