When it comes to a dish that dances on your taste buds and whispers sweet nothings to your soul, cold sesame noodles steal the show. Picture long, slippery strands of noodles coated in a nutty, silky sauce that sparkles with the essence of sesame oil, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. hearty pasta dishes The aroma wafts through the air like an invitation to indulge, making your mouth water with anticipation as it tempts you to dive in for a bite. For more inspiration, check out this Shrimp and Broccoli Pasta recipe.
On a hot summer day when the thought of cooking feels like an Olympic sport, these cold sesame noodles are your culinary superhero. They bring joy to any picnic or backyard get-together where everyone gathers around the table, fork in hand, eagerly awaiting their share of this delightful dish. Trust me; once you try them, you’ll have a new favorite recipe that keeps you coming back for more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- These cold sesame noodles are incredibly simple to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights
- Their rich flavors will leave your taste buds craving more
- The vibrant colors and textures make them visually appealing for any gathering
- Versatile enough for lunch boxes or elegant dinner parties, they shine in any setting
A memorable moment was when I prepared these noodles for my family’s Fourth of July barbecue; they disappeared faster than fireworks in the sky.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: delicious cheesecake variations.
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Spaghetti or Soba Noodles: Use your preferred noodle type; both work beautifully but soba adds an authentic touch.
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Sesame Oil: Opt for toasted sesame oil for that deep, nutty flavor that elevates this dish.
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Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce is best; it balances flavor without overwhelming saltiness.
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Peanut Butter: Creamy peanut butter adds richness; smooth is preferable for easy mixing.
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Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic offers a punchy zing; don’t skimp on these little flavor bombs.
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Rice Vinegar: This brightens up the sauce with acidity; look for unseasoned rice vinegar if possible.
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Sugar: A touch of sugar balances out the saltiness from soy sauce and enhances flavors.
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Sliced Green Onions: These add crunch and freshness; use them generously as a garnish.
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Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds provide texture and visual appeal; sprinkle them on top before serving.
For the Garnish:
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Cilantro (optional): Fresh cilantro can brighten flavors further; skip if you’re not a fan though!
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Cucumber (optional): Thinly sliced cucumber adds refreshing crunch; it’s totally worth it if you have some on hand!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Gather your ingredients and let’s embark on this culinary adventure!
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti or soba noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Create the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, peanut butter, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sugar until smooth and creamy. For more inspiration, check out this Honey Garlic Soy Sauce Chicken recipe.
Toss Everything Together: In a large bowl, combine cooled noodles with sauce mixture. Use tongs to toss until each noodle is well-coated in that luscious sauce.
Add Garnishes: Gently fold in sliced green onions and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top. If using cucumber or cilantro, add these too for extra flair.
Chill and Serve!: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so flavors meld beautifully.
Enjoying cold sesame noodles can feel like diving into a pool on a sweltering day—refreshing and satisfying! So grab your favorite bowl and dig into this delightful dish! light and refreshing desserts.
You Must Know
- Cold sesame noodles are perfect for warm days, offering a refreshing taste that’s easy to make
- The creamy sesame sauce perfectly complements the chewy texture of the noodles
- Serve them chilled, and they will delight your senses with every bite
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the noodles according to package instructions, then rinse them in cold water to stop cooking. As you prepare the sauce, let the cooked noodles chill in the refrigerator for optimal flavor absorption.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your cold sesame noodles with veggies like cucumbers or carrots for extra crunch. sweet and zesty treats You can also add protein such as grilled chicken or tofu to make it a complete meal.
Storing & Reheating
To store leftovers, keep them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Simply toss with a splash of water before serving to restore creaminess if needed.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Cold sesame noodles shine when you balance flavors; adjust soy sauce and sesame oil to taste
- Always rinse noodles after cooking to prevent clumping
- For added flair, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts for crunch and visual appeal
One summer evening, I served cold sesame noodles at a backyard barbecue. My friends raved about them, and I realized they were a hit! It turned out they were even better than my grilled burgers!
FAQ
What type of noodles work best for cold sesame noodles?
Use thin wheat or rice noodles for optimal texture and flavor absorption.
Can I make cold sesame noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely! Prepare them a day in advance for enhanced flavors and convenience.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
Simply omit any meat and load up on fresh vegetables or tofu for protein.
Cold Sesame Noodles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cold sesame noodles are a refreshing delight that perfectly balances nutty flavors and silky textures. This quick and easy dish features tender noodles coated in a rich sesame sauce made with garlic, soy sauce, and creamy peanut butter. Ideal for warm summer days, these cold sesame noodles are perfect for picnics or casual gatherings, ensuring everyone goes back for seconds.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or soba noodles
- 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp unseasoned rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 4 green onions, sliced (for garnish)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (to taste)
- Cucumber, thinly sliced (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, peanut butter, minced garlic, rice vinegar, and sugar until smooth.
- Toss cooled noodles with the sauce until well-coated.
- Gently mix in sliced green onions and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Add optional garnishes if desired.
- Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Add crunchy vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots for extra texture. For protein, include grilled chicken or tofu. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
