On the most hectic days of our hectic lives, it’s best to go simple. For these sesame noodles, you can use any noodle in a pinch, and the nutty dressing comes together in under 10 minutes. You’ll spend more time slicing some refreshing cucumbers than you will actually cooking. The only step that requires heating is boiling your noodles—the rest is just tossing everything together in a large bowl and slurping to your heart’s content.
For best results, I love using dried wheat noodles—often labeled “oriental noodles” and found in the dry goods shelves of your local Asian stores—because they tend to cling to the silky sauce perfectly. Reserve a cup of your noodle cooking water for your sauce as the starches in that water will be key in creating a smooth, slightly tacky dressing for your noodles. If you can’t find Chinese sesame paste, you can substitute tahini—just note that the flavor will be a little less toasty and slightly more floral.
Ingredients
For The Noodles
- 8 oz.dried wheat noodles
- 3 tbsp.Chinese sesame paste
- 2 tbsp.peanut butter
- 3 tbsp.reserved noodle water
- 1clove garlic, grated
- 1/2 tsp.freshly grated ginger
- 1 tbsp.honey, brown sugar, or granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp.low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 tbsp.rice wine vinegar
- 2 tsp.Chinese black vinegar
- 1/2 tsp.toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp.kosher salt
- 1/4 tsp.MSG (optional)
- 1/2 tsp.freshly ground black pepper (optional)
- 1/8 tsp.five spice powder (optional)
- 1/8 tsp.ground Szechuan peppercorns
- Pinch freshly grated nutmeg
For The Toppings
- Thinly slivered cucumbers
- Crushed roasted peanuts
- Toasted sesame seeds
- Chili oil
- Thinly sliced green onions
Directions
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- Step 1
In a medium pot of boiling water, cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 3 minutes. Reserve at least ¼ cup cooking water, then drain and briefly rinse noodles in cold water.
- Step 2In a medium bowl, combine sesame paste and peanut butter. Gradually whisk in 3 tablespoons cooking water until smooth.
- Step 3 Add all remaining sauce ingredients and whisk until well combined and mixture is silky.
- Step 4Place cooked noodles on a plate, then top with cucumbers. Drizzle prepared sauce all over on top. Before serving, garnish with chili oil, sesame, peanuts, and green onions.
- Step 1
