cold sesame noodle bowl (Printer-friendly)

Chilled sesame noodles tossed with cucumber, carrots, and herbs. Fresh flavors ideal for warm days.

# What You'll Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 10 oz thin wheat noodles or soba noodles
02 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

→ Sesame Sauce

03 - 3 tablespoons tahini or smooth peanut butter
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
05 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
07 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
08 - 1 clove garlic, finely grated
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
10 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water, as needed

→ Vegetables and Toppings

11 - 1 large cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
12 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
13 - 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
14 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
15 - 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
17 - Lime wedges, for serving

# How-To Steps:

01 - Prepare noodles in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions. Drain thoroughly, transfer to a colander, and rinse under cold running water until noodles are fully chilled. Toss with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini or peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, grated garlic, and ginger. Gradually add water until the sauce achieves a smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - Divide cold noodles among four serving bowls. Generously drizzle each portion with sesame sauce.
04 - Arrange cucumber, carrots, and spring onions atop the noodles. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and sliced chili, if desired.
05 - Accompany with lime wedges for squeezing over each serving as preferred.

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • It&s the kind of meal that feels fancy but needs barely any cooking—my secret for effortless summer lunches.
  • The creamy sesame sauce wraps every noodle in bold flavor, and the fresh veggies keep things crisp and vibrant.
02 -
  • If you skip rinsing the noodles really well, they clump together and lose all their refreshing appeal.
  • Once I started adding lime wedges to the side, the whole dish tasted brighter and more balanced.
03 -
  • Don&t rush the chilling step; noodles stay separate and cool with thorough rinsing.
  • Toasted sesame oil at the end gives incredible fragrance but add sparingly.
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