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Fresh Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe Easy Light Creamy Summer Dish

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A quick, light, and creamy cold sesame noodle dish perfect for hot summer days, featuring a tangy sesame sauce and crunchy cucumber.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) dried Chinese wheat noodles or spaghetti (egg noodles preferred)
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 3 tablespoons tahini or smooth sesame paste
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 2–3 tablespoons warm water
  • Red pepper flakes or a dash of chili oil (optional)
  • Chopped scallions (optional garnish)
  • Toasted sesame seeds (optional garnish)
  • Crushed peanuts or cashews (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the noodles in a colander, then rinse under cold running water to stop cooking and cool them down. Shake off excess water.
  3. While noodles cook, julienne or thinly slice 1 medium cucumber. Optionally, lightly salt the cucumber slices and let sit for 5 minutes, then pat dry to avoid sogginess.
  4. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger if using. Whisk until smooth.
  5. Add warm water 1 tablespoon at a time until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
  6. Taste the sauce and add red pepper flakes or chili oil if desired. Adjust with extra rice vinegar or honey to taste.
  7. Place the cooled noodles in a large bowl, pour the sesame sauce over, and toss gently but thoroughly to coat.
  8. Add the cucumber and toss just to combine.
  9. Sprinkle chopped scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and crushed peanuts or cashews on top.
  10. Serve immediately or chill for 20-30 minutes for a cooler, melded flavor. If sauce thickens after chilling, stir in a splash of warm water before serving.

Notes

Do not overcook noodles to avoid mushiness. Rinse noodles well under cold water to stop cooking and remove starch. Use warm water to thin the sauce to keep it smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill for 20-30 minutes for best flavor. If sauce thickens after chilling, stir in warm water before serving. Peanut butter can substitute tahini for a nuttier flavor. Use maple syrup instead of honey for vegan version. Gluten-free noodles can be used to make the dish gluten-free.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold sesame noodles, summer dish, easy recipe, creamy noodles, light meal, sesame sauce, cucumber noodles, vegan option, gluten-free option

Find it online: https://cheerycrisp.com/fresh-cold-sesame-noodles-recipe-easy-light-creamy-summer-dish/