Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad (Print Version)

Chilled noodles tossed in bold sesame-soy-chili dressing with crisp cucumbers and fresh herbs. Light, refreshing, and ready in 25 minutes.

# 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, optional
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, optional

# Steps:

01 - Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, peanut butter if using, sugar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
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 if using. 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 Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than most takeout orders and tastes better too.
  • The dressing clings to every strand without feeling heavy or greasy.
  • You can eat it straight from the fridge the next day and it still tastes alive.
02 -
  • Rinse the noodles well after cooking or they'll clump together in a sad, sticky mass.
  • Make the dressing first so the flavors have a minute to marry while the noodles cool.
  • If you're meal prepping, keep the dressing separate and toss everything together just before eating.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute before adding them, it wakes up their flavor.
  • Use a vegetable peeler to make cucumber ribbons instead of slicing them, it looks elegant and tastes just as good.
  • If the dressing feels too thick, loosen it with a teaspoon of water or extra rice vinegar.
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