There’s something extraordinary about cold sesame noodles that makes them the ultimate comfort food. Imagine silky, slurp-worthy noodles coated in a rich, nutty sauce that dances on your taste buds with every bite. As you sink your teeth into this dish, the delightful crunch of fresh vegetables adds a satisfying contrast, while the sesame oil wafts through the air like an aromatic hug from the kitchen. For more inspiration, check out this lunch recipes recipe.
I still remember the first time I made cold sesame noodles for a summer barbecue. My friends were skeptically eyeing my creation, but after one taste, they couldn’t get enough! It quickly became a potluck staple and an invitation to my culinary adventures. Perfect for hot days or as a side dish at gatherings, these noodles will have everyone asking for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Cold sesame noodles are easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners
- The flavor profile is rich and savory, yet refreshing for warm weather
- Visually appealing with colorful veggies, they make any table pop
- Versatile enough to serve as a main dish or side, they’re adaptable to various tastes and preferences
I served these cold sesame noodles at a picnic once, and you would think I had handed out gold bars—the compliments flowed like sweet tea on a summer day!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Egg Noodles: Regular or whole wheat works well; choose your favorite type for a personal touch.
Sesame Oil: Opt for toasted sesame oil for that deep, nutty flavor that makes all the difference.
Tahini: This creamy paste adds richness and depth; look for it in jars at your local grocery store.
Soy Sauce: Low-sodium soy sauce lets you control saltiness while still packing flavor.
Rice Vinegar: Gives a tangy kick; use unseasoned for more control over flavors.
For the Garnish:
Green Onions: Thinly sliced; their mild onion flavor brightens up the dish beautifully.
Cucumber: Julienne or thinly slice for crunch; freshness is key!
Sesame Seeds: Toasted seeds add both texture and visual appeal; sprinkle generously!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Cold Sesame Noodles
Start by cooking your noodles: Bring water to a boil in a large pot. Add egg noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain them and rinse under cold water until completely chilled.
Prepare the sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until smooth. The mixture should be thick yet pourable—add water if necessary.
Combine noodles and sauce: Transfer drained noodles to the bowl with your sauce. Toss gently until all strands are coated evenly with that creamy goodness.
Add toppings: Stir in shredded carrots and cucumber slices into the noodle mix. Top with sliced green onions and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds for that final crunch!
Serve chilled: Refrigerate everything for at least 30 minutes before serving; this helps all those scrumptious flavors meld together beautifully.
Enjoy your creation: Gather your friends around or indulge solo—you deserve it! Serve these cold sesame noodles as a delightful main course or share them at your next gathering.
You Must Know
- Cold sesame noodles are a delightful dish that balances nutty flavors and a hint of spice
- Perfect for hot days, they transport you straight to the streets of Asia
- The creamy texture from the sesame paste makes every bite simply irresistible
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Cook the noodles first while preparing the sauce, then combine for maximum flavor and efficiency.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap peanut butter for sesame paste or add veggies like cucumber and carrots for crunch.
Storing & Reheating
Store cold sesame noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. No reheating needed!
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfect cold sesame noodles, ensure your noodles are well-drained and cooled before mixing
- Adjust seasoning according to taste, as everyone’s palate is different
- And don’t forget, a sprinkle of sesame seeds adds both crunch and visual appeal!
There was that one summer picnic where I proudly brought my cold sesame noodles. Everyone loved them, but my cousin claimed he could eat an entire bowl alone! His enthusiasm made my day and inspired me to make this dish even more often.
FAQ
What can I add to enhance cold sesame noodles?
Consider adding shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein and texture.
Can I make cold sesame noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely! They taste even better when made a day in advance.
How long can I store cold sesame noodles?
You can keep them in the fridge for about three days without losing flavor.
Delicious Cold Sesame Noodles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Indulge in the refreshing flavors of cold sesame noodles, a delightful dish that combines silky egg noodles with a rich, nutty sauce. Perfect for warm weather gatherings or as a quick weeknight meal, this recipe features vibrant vegetables and aromatic sesame oil. With its creamy texture and satisfying crunch, this dish is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Ingredients
- 8 oz egg noodles
- 4 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup tahini
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 cup shredded carrots
- 1/2 cup cucumber (julienned)
- 2 green onions (sliced)
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until chilled.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar until smooth. Add water if needed to achieve a pourable consistency.
- Toss the cooled noodles in the sauce until evenly coated.
- Fold in shredded carrots and cucumber slices. Top with sliced green onions and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to blend 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: 500mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 36g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
