Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe
If you’re searching for a dish that’s refreshing, satisfyingly savory, and incredibly easy to whip up, look no further than Cold Sesame Noodles. This crowd-pleasing recipe combines perfectly chilled noodles with a luscious, nutty sesame-peanut sauce, crisp veggies, and a flurry of fresh garnishes. It’s the kind of meal that tastes like pure comfort yet feels light and energizing, making it ideal for any season—especially those warm, lazy days when you crave something cool and flavorful. Whether you’re packing a picnic, meal-prepping for the week, or simply craving a quick bite, these Cold Sesame Noodles are sure to become your new favorite go-to.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Cold Sesame Noodles lies in its simplicity: each ingredient plays a vital role in building bold flavor, contrasting textures, and vibrant color. Here’s what you’ll need—and why you won’t want to skip a thing.
- Noodles: 12 ounces of spaghetti or Chinese egg noodles—pick your favorite for the perfect base that absorbs all that sauce.
- Soy Sauce: 1/4 cup—delivers a savory punch and that signature umami depth.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: 3 tablespoons—brings a warm, nutty aroma that’s absolutely essential to the dish.
- Rice Vinegar: 2 tablespoons—offers a gentle tang that balances the richness of the sauce.
- Smooth Peanut Butter: 2 tablespoons—adds creaminess and a hint of sweetness for irresistibly silky noodles.
- Honey or Maple Syrup: 1 tablespoon—gives just the right touch of sweetness to round out the flavors.
- Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon, grated—brightens the sauce with a zingy, aromatic lift.
- Garlic: 1 clove, minced—infuses the dressing with a subtle, garlicky kick.
- Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon—adds a gentle heat; adjust to taste if you like it spicy or mild.
- Sesame Seeds: 2 tablespoons—for a satisfying crunch and to amplify those sesame notes.
- Green Onions: 2, sliced—bring color, freshness, and a little bite.
- Shredded Carrots: 1/2 cup—delivers a pop of color and sweet crunch.
- Thinly Sliced Cucumber: 1/2 cup—keeps things cool, crisp, and refreshing.
- Chopped Cilantro (optional): A handful for garnish—adds a fresh herbal finish if you’re a cilantro fan.
How to Make Cold Sesame Noodles
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Noodles
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil and cooking your chosen noodles according to the package directions until just al dente. This keeps them pleasantly chewy and not mushy. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and rinse under cold running water—this not only cools them down quickly but also stops the cooking process so your noodles stay perfectly textured.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Sesame-Peanut Sauce
While the noodles cool, grab a large mixing bowl and whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, peanut butter, honey (or maple syrup), fresh ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Mix until the sauce is smooth and creamy. This is where the magic happens—the sauce should taste savory, nutty, slightly sweet, and just a bit spicy. Give it a little taste and adjust any ingredient to match your preference.
Step 3: Toss and Coat the Noodles
Add the cooled noodles right into your bowl of sauce. Using tongs or clean hands, toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy. Don’t be shy—make sure every strand is bathed in that luscious sauce so every bite is bursting with flavor.
Step 4: Add Veggies and Mix-Ins
Now, add the sesame seeds, sliced green onions, shredded carrots, and cucumber. Toss gently to combine, ensuring the veggies are evenly distributed throughout the noodles. These fresh additions provide crunch, color, and a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
For the ultimate Cold Sesame Noodles experience, cover the bowl and chill everything in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the noodles to fully absorb the sauce. When ready to serve, give them a final toss and garnish with extra sesame seeds, green onions, and a sprinkle of cilantro if you like.
How to Serve Cold Sesame Noodles
Garnishes
The right garnish can elevate these Cold Sesame Noodles from good to unforgettable. I love to scatter more toasted sesame seeds and extra green onions on top for crunch and color. A handful of chopped cilantro adds freshness, while a drizzle of chili oil amps up the heat if you’re feeling bold. Sliced radishes or a sprinkle of crushed peanuts are also fantastic for extra texture.
