Name: Cold Sesame Noodles: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy Them
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 12 ounces spaghettini (or thin long pasta); ½ cup creamy peanut butter; ¼ cup soy sauce; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 4 teaspoons sesame oil; 4 teaspoons honey; 2 teaspoons sriracha (or to taste); 2 cloves garlic (minced); 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger; 6 tablespoons warm water (more if needed); 2 green onions (for serving); Toppings as desired (e.g., toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, shredded carrots, cucumber slices)

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Cold Sesame Noodles are a flavorful and refreshing dish featuring tender spaghettini tossed in a creamy, savory peanut and sesame sauce. This easy-to-make recipe blends peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and warm spices for an irresistible Asian-inspired noodle salad that’s perfect as a light lunch or side dish. The combination of flavors and textures makes it a delight on any table, especially during warm months.

Why You’ll Love This Cold Sesame Noodles

This dish is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly versatile. Here are a few reasons to love it:

Quick and easy to prepare, making it the perfect weeknight dinner.
Served cold, it’s a refreshing option for hot summer days.
Can be customized to include your favorite vegetables.
Works well as a main dish or a side, perfect for gatherings.
Suitable for various diets; can be made vegan or with chicken.
Delivers a delightful mix of flavors and textures in every bite.

With these benefits, it’s no wonder that Cold Sesame Noodles are a go-to recipe for many, especially for those seeking a delicious cold noodle salad with sesame.

Ingredients for Cold Sesame Noodles

Gather these items:

12 ounces spaghettini (or thin long pasta)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 teaspoons sesame oil
4 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons sriracha (or to taste)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
6 tablespoons warm water (more if needed)
2 green onions (for serving)
Toppings as desired (e.g., toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, shredded carrots, cucumber slices)

How to Make Cold Sesame Noodles Step-by-Step

Step 1: Boil the spaghettini according to the package instructions until tender but still firm. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside in a colander.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and fully combined.
Step 3: Gradually add warm water a tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously, until the dressing becomes smooth and pourable, perfect for coating the noodles evenly.
Step 4: Place the chilled noodles in a large bowl and pour the sesame dressing over them. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is well coated with the creamy sauce.
Step 5: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the noodles to soak up the flavors for a richer taste.
Step 6: Just before serving, gently stir in the sliced green onions. Garnish with your choice of toppings such as toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or fresh vegetables for extra texture and flavor. Serve cold and enjoy!

Pro Tips for the Best Cold Sesame Noodles

Keep these in mind:

For a smoother sauce, ensure your peanut butter is warm before whisking.
Adjust the sriracha according to your heat preference for the perfect balance.
Consider adding proteins like grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier meal.

Best Ways to Serve Cold Sesame Noodles

Here are a few serving ideas:

Pair with grilled chicken or shrimp for a filling meal.
Serve as a side dish alongside Asian-inspired mains.
Top with fresh vegetables like bell peppers or edamame for added crunch.

How to Store and Reheat Cold Sesame Noodles

Leftover Cold Sesame Noodles can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply add a splash of water and microwave briefly until warmed through. This makes it an excellent choice for meal prep and easy lunches.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cold Sesame Noodles

What’s the secret to perfect Cold Sesame Noodles?

The key lies in the sauce! Ensure all ingredients are mixed thoroughly for a creamy consistency, and don’t skip the resting time to let flavors meld.

Can I make Cold Sesame Noodles ahead of time?

Absolutely! Prepare your noodles and sauce ahead of time and combine them just before serving for the best flavor and texture.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Cold Sesame Noodles?

To avoid clumpy noodles, rinse with cold water after boiling and ensure the sauce is smooth before mixing. Adjust dressing to your taste for optimal flavor.

Variations of Cold Sesame Noodles You Can Try

Here are some delicious variations:

Add roasted vegetables for a hearty twist.
Try a vegan version by substituting maple syrup for honey.
Incorporate proteins like chicken or tofu for a more filling dish.
Experiment with different noodles, such as soba or rice noodles, for unique textures.

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Incredible homemade Cold Sesame Noodles ready in minutes

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For a deeper understanding of the health benefits of sesame, you can read more on Healthline.

To explore more about the versatility of noodles, check out this Serious Eats article.

Cold Sesame Noodles: 5 Irresistible Ways to Enjoy Them

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Cold Sesame Noodles are a flavorful and refreshing dish featuring tender spaghettini tossed in a creamy, savory peanut and sesame sauce. This easy-to-make recipe blends peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and warm spices for an irresistible Asian-inspired noodle salad that’s perfect as a light lunch or side dish.

Author: Olivia
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: Asian
Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces spaghettini (or thin long pasta)
½ cup creamy peanut butter
¼ cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
4 teaspoons sesame oil
4 teaspoons honey
2 teaspoons sriracha (or to taste)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
6 tablespoons warm water (more if needed)
2 green onions (for serving)
Toppings as desired (e.g., toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, shredded carrots, cucumber slices)

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Instructions

Boil the spaghettini according to the package instructions until tender but still firm. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set the noodles aside in a colander.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger until smooth and fully combined.
Gradually add warm water a tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously, until the dressing becomes smooth and pourable, perfect for coating the noodles evenly.
Place the chilled noodles in a large bowl and pour the sesame dressing over them. Toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is well coated with the creamy sauce.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the noodles to soak up the flavors for a richer taste.
Just before serving, gently stir in the sliced green onions. Garnish with your choice of toppings such as toasted sesame seeds, crushed peanuts, or fresh vegetables for extra texture and flavor. Serve cold and enjoy!