Name: Cold Sesame Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Chinese
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

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Cold Sesame Noodles are the perfect dish for warmer days, combining chewy noodles with a rich, creamy sesame sauce that’s both savory and slightly sweet. This easy and quick recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for summer picnics, potlucks, or a cozy dinner at home. Each bite offers a delightful mix of salty, nutty, and tangy flavors that will keep you coming back for more. It’s also versatile enough to enjoy as a satisfying lunch or a midnight snack.

Cold Sesame Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy days when you need something fast and delicious.
Flavor-packed: The sesame oil, peanut butter, and soy sauce create a rich, creamy sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and nutty flavors.
Versatile: Serve it as a main dish or a side, and feel free to customize with additional veggies like carrots or bell peppers for extra color and crunch.
Make ahead: This dish stores well in the fridge, making it a great option for meal prep or leftovers.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

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

directions

1. Cook the Noodles

Boil water in a large pot and add lo mein noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente.

2. Prepare the Sesame Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the sesame oil, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic until smooth and well combined.

3. Drain and Cool the Noodles

Drain the cooked noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.

4. Toss the Noodles in the Sauce

In a large bowl, toss the cooled noodles with the sesame sauce until they’re well coated.

5. Add Vegetables

Gently fold in the cucumber strips and sliced green onions for added freshness and crunch.

6. Garnish and Serve

Serve the noodles garnished with toasted sesame seeds for an extra touch of flavor and texture.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Substitute noodles: If you don’t have lo mein noodles, you can substitute with spaghetti or any other noodle of your choice.
Add more crunch: For extra texture, add julienned carrots, bell peppers, or even a handful of chopped peanuts.
Spicy kick: If you like spice, add a dash of chili oil or red pepper flakes to the sauce for some heat.

storage/reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water to loosen the sauce, and heat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as long as you use a plant-based soy sauce and ensure the peanut butter is dairy-free.

Can I use a different type of noodle?

Absolutely! If you can’t find lo mein noodles, you can easily substitute with spaghetti, soba noodles, or rice noodles.

How do I make the noodles less sticky?

After draining the noodles, rinse them under cold water thoroughly to remove excess starch. Toss them in a little sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.

Can I add protein to this dish?

Yes! Tofu, grilled chicken, or shrimp would make great additions to this dish for extra protein.

Can I serve these noodles warm?

While this recipe is meant to be served cold, you can also serve it warm if preferred. Just toss the noodles with the sesame sauce while they’re still warm, and enjoy.

Conclusion

These Cold Sesame Noodles are a refreshing, flavorful, and incredibly easy dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner, a crowd-pleasing potluck dish, or a simple lunch, this recipe checks all the boxes. The combination of sesame oil, peanut butter, and soy sauce creates an irresistible creamy sauce, while the crunchy veggies add texture and freshness. Best of all, it comes together in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal dish for busy days!

Chef Sophia

Cold Sesame Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

ingredients