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 - 1 tablespoon honey - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 inch ginger, grated - 1 cucumber, julienned - 2 green onions, sliced - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds - Fresh cilantro for garnish These ingredients blend perfectly to create a rich and spicy flavor. Whole wheat noodles add a nutty taste and a nice texture. The sesame oil gives a toasty aroma, while soy sauce adds depth. Rice vinegar brings a tangy note to balance the dish. Chili paste gives the kick. Adjust it based on your heat preference. Honey adds a hint of sweetness to brighten flavors. Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the overall aroma and taste. Cucumber and green onions provide a crisp and fresh crunch. Don't forget toasted sesame seeds for a nutty finish and cilantro for a fresh touch. - Large pot for boiling noodles - Mixing bowls - Whisk or fork for sauce - Serving bowls Using these tools makes cooking easier. A large pot is key for boiling noodles. Mixing bowls help to combine your sauce. A whisk or fork mixes the sauce well, ensuring all flavors blend. Serving bowls will present your dish beautifully. Ready to dive into making this dish? Grab your tools and let’s cook! {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by boiling salted water in a large pot. Use enough water to let the noodles move freely. Add the whole wheat noodles once the water is boiling. Cook them according to package instructions. You want them to be al dente, so check the noodles a minute or two before the time is up. Once they are ready, drain and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools them down. Next, grab a medium bowl. In this bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk these ingredients together until they blend well. This step is key for a smooth sauce. A good whisk makes sure every bite has the same great flavor. Now, take a large mixing bowl. Add the cooled noodles you just rinsed. Pour the sesame sauce over the top. Toss the noodles gently to coat them evenly. Then, add in the julienned cucumber and sliced green onions. Stir everything until it’s well mixed. This gives you a colorful and tasty dish. Divide the spicy noodles into serving bowls. For a nice touch, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro. This not only adds flavor but also makes the dish look beautiful. Serve it chilled for a refreshing meal. Enjoy your tasty creation! To get the right kick in your spicy sesame cold noodles, adjust the chili paste. Start with one tablespoon. Taste it, then add more if you like it hotter. You can also enhance the flavor with a splash of lime juice or a pinch of sugar. These little tweaks can make a big difference. Cooking the noodles perfectly is key. Boil them just until they are al dente, which means firm to the bite. This helps them hold their shape when mixed with the sauce. After draining, always rinse the noodles under cold water. This stops the cooking and cools them down. It also helps the sauce cling better. Serve these noodles cold for a refreshing meal. For the best experience, chill them in the fridge for a bit before serving. When plating, use shallow bowls. Arrange the cucumber on top and sprinkle with extra sesame seeds and cilantro for a pop of color. This makes the dish look appealing and tasty. Pro Tips Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili paste based on your spice preference. Start with less and add more to taste. Chill for Flavor: Allow the noodles to chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes after mixing with the sauce for enhanced flavor. Fresh Herbs: Add fresh mint or Thai basil along with cilantro for an extra layer of flavor and aroma. Protein Addition: Consider adding grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu to make this dish a complete meal. {{image_2}} You can add grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein. They both work well with the noodles. If you love seafood, try shrimp. Simply sauté them before adding to the dish. Each protein choice gives the cold noodles a new taste. Feel free to use other crunchy veggies like bell peppers or carrots. These add color and texture. You can swap out the cucumber if you prefer other options. Choose what you like best to make the dish your own. You can switch up the oils and vinegars for different flavors. Try using olive oil or apple cider vinegar. For an extra kick, add spices like red pepper flakes or sesame seeds. These changes can take the sauce to a new level. I love saving leftovers for a quick meal later. To keep your spicy sesame cold noodles fresh, store them in an airtight container. Make sure the container is clean to avoid any bad smells. Place the noodles in the fridge. They will stay good for about three days. After that, the texture may change and the flavor might fade. Reheating these noodles can be tricky. I prefer to serve them cold, as the flavors blend well after chilling. If you want to warm them up, do so gently. Place the noodles in a pot over low heat. Stir often to avoid sticking. You may also add a splash of water to help. Warm them just until heated through. Enjoying them cold or warm is a matter of personal taste, so feel free to choose what you like best! I recommend using whole wheat noodles. They add a nutty flavor and a nice texture. Traditional noodles work too, but whole wheat is healthier. You can choose any noodle that you like, but make sure it's good for cold dishes. Yes! You can add more chili paste to the sauce. You could also use fresh chili peppers for more heat. Try adding sriracha or red pepper flakes. Taste as you go to find your perfect spice level. Yes, this dish can be vegan. Just use maple syrup instead of honey. All other ingredients are plant-based. If you love a creamy sauce, add tahini for extra flavor while keeping it vegan. It takes about 15 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, so 30 minutes total. You can make this dish quickly for a tasty meal. It's perfect for busy days or a quick lunch. This blog post covered a tasty recipe for spicy sesame cold noodles. We discussed each step, from cooking the noodles to making the flavorful sesame sauce. You learned how to mix in fresh veggies, add proteins, and serve it all beautifully. Remember, you can adjust flavors and textures to fit your liking. Don’t forget to store any leftovers properly. Enjoy this simple dish that is perfect for any meal! Your kitchen creativity will shine with this recipe.$

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

Calories 400 kcal

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, minced
1 inch ginger, grated
1 cucumber julienned
2 green onions sliced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
none fresh cilantro for garnish

Instructions

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the whole wheat noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
In a medium bowl, combine the sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk until well blended.
In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled noodles and pour the sauce over the top. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce.
Incorporate the julienned cucumber and sliced green onions into the noodle mixture, stirring until everything is evenly distributed.
Divide the spicy noodles into serving bowls. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top and garnish with fresh cilantro.

Notes

Serve the noodles chilled for a refreshing meal.

Keyword cold dish, noodles, spicy