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Cold Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Cold Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Cold Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a quick, easy, and refreshing dish that combines tender noodles with a creamy, tangy, and spicy peanut sauce. Perfect for warm days or busy nights, this plant-based recipe is versatile, flavorful, and customizable to suit your dietary preferences, serving as a light meal or a satisfying side dish.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

  • 8 ounces thin wheat noodles or spaghetti

Spicy Peanut Sauce

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 12 teaspoons sriracha or chili garlic sauce (to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 12 tablespoons warm water (as needed to thin sauce)

Garnishes

  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • Optional: crushed peanuts, fresh cilantro, thinly sliced red chilies

Optional Variation Additions

  • Shredded carrots, cucumber ribbons, or bell peppers for veggies
  • Grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp for protein

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Begin by boiling your choice of noodles in salted water according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles completely. Set aside.
  2. Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce: In a mixing bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, sriracha, honey, and minced garlic until smooth. Adjust the thickness with a tablespoon or two of warm water if necessary to get a luscious, pourable consistency.
  3. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the cooled noodles and toss gently but thoroughly to coat each strand evenly in the glossy sauce.
  4. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the noodles with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for an even more refreshing experience.

Notes

  • Use warm water gradually to achieve a creamy, lump-free peanut sauce consistency.
  • Cook noodles just until al dente and rinse under cold water promptly to keep them firm.
  • Chilling the noodles before serving enhances the refreshing quality of the dish.
  • Toast sesame seeds fresh in a dry pan for optimal nutty flavor.
  • Adjust spice levels to your preference by varying the amount of sriracha.
  • Substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter for a nut-free alternative.
  • Use gluten-free noodles and tamari soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold sesame noodles, spicy peanut sauce, vegan noodles, gluten-free noodles, quick dinner, Asian noodles, peanut sauce noodles, plant-based