Cold Sesame Noodles

Name: Cold Sesame Noodles
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Ingredients: 1 pound noodles (frozen or (preferably) fresh); 2 tablespoons sesame oil (plus a splash); 3½ tablespoons soy sauce; 2 tablespoons Chinese rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons Chinese sesame paste; 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter; 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon finely grated ginger; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 2 teaspoons chile-garlic paste (chile crisp or chile oil, or to taste); 1 Half cucumber (peeled, seeded and cut into ⅛-inch by ⅛-inch by 2-inch sticks); ¼ cup chopp

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Cold Sesame Noodles, Chinese sesame noodles, Takeout sesame noodles, Chinese cold noodles, Cold noodle recipe, Sesame sauce noodles

Cold sesame noodles are a chinese-American classic and this easy recipe tastes just like the takeout version. Perfectly cooked noodles tossed in a tangy, savory, creamy peanut and sesame sauce topped with your favorite fresh vegetables or meat. This recipe will have your taste buds dancing with flavor. Perfect for sharing at potlucks, picnics, and parties.

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Why You Will Love This Recipe

Simple to prep this recipe is ready in a few steps and very little cooking.
Incredibly versatile, there is no end to the toppings and meat that can add a delicious twist to this recipe.
The flavors improve with time making great leftovers or a perfect picnic snack, no heat needed!
These Chinese sesame noodles taste just like the takeout restaurant classic.

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What are Cold Sesame Noodles

Cold sesame noodles are a classic Chinese takeout dish. A merriment of the east meets the west, this dish has been served at restaurants all over the world for over 40 years. The noodles are served with a tangy, salty chinese dressing and chilled. Before serving you and your guests can top the noodles with crunchy fresh vegetables or grilled meat for a satisfying meal.

The dressing on these noodles has loads of salty sesame flavor and the perfect hint of peanuts from the peanut butter. While technically you could eat these warm, after the noodles are chilled they take on the perfect texture and flavor, you gotta try it!

Full of healthy ingredients like cold pressed sesame oil and fresh veggies, this recipe will be a crowd-pleaser all your guests will love.

Recipe Variations

There are multiple different ingredients and toppings that can be added to this recipe. Cold sesame noodles are excellent for a picnics or entertaining. By providing a variety of toppings everyone can dress their own like a fun little buffet.

Try offering these toppings for cold sesame noodles:

Bean sprouts
Cilantro
Peppers
Cabbage
Hot chiles
Roasted duck
Pork
Shrimp
Chicken
Tofu
Scallions
Soy sauce
Cherry tomatoes
Snow peas

What to Serve with Cold Sesame Noodles

These noodles are full of sesame flavor thanks both to the sesame paste and sesame oil. This pairs them well with many classic Asian dishes and can be served as a part of a larger meal.

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Tips for making Takeout Style Sesame Noodles

Don’t overcook the noodles – you want them to be just tender and still have some chew to them. This will help them hold up in the fridge while they cool.
Either smooth or crunchy peanut butter can be used in this recipe and it truly gives it a unique nutty flavor.
For a less spicy version of this recipe use less of the chili paste.
If you can’t find sesame paste you can make your own or use Middle Eastern tahini.
You can make this recipe gluten-free by swapping out the noodles for your favorite gluten-free noodles.

Make Ahead and Storing Leftovers

If you plan to make this recipe ahead of time, toss the noodles with sesame oil and then keep the sauce separate. Dress the noodles right before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Leftovers can be stored sealed in the fridge for up to 5 days, the flavors improve with time, this recipe tastes great the next day!

Try my Garlic Butter Steak with Zucchini Noodles!

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