Spicy Sesame Cold Noodles

$- 8 oz (225g) whole wheat noodles - 3 tablespoons sesame oil - 2 tablespoons soy sauce - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust according to your spice preference) - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 inch piece of ginger, grated - 1 cucumber, julienned - 2 green onions, thinly sliced - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro leaves for garnish To make spicy sesame cold noodles, you need some key ingredients. Whole wheat noodles form the base of this dish. They add a nice chewy texture. Then, we have the sauce. The sauce has sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, honey, garlic, and ginger. Each part brings its own flavor. The vegetables in this dish are just as important. You will use fresh cucumber and green onions for crunch. They add a refreshing feel to every bite. Finally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and cilantro for a burst of flavor and color. When you gather these ingredients, you set yourself up for a tasty dish. Each item plays a role in making the noodles flavorful and refreshing. Enjoy this mix of textures and tastes! {{ingredient_image_2}} To start, you need to cook the noodles. First, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. The salt enhances the noodle flavor. When the water boils, add 8 ounces of whole wheat noodles. Cook them until they are al dente, which usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. This means they should still have a little bite. After cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This halts the cooking process and cools the noodles down. Next, it’s time to make the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, and 1 tablespoon each of rice vinegar and honey. Add 1 tablespoon of chili paste for that spicy kick, along with 2 cloves of minced garlic and 1 inch of grated ginger. Whisk all the ingredients together until you have a smooth sauce. This is where the magic begins! Now for the fun part! Transfer the cooled noodles into a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss gently. You want to coat every noodle with the sauce. Next, add 1 julienned cucumber and 2 thinly sliced green onions. Stir carefully to mix everything well. The fresh veggies add a nice crunch and flavor. Finally, it’s time to serve! Portion the spicy noodles into individual bowls. For a finishing touch, sprinkle each bowl with 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds and a handful of fresh cilantro leaves. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish look beautiful. Enjoy your spicy sesame cold noodles chilled for a refreshing meal! To get the best noodles, timing is key. Cook the whole wheat noodles until they are al dente, which means they should still have a little bite. The package will tell you how long this takes, so keep an eye on the clock. Once the noodles are done, drain them right away. Rinsing them under cold water stops the cooking. This step is very important because it keeps the noodles from getting too soft and sticky. You can make the sauce as spicy as you like. If you love heat, add more chili paste. If you prefer mild flavors, use less. Honey is great for sweetness, but you can try maple syrup or agave instead for a different taste. Adjust the sweetness to balance the spice and create your perfect sauce. Serve the noodles in shallow bowls for a nice look. This style makes the dish feel fancy. When you add the cucumber on top, arrange it neatly. This adds a pop of green and makes the dish more inviting. A sprinkle of sesame seeds and cilantro on top completes the visual appeal. Enjoy the beautiful and tasty dish! Pro Tips Adjust the Spice Level: Feel free to modify the amount of chili paste based on your heat tolerance. Start with a small amount and increase it gradually for the perfect kick. Chill Before Serving: Allow the noodles to sit in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes after mixing with the sauce. This enhances the flavors and provides a refreshing taste. Add Protein: For a heartier meal, consider adding cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp. Toss them in with the noodles and sauce for added nutrition and flavor. Experiment with Vegetables: Don't hesitate to incorporate other veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or even edamame to add color and nutrition to your dish. {{image_4}} You can boost your Spicy Sesame Cold Noodles by adding protein. Grilled chicken or tofu makes a great choice. Simply slice the grilled chicken or cube the tofu, and toss them in with the noodles. This adds a nice texture and flavor. If you love seafood, try shrimp. Cook the shrimp until they turn pink, then mix them in. Both options make the dish more filling and tasty. You can also change the vegetables in your noodles. Carrots or bell peppers are excellent choices. They add crunch and sweetness. Simply julienne the carrots or slice the bell peppers thinly. Another great option is adding edamame. Toss them in for extra protein and a pop of color. Feel free to mix and match your favorite veggies! To make your dish even more exciting, consider flavor enhancements. Adding sriracha gives a spicy kick. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. A splash of fresh lime juice brightens the dish and adds zing. You can also experiment with different types of sesame seeds. Try black sesame seeds for a unique twist. These small changes can take your dish from good to great! To keep your spicy sesame cold noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure to let the noodles cool completely before sealing. Place the container in the fridge right away. This helps prevent spoilage. Your noodles can last in the fridge for about three days. If you notice any changes in smell or texture, it’s best to toss them. To keep the flavors strong, store the sauce separately. This way, you can mix it again before serving. If you want to keep the cucumbers crunchy, add them fresh when serving. This helps maintain their texture. While I recommend enjoying these noodles fresh, freezing is an option. To freeze, first, cook the noodles and rinse them as usual. Next, toss them lightly with a bit of sesame oil. This keeps the noodles from sticking together. Portion the noodles into freezer bags, removing excess air. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze them for up to two months. When you are ready to eat, take the noodles out and thaw them overnight in the fridge. To reheat, place them in boiling water for a minute. You can also microwave them with a splash of water. Just be sure to stir them to heat evenly. After reheating, add fresh sauce and vegetables for the best flavor. Spicy Sesame Cold Noodles pair well with several dishes. You can serve them with grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for protein. They also go nicely with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad. For a complete meal, add a bowl of miso soup. These pairings enhance the flavors and make your meal more satisfying. Spicy Sesame Cold Noodles last about three to five days in the fridge. Store them in an airtight container to keep them fresh. If you see any signs of spoilage, like off smells or discoloration, it’s best to toss them. Enjoy them cold or reheat them gently if you prefer. Yes, you can make Spicy Sesame Cold Noodles in advance! Prepare the noodles and sauce the day before your meal. Store them separately until you are ready to serve. This keeps the noodles from getting too soggy. When it’s time to eat, mix the noodles with the sauce and add your veggies. If you don’t have whole wheat noodles, you can use regular pasta or rice noodles instead. Soba noodles are a great option too. They bring a nice flavor and texture to the dish. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time based on the noodle type you choose. You now have a clear guide to making delicious Spicy Sesame Cold Noodles. We discussed key ingredients, including whole wheat noodles and fresh veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking, sauce-making, and combining everything. You learned tips for perfect texture and how to customize flavors. Remember, you can add protein or different veggies for variety. These noodles are easy to store and reheat too. Enjoy creating a tasty dish that suits your taste and impresses your friends!$

