Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad (Printable Version)

Refreshing Asian-inspired noodle salad with sesame-soy-chili dressing, crisp vegetables, and fresh herbs. Vegetarian and quick to prepare.

# What You'll Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 8.8 oz dried wheat noodles or soba noodles

→ Dressing

02 - 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce
04 - 1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar
05 - 1 tablespoon chili oil
06 - 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter
07 - 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
08 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated
09 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

→ Vegetables and Toppings

10 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
11 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
12 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
13 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped
14 - 0.25 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped

# How To Make It:

01 - Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Set aside.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, peanut butter, sugar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.
03 - Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to coat evenly.
04 - Add cucumber, spring onions, and half the sesame seeds, cilantro, and peanuts. Toss gently to combine.
05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds, cilantro, and peanuts. Serve immediately or chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It comes together in under half an hour and tastes like you spent way longer on it.
  • The dressing clings to every strand of noodle with just the right balance of heat, tang, and richness.
  • You can eat it straight from the fridge the next day and it somehow tastes even better.
  • It's endlessly adaptable depending on what's in your crisper or what protein you have on hand.
02 -
  • Rinse the noodles thoroughly after cooking or they'll turn gummy and stick together in clumps.
  • Taste the dressing before adding the noodles because once everything is mixed, it's harder to correct the balance.
  • If you're making this ahead, hold back some of the dressing and toss it in just before serving so the noodles don't soak it all up.
03 -
  • Toast your sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute or two before using them, it brings out a deeper, nuttier flavor.
  • Use kitchen shears to cut the spring onions directly over the bowl, it's faster and keeps your cutting board clean.
  • If the dressing feels too thick, thin it out with a teaspoon of warm water until it reaches a pourable consistency.
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