There’s something utterly delightful about a plate of cold sesame noodles. Imagine the silky strands of noodles embraced by a nutty, rich sauce, with a hint of garlic and a whisper of soy—pure bliss in every bite! This dish is perfect for those hot summer days when the thought of turning on the stove feels like a crime against humanity. For more inspiration, check out this dinner recipes recipe.
I remember the first time I made cold sesame noodles for my friends during a sweltering barbecue. As they slurped up the noodles, their eyes widened in surprise and delight. It’s amazing how food can create unforgettable memories, especially when shared with loved ones over good laughs and even better flavors.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cold sesame noodles are incredibly easy to whip up, making them ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings
- Their flavor profile is a perfect balance of savory and creamy, guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds
- The vibrant colors and textures make this dish visually stunning, ensuring it takes center stage at any table
- Plus, you can easily customize the ingredients based on personal preferences or what’s in your pantry
Friends often rave about how these noodles have become a go-to in our household during summer cookouts.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Lo Mein or Spaghetti Noodles: Choose whichever noodle you prefer; both work wonders here, just ensure they cook until al dente.
Sesame Oil: A little goes a long way; opt for toasted sesame oil for that deep, nutty flavor.
Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce allows you to control the saltiness without sacrificing flavor.
Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds richness; feel free to use almond butter for a twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves bring an aromatic kick that elevates the dish tremendously.
Sugar: Just a pinch balances out the savory notes beautifully; brown sugar works especially well.
Green Onions: These add freshness and crunch; slice them thinly for best results.
Cucumber: Julienne them for a refreshing crunch that complements the creamy sauce perfectly.
Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide extra texture and visual appeal.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cold Sesame Noodles
First things first: get your water boiling. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Add in your lo mein or spaghetti noodles and cook according to package instructions until they reach that perfect al dente state.
While your noodles are cooking, grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the sesame oil, soy sauce, peanut butter, minced garlic, and sugar until smooth. If it feels too thick, add a splash of warm water to achieve that silky consistency.
Once your noodles are ready, drain them in a colander but resist the urge to rinse them under cold water right away! Allow them to cool slightly for about 5 minutes before rinsing with cold water to stop cooking.
In a large bowl, combine your cooled noodles with the sauce mixture. Toss everything together gently until each strand is coated in that luscious peanut-sesame goodness.
Now comes the fun part! Add in your sliced green onions and julienned cucumber for color and crunch. Toss again until evenly distributed throughout.
Finally, serve your cold sesame noodles into bowls or on platters. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds generously on top for that final touch of flair!
Enjoying these delightful cold sesame noodles brings sheer satisfaction—perfect as an appetizer or as part of your main meal alongside grilled chicken or tofu!
You Must Know
- Cold sesame noodles are not just tasty; they can be a quick, refreshing meal option
- The combination of nutty sesame and savory soy sauce creates a delightful flavor that dances on your palate
- Plus, they’re perfect for meal prep or picnics!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the noodles according to package instructions. While they’re cooking, whisk together the sauce ingredients, then toss everything together once the noodles cool down.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the peanut butter for tahini or add veggies like cucumbers and bell peppers for crunch. This dish is all about personalization!
Storing & Reheating
Store cold sesame noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To refresh, simply toss with a bit of sesame oil before serving.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly textured noodles, rinse them under cold water after cooking
- Be cautious when adding soy sauce; too much can overwhelm the other flavors
- Always adjust sweetness based on your preference; honey or sugar can enhance taste beautifully
Sharing this recipe reminds me of summer barbecues where we would whip up cold sesame noodles, and everyone would devour them amidst laughter and stories.
FAQ
What type of noodles work best for cold sesame noodles?
Use thin wheat or rice noodles for the best texture and absorption of flavors.
Can I make cold sesame noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely! These noodles taste even better after chilling in the fridge for a few hours.
How do I adjust the spice level in this recipe?
Add more chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes to increase heat according to your taste preferences.
Cold Sesame Noodles
Cold sesame noodles are a delightful and refreshing dish, perfect for hot summer days or quick weeknight meals. These silky noodles are coated in a rich, nutty sesame-peanut sauce and topped with crunchy vegetables, making each bite a satisfying experience. This easy-to-make recipe is not only delicious but also customizable, allowing you to adjust the flavors to suit your taste preferences. Serve them chilled as an appetizer or pair them with grilled proteins for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein or spaghetti noodles
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp brown sugar
- 2 green onions, sliced thinly
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot and cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente.
- While the noodles cook, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, peanut butter, garlic, and brown sugar in a mixing bowl until smooth.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and let them cool for 5 minutes before rinsing with cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, combine cooled noodles with the sauce mixture and toss gently to coat well.
- Add sliced green onions and julienned cucumber; toss again until evenly distributed.
- Serve in bowls or on platters and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (245g)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 56g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: For a twist, substitute peanut butter with tahini or add other crunchy veggies like bell peppers. Feel free to adjust sweetness by adding honey or more sugar according to your preference.
