Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad (Printable Version)

Refreshing chilled noodles with bold sesame-soy-chili dressing, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs. Quick, easy, and perfectly balanced.

# What You Need:

→ 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

# How To Make It:

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 and well combined.
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 Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than ordering takeout and tastes just as bold.
  • The dressing clings to every noodle without feeling heavy or greasy.
  • You can adjust the heat and richness to match your mood or who you are feeding.
  • It works as a side, a main, or something to pack for lunch the next day.
02 -
  • Rinsing the noodles thoroughly under cold water is not optional, warm noodles will wilt the cucumbers and turn the dressing oily.
  • The dressing thickens as it sits, so if you make this ahead, loosen it with a splash of water or extra rice vinegar before serving.
  • Taste the dressing before adding the noodles, it should be a little more intense than you think because the noodles will dilute it.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat for two minutes, it makes them fragrant and deepens the flavor of the whole dish.
  • If you don't have chili oil, mix a neutral oil with a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes and let it sit for a few minutes before adding it to the dressing.
  • Use a vegetable peeler to shave the cucumber into thin ribbons instead of julienning it, the texture is just as good and it takes half the time.
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