Side Dishes
Cold Sesame Noodles pair beautifully with simple sides that complement their cool, savory flavors. Try serving alongside steamed or sautéed greens like bok choy or spinach, crisp spring rolls, or a light cucumber salad. If you want to make it a heartier meal, add shredded rotisserie chicken, tofu, or edamame right into the noodles for a protein boost.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your meal memorable by serving your Cold Sesame Noodles in individual bowls, on a big platter for sharing, or even tucked into lettuce cups for a hand-held appetizer. For a picnic or lunchbox, pack them up in mason jars with the veggies layered for a pop of color. Top each serving with a wedge of lime or extra herbs for a stylish finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
These noodles are perfect for meal prep! Store any leftover Cold Sesame Noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen with time, making them even more delicious the next day. If the noodles seem a bit dry after chilling, just toss with a splash of water or a drizzle of sesame oil to loosen them up.
Freezing
Freezing isn’t ideal for this dish, as the texture of the noodles and veggies can suffer once thawed. If you do want to freeze the sauce on its own, go for it—it keeps well for up to a month in a sealed container. Just whip up fresh noodles and veggies when you’re ready to serve.
Reheating
Cold Sesame Noodles are meant to be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature, so reheating isn’t usually necessary. If you prefer them slightly warm, pop them in the microwave for just 20-30 seconds—just enough to take the chill off, but not so much that they become hot or soggy.
FAQs
Can I use a different type Main Course
Absolutely! While spaghetti and Chinese egg noodles are classics for Cold Sesame Noodles, you can swap in soba, rice noodles, or even whole wheat pasta. Just keep an eye on the cook time so they don’t get too soft.
Is there a substitute for peanut butter?
If you have a peanut allergy or simply want a different flavor, try using almond butter, sunflower seed butter, or tahini. Each brings a unique twist, but all will work beautifully in the sauce.
How can I make this gluten-free?
To make your Cold Sesame Noodles gluten-free, use gluten-free tamari in place of soy sauce and opt for gluten-free noodles like rice noodles or soba made from 100 percent buckwheat. Double-check all packaged ingredients to be sure.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced grilled tofu, steamed edamame, or even shrimp all make wonderful additions. Simply toss in your chosen protein after chilling the noodles, or serve on the side.
How spicy are Cold Sesame Noodles?
The spice level is mild as written, thanks to a small amount of red pepper flakes. If you prefer a kick, add more flakes or a spoonful of chili garlic sauce. For a milder version, omit the spice altogether.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a dish that’s as easy as it is delicious, you have to try these Cold Sesame Noodles. They’re endlessly customizable, perfect for any occasion, and guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Grab your chopsticks and dive in—your new favorite noodle bowl awaits!
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Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cold Sesame Noodles are a refreshing and flavorful Asian-inspired dish featuring tender noodles tossed in a creamy, tangy peanut sesame sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, and peanut butter with fresh ginger and garlic for a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors. Topped with crunchy vegetables and sesame seeds, it makes a perfect light lunch or dinner, especially on warm days.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 12 ounces spaghetti or Chinese egg noodles
Sauce
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
- 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Toppings
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- Chopped cilantro (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down completely.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, smooth peanut butter, honey or maple syrup, grated fresh ginger, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Toss Noodles with Sauce: Add the cooled noodles into the bowl with the prepared sauce. Toss thoroughly to coat all the noodles evenly with the creamy peanut sesame sauce.
- Add Toppings: Mix in the sesame seeds, sliced green onions, shredded carrots, and thinly sliced cucumber to the noodles, ensuring an even distribution of all ingredients.
- Chill and Serve: Place the noodles in the refrigerator and chill for at least 20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. Garnish with additional sesame seeds, green onions, and chopped cilantro if desired before serving.
Notes
- These noodles can be made a day in advance and stored covered in the refrigerator for easy meal prep.
- Add shredded cooked chicken, cubed tofu, or edamame for extra protein to make it a more substantial meal.
- Adjust the spice level by increasing or omitting the red pepper flakes based on your preference.
- Use maple syrup as a vegan alternative to honey if desired.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute regular noodles with gluten-free noodles and use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
