Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad (Print)

Refreshing chilled noodles tossed in a bold sesame-soy-chili dressing with crisp cucumbers and fresh herbs.

# Components:

→ Noodles

01 - 8.8 oz dried wheat noodles or soba noodles

→ Dressing

02 - 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 - 1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon chili oil
06 - 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
08 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
09 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

→ Vegetables and Toppings

10 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
11 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
12 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
13 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
14 - 0.25 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

# Directions:

01 - Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, peanut butter, sugar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
03 - Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to coat evenly.
04 - Add cucumber, spring onions, and half the sesame seeds, cilantro, and peanuts. Toss gently to combine.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds, cilantro, and peanuts. Serve immediately or chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes like you planned ahead.
  • The noodles stay slick and flavorful even after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or next day lunches.
  • You can dial the heat up or down and it still feels like a complete meal.
02 -
  • Rinse the noodles under cold water longer than you think you need to, lukewarm noodles will make the dressing slide off instead of cling.
  • Taste the dressing before adding the noodles because once everything is mixed it's harder to adjust the balance of heat, salt, and sweetness.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute before adding them, it deepens their flavor and makes them even crunchier.
  • If the dressing feels too thick, whisk in a tablespoon of warm water to loosen it without diluting the flavor.
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