Sesame Peanut Noodles
Cold or room-temperature noodles with a peanut-soy dressing, cucumber, carrot, and sesame oil.
Sesame peanut noodles are built for quick lunches and make-ahead meals. Peanut butter stands in for Chinese sesame paste because it is easy to buy in Western supermarkets, while soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and sesame oil create a balanced dressing.
The recipe can be served cold or room temperature, making it useful for packed lunches. Cucumber and carrot add freshness, and chili crisp is optional for heat.
Peanut butter gives the body of sesame paste while staying easy to find in Western kitchens.
Ingredients
- noodles: 200 g.
- peanut butter: 3 tbsp.
- soy sauce: 2 tbsp.
- rice vinegar: 1 tbsp.
- toasted sesame oil: 1 tsp.
- cucumber: 1/2.
- carrot: 1 (optional).
- garlic: 1 small clove.
- chili crisp: 1 tsp (optional).
- peanuts: A handful (optional).
Steps
- Cook and cool noodles
Cook noodles until just tender. Rinse briefly under cool water and drain well.
- Whisk sauce
Whisk peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and a splash of warm water.
- Toss
Toss noodles with sauce, cucumber, carrot, chili crisp, and peanuts.
Western Grocery Notes
- Unsweetened peanut butter is best, but regular peanut butter works if you reduce added sugar.
- Spaghetti or linguine can replace Chinese wheat noodles.
Substitutions
- Use tahini if peanut butter is not suitable.
- Use lime juice or white wine vinegar if rice vinegar is unavailable.
Ingredient Alternatives
-
Peanut butter
Creates the creamy sauce body.
Alternatives: Tahini, Chinese sesame paste, Sunflower seed butter. Tahini is less sweet and more bitter, so add a small pinch of sugar if needed.
-
Noodles
Carry a thick cold dressing.
Alternatives: Spaghetti, Linguine, Ramen noodles. Rinse cooked noodles briefly so they do not overcook or clump.
-
Rice vinegar
Cuts richness from the peanut sauce.
Alternatives: Lime juice, White wine vinegar, Apple cider vinegar. Lime changes the flavor but works well for a brighter lunch bowl.
Cook Better Next Time
- Loosen peanut butter with warm water before adding noodles.
- Drain noodles very well so the sauce stays creamy instead of thin.
- Hold back some dressing and refresh leftovers before serving.
FAQ
- Can sesame peanut noodles be made ahead?
- Yes. Store noodles and a little extra dressing separately, then toss again before serving.
- What can replace peanut butter?
- Tahini, Chinese sesame paste, or sunflower seed butter can work depending on allergy and flavor needs.
- Are sesame peanut noodles served hot or cold?
- They are usually best cold or room temperature, but warm noodles also work if served right away.
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