Sesame Peanut Noodles
Chewy noodles tossed in a creamy, tangy peanut-sesame sauce with crunchy vegetables — delicious warm or cold.
Details
Ingredients
- 400g spaghetti or Chinese egg noodles
- Sauce:
- 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp sriracha (or to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 2-3 tbsp warm water to thin
- Toppings:
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Chopped roasted peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- 1
Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with a drizzle of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
- 2
Whisk together all sauce ingredients until smooth, adding warm water to reach a pourable consistency.
- 3
Toss the cold noodles with the sauce until evenly coated.
- 4
Top with cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, peanuts, sesame seeds, green onions, and cilantro.
- 5
Serve cold or at room temperature.
About This Recipe
The beloved Sesame Peanut Noodles embody the vibrant spirit of Asian-American fusion cuisine, drawing inspiration from various East Asian noodle dishes like Szechuan Dan Dan Mian or cold sesame noodles, yet evolving into a distinct, universally appealing dish. What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible balance of textures and flavors: the chewiness of al dente noodles provides a perfect foil to the vibrant crunch of fresh, julienned vegetables, all brought together by a lusciously creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy peanut-sesame sauce. The magic happens in the sauce's emulsification, where the richness of peanut butter meets the bright acidity of rice vinegar and the savory depth of soy sauce, harmonized by aromatic ginger and garlic, and a touch of sweetness from honey. A drizzle of sesame oil and a kick from sriracha elevate its complexity. This dish is remarkably versatile, equally delightful served warm as a comforting meal or chilled as a refreshing salad, making it a perennial favorite for potlucks and quick weeknight dinners. Common variations include adding grilled chicken, pan-seared tofu, or edamame for a protein boost, or experimenting with different fresh herbs. Garnish generously with toasted peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh cilantro for an unforgettable finish.
Tips & Tricks
- • To achieve the perfect sauce consistency, gradually add the warm water while whisking until it’s smooth and coats the back of a spoon without being too thick or too thin; this ensures it clings beautifully to the noodles.
- • For a different texture and flavor profile, consider substituting the spaghetti with whole wheat noodles for added fiber, or even spiralized zucchini noodles for a low-carb option.
- • This dish is excellent for meal prep; make the sauce and chop all vegetables ahead of time, storing them separately, then simply cook the noodles and assemble just before serving to maintain freshness.
- • Enhance your meal by serving these noodles alongside some crispy spring rolls, a light cucumber salad, or grilled chicken skewers for a more substantial and satisfying dinner spread.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (approximate)