If you’re on the lookout for a dish that’s bursting with bold, nutty flavors and refreshingly cool in every bite, then this Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe is about to become your new favorite. With the perfect balance of creamy peanut butter, zesty ginger, and a hint of sriracha heat, these noodles are as simple to whip up as they are satisfying. Whether you need an easy weeknight dinner, a vibrant lunch, or a crowd-pleasing side, this recipe delivers on taste and texture without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making the flavors shine in this Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe. Each item here is straightforward but plays an important role in creating that luscious, savory-sweet sauce and perfectly tender noodles.
- 12 ounces spaghettini: Thin noodles hold the sauce beautifully and cool down quickly for that refreshing bite.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Adds rich, nutty creaminess that’s the heart of the dish.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings salty umami depth and balances sweetness.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Offers a bright tang that lifts the overall flavor.
- 4 teaspoons sesame oil: Infuses a toasty aroma and distinct sesame essence.
- 4 teaspoons honey: Provides gentle sweetness to balance heat and acidity.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha: Delivers that subtle spicy kick – adjust to your heat preference.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic amps up the savory notes and aroma.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Adds a sharp, zesty brightness for complexity.
- 6 tablespoons warm water: Used to thin the sauce to a silky pourable consistency.
- 2 green onions: For a crisp, oniony contrast and vibrant color when serving.
How to Make Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook and Cool the Noodles
Start by cooking the spaghettini according to the package instructions until tender. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and rinse under cold water. This cooling step stops the cooking process and helps give the noodles that irresistible chilled texture essential for this Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe.
Step 2: Whisk Together the Sauce
While the noodles are cooking, combine the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated ginger in a medium bowl. Whisk everything until you get a smooth, thick sauce that’s ready to coat every strand of noodles with flavor.
Step 3: Adjust the Dressing Consistency
Slowly add the warm water, a tablespoon at a time, whisking continuously until the dressing becomes pourable but still creamy. This ensures the sauce clings to the noodles perfectly without being overly runny—a crucial step in nailing this Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe.
Step 4: Combine Noodles and Sauce
Toss the chilled noodles with the sesame dressing until every noodle is generously coated. This ensures each bite is bursting with the rich, balanced flavors that make this dish so addictive.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Marry
Cover the coated noodles and pop them into the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This resting time lets all those bold flavors blend and deepen, elevating the dish from great to unforgettable.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Just before serving, stir in the chopped green onions for a fresh crunch and garnish as desired. This final touch brings brightness and color, inviting you to dig in.
How to Serve Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can get playful—think sesame seeds for nuttiness and crunch, shredded carrots or cucumber ribbons for freshness, chopped peanuts for extra texture, or even a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for an herbal lift. These extras not only add flavor and texture but also make the dish visually stunning.
Side Dishes
Cold Sesame Noodles pair wonderfully with light, refreshing sides like steamed or roasted vegetables, crunchy Asian slaw, or even grilled chicken or tofu for a complete meal. They also work beautifully alongside dumplings or spring rolls for a fun and satisfying spread.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the noodles in individual lettuce cups or mason jars layered with toppings for a chic picnic or party appetizer. You can also turn this recipe into a noodle salad by adding fresh herbs and crunchy veggies right into the mix for a bold, vibrant presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Cold Sesame Noodles keep beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store them in an airtight container to preserve the fresh flavors and prevent the noodles from drying out or absorbing other fridge odors.
Freezing
This dish is best enjoyed fresh and chilled, so freezing is not recommended as it can compromise the texture of the noodles and the creamy sauce. Instead, plan to make just enough to avoid waste and enjoy maximum flavor.
Reheating
Since Cold Sesame Noodles are meant to be eaten chilled, reheating is generally unnecessary. If you prefer a warmer dish, you can let the noodles sit at room temperature for a bit or gently warm them in a microwave, but keep in mind that the unique cold texture and refreshing quality may be lost.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghettini is ideal for its thinness and texture, you can substitute with other noodle types like soba, rice noodles, or even angel hair pasta—the key is choosing noodles that will hold the sauce well and chill nicely.
How spicy is this Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe?
The heat level mainly comes from the sriracha, so you can easily adjust it to your taste. If you prefer milder dishes, reduce or omit the sriracha, or add a pinch if you want a bit more kick.
Is the peanut butter flavor very strong?
The peanut butter adds creaminess and nuttiness but isn’t overwhelming, especially when balanced with vinegar, soy sauce, and aromatics. Using creamy peanut butter helps the sauce stay smooth and coat the noodles evenly.
Can this recipe be made vegan?
Yes! Simply use a vegan-friendly honey substitute like maple syrup or agave nectar, and double-check that your soy sauce is vegan. The rest of the ingredients are naturally plant-based and delicious.
What toppings work best for extra crunch?
Chopped roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, sliced water chestnuts, or toasted sunflower seeds all add fantastic texture and a satisfying crunch that elevate the dish even more.
Final Thoughts
This Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe is truly one of those dishes that hits all the right notes—effortless to make yet bursting with complex flavors that feel both comforting and exciting. It’s a perfect way to bring a little international flair to your table anytime you want something cool, creamy, and crave-worthy. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and discover how quickly it becomes a beloved staple in your kitchen!
Print
Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cold Sesame Noodles are a refreshing and flavorful dish featuring tender spaghettini tossed in a creamy, savory peanut sauce with a hint of spice. This easy-to-make recipe combines the nutty richness of peanut butter with soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sriracha to create a perfect balance of flavors. Chilled and topped with fresh green onions and optional garnishes, this dish is ideal for a light lunch or dinner, especially on warm days.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 12 ounces spaghettini (or thin long pasta)
Sesame Dressing
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 teaspoons sesame oil
- 4 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (or to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 6 tablespoons warm water (more if needed)
Garnish
- 2 green onions (sliced, for serving)
- Toppings as desired (such as sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, shredded carrots, or cilantro)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Cook the spaghettini according to the package directions until tender. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside to cool completely.
- Prepare Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Adjust Consistency: Gradually add warm water to the dressing, stirring continuously, until it reaches a pourable and smooth consistency suitable for coating the noodles evenly.
- Toss Noodles with Dressing: Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the sesame dressing and toss thoroughly to ensure every strand is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Chill Noodles: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the noodles to chill properly.
- Serve: Just before serving, stir the sliced green onions into the noodles. Garnish with your choice of additional toppings such as sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, shredded carrots, or fresh cilantro to enhance texture and flavor.
Notes
- For extra crunch and flavor, top the noodles with toasted sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or crunchy vegetables like shredded carrots or cucumber.
- Adjust the spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha according to your taste preference.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari if you need a gluten-free version.
- These noodles can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator, making them great for meal prep or potlucks.
