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Cold Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Cold Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Cold Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a quick and flavorful dish featuring tender noodles coated in a creamy, spicy peanut sauce infused with sesame. This refreshing and versatile recipe is perfect as a main, side, or potluck favorite, customizable for vegan, gluten-free, or protein-packed variations. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines bold, balanced flavors with fresh toppings and a nutty aroma for a satisfying meal any time of year.

Ingredients

Noodles

  • Thin wheat noodles or rice noodles – 8 ounces

Spicy Peanut Sauce

  • Peanut butter (creamy or crunchy) – 1/2 cup
  • Soy sauce – 3 tablespoons
  • Sesame oil – 1 tablespoon
  • Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon
  • Honey or maple syrup – 1 tablespoon
  • Fresh garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
  • Fresh ginger (grated) – 1 teaspoon
  • Chili paste or sriracha – 1 to 2 teaspoons (adjust to taste)
  • Warm water – 2 to 3 tablespoons (to adjust sauce consistency)

Toppings & Garnishes

  • Green onions (thinly sliced) – 2 stalks
  • Toasted sesame seeds – 1 tablespoon
  • Optional: chopped cilantro, crushed peanuts, extra chili flakes, julienned cucumbers, shredded carrots, bell peppers

Optional Protein Additions

  • Grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu – as desired

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your choice of noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt cooking and cool the noodles.
  2. Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili paste until smooth and creamy. Add warm water a little at a time if the sauce is too thick to reach desired consistency.
  3. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the cooled noodles. Gently toss to coat every strand evenly. Allow the noodles to sit for a few minutes to absorb the flavors while preparing the garnishes.
  4. Add Toppings and Garnish: Sprinkle sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and visual appeal. Add extra chili flakes if you prefer more heat.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the noodles for at least 20 minutes before serving to deepen the flavors and keep the dish refreshingly cold. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Don’t overcook the noodles; slightly undercook to keep them firm and prevent clumping when chilled.
  • Adjust the spice gradually by adding chili paste little by little and tasting as you go.
  • Use fresh garlic and ginger for a brighter and more complex sauce flavor.
  • Lightly toast sesame seeds before garnishing for extra flavor.
  • Prepare the noodles and sauce separately in advance, then toss together just before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold sesame noodles, spicy peanut sauce, peanut noodles, Asian noodles, gluten free, vegan option, quick noodle recipe, peanut sauce noodles