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- 8 oz soba noodles - 2 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 teaspoon chili paste (adjust to personal spice preference) - 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter or tahini - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger - 1 clove garlic, finely minced - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - 1 small cucumber, peeled and julienned - 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned - 1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted for extra flavor - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish Spicy sesame cold noodles are packed with flavor. Each ingredient plays a role. The soba noodles add a hearty base. Sesame oil and soy sauce create a rich, savory taste. Rice vinegar adds a tangy note that balances the dish. Chili paste provides a spicy kick, which you can adjust. Peanut butter or tahini gives a creamy texture. Fresh ginger and garlic enhance the depth of flavor. The vegetables bring a crunch and freshness. Green onions, cucumber, and carrots brighten every bite. For garnishes, toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch. Fresh cilantro leaves bring a burst of color and flavor. These ingredients come together for a dish that is both fresh and flavorful. You'll love how easy it is to make this dish shine. {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by filling a large pot with water. Add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add your soba noodles. Cook according to the package instructions, usually around 4 to 5 minutes. You want them tender but still firm. Once cooked, drain the noodles. Rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking. This helps cool them down and keeps them from sticking. Next, grab a medium bowl. Combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, and peanut butter or tahini. Add freshly grated ginger and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together until smooth. If you like it spicier, add more chili paste. Taste as you go, adjusting the spice to your liking. In a large bowl, add the cooled noodles. Drizzle the dressing over them. Use tongs or large forks to toss the noodles. Make sure they are well coated in the sauce. Now, add the sliced green onions, julienned cucumber, and carrot. Toss everything together. You want the colorful veggies spread throughout the noodles. Finally, transfer the spicy sesame cold noodles to a serving platter. Lightly sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. Add fresh cilantro leaves for extra flavor and a pop of color. Enjoy your fresh and flavorful dish! - Alternative noodles you can use: You can swap soba noodles for rice noodles or whole wheat noodles. Both work well in this dish. - Healthier dressing options: For a lighter version, use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce the peanut butter. You can also add lime juice for a zesty twist. - Ensuring noodles are not overcooked: Watch the timer closely. Cook soba noodles for only 4-5 minutes. Rinse them quickly to stop the cooking. - Enhancing flavors with fresh herbs: Add fresh mint or basil for extra flavor. These herbs brighten the dish and add a fresh taste. - Best serving dishes: Use shallow bowls to show off the colorful noodles and veggies. It makes for a beautiful presentation. - Pairing options and side dishes: Serve these noodles with grilled chicken or tofu for protein. A light cucumber salad pairs well too, adding crunch and freshness. Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to customize the amount of chili paste based on your heat preference. Start with less and add more to taste! Chill the Noodles: After rinsing the cooked noodles, consider chilling them in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes for an extra refreshing bite. Add Proteins: For a heartier meal, toss in some cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu to the noodle dish for added flavor and nutrition. Experiment with Vegetables: Feel free to swap in other crunchy vegetables like bell peppers, radishes, or snap peas for added texture and taste. {{image_4}} For a vegan version, swap the peanut butter with tahini. Both options work well and add creaminess. You can also replace soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free dressing. For gluten-free noodles, use rice noodles or zucchini noodles. They give a nice twist while keeping the dish light. If you want more heat, try using fresh red chilies or chili flakes. Just chop them up and add them to the dressing. For a milder taste, reduce the chili paste or skip it entirely. Kids often prefer less spice, so use sweet soy sauce or a dash of honey instead. Add protein to make your meal heartier. Grilled chicken or marinated tofu are both great choices. For crunch, sprinkle on toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts. They add texture and flavor, making the dish more exciting and satisfying. Spicy sesame cold noodles last about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. Glass or plastic containers work well for this. Make sure to let the noodles cool completely before sealing them up. To reheat, use the microwave or a pan on low heat. Add a splash of water or oil to help keep the noodles moist. Avoid high heat to prevent the noodles from becoming mushy. Don’t reheat more than once to maintain the best texture. You can make spicy sesame cold noodles ahead for quick meals. Cook a big batch and store portions in the fridge. This makes it easy to grab and go. Pack the noodles in single servings for lunch or dinner. Spicy sesame cold noodles are a tasty dish that originates from East Asia. They feature noodles tossed in a rich sauce made from sesame oil, soy sauce, and chili paste. This dish is popular in many cultures, especially during hot weather. The cold noodles are refreshing and full of flavor, making them a great meal for any time. Yes, you can prepare spicy sesame cold noodles ahead of time. Cook the noodles and store them in the fridge. Make the sauce and keep it in a separate container. When you are ready to eat, combine the noodles and sauce. Add the fresh veggies right before serving. This makes meal prep easy and quick! To adjust the spice level, start with a small amount of chili paste. You can always add more later. If you want less heat, use half the amount of chili paste. You can also swap it for sweet chili sauce. This way, you can make the dish perfect for your taste! In this post, we explored spicy sesame cold noodles. We discussed key ingredients, like soba noodles and fresh vegetables. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and simple serving tips. I shared variations for vegan and gluten-free diets. Remember, adjusting spice levels can customize this dish for your taste. These noodles make a great meal for any time. Enjoy experimenting with toppings and flavors. Happy cooking!

Spicy Sesame Cold Noodles

A refreshing and spicy noodle dish perfect for warm days.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz soba noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon chili paste
  • 1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter or tahini
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced
  • 2 green onions thinly sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, peeled and julienned
  • 1 medium carrot, peeled and julienned
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
  • to taste fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the Noodles: Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil. Carefully add the soba noodles and cook according to the package instructions until tender but still firm (typically 4-5 minutes). Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water to halt the cooking process and cool them down. Set aside.
  • Prepare the Dressing: In a medium mixing bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, peanut butter (or tahini), freshly grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk these ingredients together vigorously until smooth and well blended. For an extra kick, feel free to incorporate additional chili paste to taste.
  • Combine Noodles with the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled noodles. Drizzle the prepared dressing over the noodles and gently toss using tongs or large forks, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated with the flavorful sauce.
  • Incorporate the Vegetables: To the bowl of dressed noodles, add the sliced green onions, julienned cucumber, and julienned carrot. Toss everything together thoroughly, making sure the vibrant vegetables are well distributed throughout the noodles.
  • Garnish and Serve: Carefully transfer the spicy sesame cold noodles to a serving platter or divide them among individual bowls. Lightly sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top and add a generous handful of fresh cilantro leaves for a burst of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with lime wedges for an extra zing.
Keyword cold dish, noodles, spicy, vegetarian