A refreshing and spicy noodle dish perfect for warm weather.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian

Servings 2

Ingredients

8 oz whole wheat noodles
3 tablespoons sesame oil
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
1 tablespoon chili paste
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 inch piece ginger, grated
1 cucumber julienned
2 green onions thinly sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
none fresh cilantro leaves for garnish

Instructions

In a spacious pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil. Add the whole wheat noodles and cook according to the package’s instructions until they reach an al dente texture. Once done, drain the noodles and promptly rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process and cool them down.
In a medium-sized bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Using a whisk, blend the ingredients thoroughly until you achieve a smooth and cohesive sauce.
Transfer the cooled noodles into a large mixing bowl and pour the prepared sauce over them. With gentle hands, toss the noodles to ensure they are evenly coated in the flavorful sauce.
Add the julienned cucumber and sliced green onions to the noodle mixture. Stir carefully to mix all the elements together, ensuring an even distribution of vegetables throughout.
Portion the spicy noodles into individual serving bowls. Top each bowl with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and fresh cilantro leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

For an elegant touch, serve the noodles in wide, shallow bowls. Artistically arrange the cucumber slices on top, and finish with a light dusting of extra sesame seeds and a generous handful of cilantro. Enjoy this dish chilled, making it a perfect refreshing meal!

Keyword cold dish, noodles, spicy, vegetarian