There is something truly irresistible about the perfect bowl of Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe that combines creamy peanut butter, a tangy kick from rice vinegar, and that unmistakable hint of sesame oil. This dish feels like summer on a plate—refreshing, vibrant, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, an easy dinner side, or a party-friendly dish to impress guests, these cold noodles bring a delightful balance of nutty, savory, and slightly spicy notes. You’ll love how each bite delivers a luscious sauce coating every strand without being heavy or overwhelming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is half the fun and ensures this Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe turns out perfectly every time. These simple staples come together to create layers of flavor and texture that keep you coming back for more.
- 12 ounces spaghettini: Thin noodles hold the dressing beautifully and have a nice bite that complements the creamy sauce.
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter: Adds rich creaminess and a nutty depth that makes the dish so comforting.
- ¼ cup soy sauce: Brings savory umami balance to the sweetness and acidity.
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar: Provides a bright, tangy note that wakes up the flavors.
- 4 teaspoons sesame oil: Imparts that iconic toasted sesame aroma you can’t resist.
- 4 teaspoons honey: Adds just the right touch of sweetness to round out the sauce.
- 2 teaspoons sriracha: Adds a lovely gentle heat—feel free to tweak this to taste.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Fresh garlic cuts through the richness with a pungent kick.
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger: Offers a zesty warmth that brightens every bite.
- 6 tablespoons warm water: Loosens the sauce to a silky, pourable texture that clings to the noodles.
- 2 green onions (for serving): Adds crisp freshness and a mild onion crunch as a finishing touch.
- Toppings as desired: Think crunchy peanuts, toasted sesame seeds, julienned cucumbers, or shredded carrots for added texture and color.
How to Make Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Start by cooking your spaghettini according to the package instructions until they reach a tender, yet firm texture. Once cooked, drain them carefully and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process—this also cools the noodles so they’re ready to soak up the delicious sauce without becoming mushy.
Step 2: Prepare the Sesame Dressing
While the noodles are cooling, whisk together the creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger in a medium bowl. Stir until the mixture is smooth and all the ingredients have blended seamlessly into a luscious sauce.
Step 3: Adjust Sauce Consistency
Add the warm water gradually, stirring the dressing as you go. The goal is a velvety sauce that’s pourable but still thick enough to cling nicely to the noodles. You might need a little more or less water depending on your peanut butter’s consistency, so feel free to adjust accordingly.
Step 4: Toss Noodles with Dressing
Transfer the chilled noodles into a large bowl and pour the sesame dressing over them. Use tongs or chopsticks to toss everything together until every strand is evenly coated with that creamy, flavorful sauce.
Step 5: Let the Flavors Meld
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the noodles to soak up the sauce and the flavors to fully meld, elevating the dish from good to unforgettable.
Step 6: Final Touches Before Serving
When you’re ready to serve, give the noodles a quick stir and fold in the sliced green onions. These little pops of sharp freshness lift the dish beautifully, making it vibrant and irresistible.
How to Serve Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkling crunchy toasted sesame seeds or chopped peanuts over your Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe adds wonderful texture contrast and an extra nutty burst. A handful of thinly sliced cucumber or shredded carrot brings refreshing crispness and a pop of color that makes the dish even more inviting.
Side Dishes
Because this noodle dish is light yet satisfying, it pairs perfectly with simple side dishes like steamed or roasted vegetables, crisp Asian slaw, or even a refreshing cucumber salad. Add some grilled chicken or tofu for a protein boost that complements the flavors without overwhelming them.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe in individual mason jars for picnic-friendly meals or layered in bowls topped with colorful garnishes. You can also turn it into a vibrant noodle salad by tossing in fresh herbs such as cilantro or mint, or even adding a squeeze of lime for a zesty finish.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the noodles and dressing together in an airtight container and give them a gentle stir before serving again—sometimes a splash of water or extra soy sauce revives them perfectly.
Freezing
Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe is best enjoyed fresh and doesn’t freeze well since the noodles can become mushy and the sauce might separate. It’s worth making fresh or storing leftovers in the fridge for easy next-day meals instead.
Reheating
Because this is a cold dish, reheating isn’t necessary. If you prefer it slightly warmer, you can gently toss the noodles with a bit of warm water or broth to loosen the sauce and bring them to room temperature. Avoid microwaving to preserve the fresh flavors and textures.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghettini works great, you can swap in other thin noodles like soba, rice noodles, or even angel hair pasta. Just make sure to rinse and chill them well to maintain the perfect cold noodle texture.
Is there a vegan version of this Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe?
Yes, this recipe can easily be made vegan by ensuring your peanut butter doesn’t contain honey, or you can substitute honey with maple syrup. All the other ingredients are naturally plant-based, making it a great option for vegan eaters.
How can I adjust the spiciness to suit my taste?
Sriracha gives this dish a gentle, well-rounded heat, but you can always add more or less depending on your preference. For a milder version, reduce the sriracha or omit it entirely; for extra kick, add chili flakes or a dash of chili oil.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sesame dressing can be made a day in advance and stored in the fridge. Just give it a good stir or whisk before tossing with the noodles to recombine the ingredients.
What are some good protein additions to bulk up this dish?
This Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, sautéed tofu, shrimp, or even thinly sliced beef. Adding protein turns it into a full meal while complementing the noodle’s creamy, tangy flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe is a shining example of how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and refreshing. It’s quick to make, wonderfully versatile, and endlessly satisfying—perfect for sharing with friends or treating yourself on a warm day. Give it a try and let this delightful bowl become one of your go-to favorites!
Print
Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Cold Sesame Noodles recipe features tender spaghettini tossed in a creamy, flavorful peanut-sesame dressing with hints of garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat from sriracha. Perfectly chilled and garnished with fresh green onions and optional toppings, this refreshing dish is a quick, no-cook meal after boiling the noodles, ideal for warm days or as a light lunch or dinner option.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 ounces spaghettini (or thin long pasta)
- ½ cup creamy peanut butter
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 teaspoons sesame oil
- 4 teaspoons honey
- 2 teaspoons sriracha (or to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons grated fresh ginger
- 6 tablespoons warm water (more if needed)
- 2 green onions (for serving)
Optional Toppings
- Chopped peanuts
- Sesame seeds
- Shredded cucumber
- Julienned carrots
- Fresh cilantro
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Cook the spaghettini according to the package instructions until tender. Drain the noodles well and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Set aside.
- Prepare the dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk together creamy peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey, sriracha, minced garlic, and grated fresh ginger until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
- Adjust dressing consistency: Gradually add warm water to the peanut dressing, a little at a time, whisking continuously until the dressing reaches a pourable, smooth consistency that will coat the noodles evenly.
- Toss noodles and dressing: Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the sesame dressing. Toss thoroughly to make sure every strand of pasta is coated evenly with the flavorful sauce.
- Chill the noodles: Cover the dressed noodles and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to chill fully.
- Serve: Just before serving, stir in the sliced green onions and garnish with your choice of optional toppings such as chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, shredded cucumber, or julienned carrots.
Notes
- You can add extra toppings like chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, fresh cilantro, shredded cucumber, or carrots for added texture and freshness.
- Adjust the heat level by modifying the amount of sriracha to suit your taste.
- If the dressing is too thick, add a little more warm water gradually until desired consistency is achieved.
- Use gluten-free pasta and tamari sauce instead of soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- This recipe is best served chilled but can also be enjoyed at room temperature.
