When you think of summer, does your mind drift to the delightful crunch of cold sesame noodles? Picture this: silky, chewy noodles coated in a luscious sesame sauce that’s so good it should have its own fan club. sweet mini berry dutch babies Each bite bursts with rich flavors and a hint of nuttiness, making it the ultimate dish for hot days or casual gatherings. And the best part? You don’t need to be a culinary wizard to whip up this masterpiece.
Cold sesame noodles are like a comforting hug on a plate. They’re perfect for picnics, potlucks, or even just a cozy night at home when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. comforting chicken parmesan casserole Trust me, once you try these, you’ll find yourself dreaming of them long after your last slurp.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, taking less than 30 minutes from start to finish
- The flavor profile combines salty, nutty, and slightly sweet elements that dance on your taste buds
- Visually appealing with vibrant vegetables and rich sauce, it looks as good as it tastes
- Versatile enough for lunch, dinner, or even a midnight snack—seriously!
There was that one summer barbecue where I served these cold sesame noodles. My friends were skeptical at first until they took a bite and their eyes lit up like Christmas morning. It was like I’d discovered the secret to happiness in noodle form! For more inspiration, check out this savory Mongolian noodles recipe.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Lo Mein Noodles: These are my go-to choice for their chewiness; feel free to substitute with spaghetti if you’re in a pinch.
- Sesame Oil: Opt for toasted sesame oil for that deep, nutty flavor that makes your taste buds sing.
- Peanut Butter: Use creamy peanut butter for smooth blending; chunky can add an unexpected twist if you’re feeling adventurous.
- Soy Sauce: Choose low-sodium soy sauce; it helps manage salt levels without sacrificing flavor.
- Rice Vinegar: Adds tanginess that brightens the sauce; don’t skip this key ingredient!
- Fresh Ginger: Grate fresh ginger for an aromatic kick; powdered ginger just won’t cut it here.
- Garlic Cloves: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor; avoid pre-packaged versions if possible.
- Sliced Green Onions: These provide a refreshing crunch and pop of color to your dish. refreshing cucumber salad. You might also enjoy this cucumber salad delight recipe.
- Cucumber Strips: Add these for crispness and freshness—perfect contrast against the creamy noodles.
- Sesame Seeds: Toasted sesame seeds enhance texture and add extra nuttiness; sprinkle generously before serving.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Cook the Noodles: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once boiling, add lo mein noodles and cook according to package instructions until tender yet slightly firm.
Create the Sauce: While the noodles cook, whisk together sesame oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until smooth and creamy.
Drain and Rinse: Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking. This also helps them stay separate and prevents stickiness.
Toss Everything Together: In a large mixing bowl, combine cooled noodles with the prepared sauce. Toss everything gently until each noodle is thoroughly coated in that heavenly mixture.
Add Fresh Veggies: Fold in cucumber strips and sliced green onions gently into the noodle mixture; this adds color and crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy sauce.
Serve with Garnish: Finally, plate your cold sesame noodles elegantly and top with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Enjoy every delightful bite!
Now that you’ve mastered cold sesame noodles like a pro chef (or at least someone who plays one on TV), it’s time to dig in! Remember to share them—if you can resist eating them all yourself!
You Must Know
- Cold sesame noodles are a delightful dish that combines chewy noodles with a rich sesame sauce
- This recipe is perfect for meal prep and can be customized to your liking
- The combination of flavors and textures makes it an instant favorite at any gathering
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by boiling the noodles until they’re al dente. While they cook, whisk together the sesame sauce ingredients. This way, everything is ready at once, and you avoid overcooking the noodles.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out regular noodles for whole wheat or gluten-free options. You can also add veggies like julienned carrots or cucumbers for extra crunch and color.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover cold sesame noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. If reheating, add a splash of water and warm gently to prevent them from drying out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly cooked noodles, follow package instructions closely and taste test before draining
- Use high-quality sesame oil for maximum flavor impact
- Adding fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions can brighten the dish beautifully
The first time I made cold sesame noodles, my friends devoured them and begged for the recipe! It was such a joy to share something so simple yet satisfying.
FAQ
Can I make cold sesame noodles ahead of time?
Absolutely! They taste even better after a few hours in the fridge as flavors meld.
What type of noodles should I use for cold sesame noodles?
Any Asian-style noodle works well; try ramen, soba, or rice noodles for variety. savory Asian ground beef noodles.
How do I make cold sesame noodles spicier?
Add chili oil or crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce for a flavorful kick!

Cold Sesame Noodles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Cold sesame noodles are the ideal summer dish, combining chewy noodles with a rich and creamy sesame sauce. This quick and easy recipe takes less than 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. Each bite is bursting with flavor, featuring salty, nutty, and slightly sweet notes that will leave you craving more. Plus, it’s versatile enough for lunch or a midnight snack.
Ingredients
- 8 oz lo mein noodles
- 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 cup cucumber strips
- 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
- Boil water in a large pot. Add lo mein noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- In a bowl, whisk together sesame oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic until smooth.
- Drain cooked noodles and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
- In a large bowl, toss cooled noodles with the sesame sauce until well-coated.
- Gently fold in cucumber strips and sliced green onions for added crunch.
- Serve garnished with toasted sesame seeds.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (220g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: Substitute lo mein with spaghetti if needed. For added crunch and color, incorporate julienned carrots or bell peppers. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days; add a splash of water when reheating.