Print

Cold Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Cold Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce

Cold Sesame Noodles with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a quick and vibrant dish combining tender noodles tossed in a creamy, nutty, and mildly spicy peanut sauce. Perfect for a refreshing lunch, easy dinner, or crowd-pleasing picnic dish, this recipe balances bold flavors with fresh vegetables and healthy fats for a nourishing, flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

  • 8 oz thin Chinese egg noodles or spaghetti

Spicy Peanut Sauce

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
  • 12 tbsp chili sauce or sriracha (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 23 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce as needed)

Vegetables and Garnishes

  • 3 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook noodles according to package directions until just al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles for serving.
  2. Prepare the Spicy Peanut Sauce: In a bowl, whisk together peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili sauce, and honey until smooth and creamy. Add warm water a little at a time to thin the sauce to desired consistency.
  3. Toss the Noodles and Vegetables: Place cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl. Add sliced green onions, shredded carrots, and toasted sesame seeds. Pour the spicy peanut sauce over the noodles and toss gently but thoroughly to coat evenly.
  4. Chill and Serve: Let the noodles rest in the refrigerator for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Serve cold or at room temperature, garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds if desired.

Notes

  • Use fresh garlic, ginger, and vegetables to maximize flavor and texture.
  • Adjust chili sauce quantity to control heat level according to preference.
  • Rinse noodles well under cold water to prevent clumping and chill properly.
  • Customize texture by adding crushed peanuts or sliced cucumbers for extra crunch.
  • The peanut sauce can be prepared a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator for convenience.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold sesame noodles, spicy peanut sauce, peanut noodles, Asian noodle salad, easy dinner, vegetarian, quick meal, picnic recipe