Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles Recipe – Easy, Quick & Full of Flavor

If you’re craving a meal that’s both refreshing and full of flavor, Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles are the answer. This dish combines tender noodles with a creamy, savory sesame-peanut sauce that’s packed with umami, making it the perfect meal for any time of day. Whether you need a quick lunch, an easy dinner, or a tasty snack, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Let’s dive into how to make these flavorful noodles that are as simple as they are delicious!

Ingredients for Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles

This recipe requires just a few ingredients to bring together a satisfying, savory dish. Here’s what you’ll need:

• 8 oz noodles (spaghetti, soba, or rice noodles work well)
• 1/4 cup peanut butter (smooth or crunchy)
• 2 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
• 1 tsp grated ginger (optional, but adds a nice kick)
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder (or use fresh minced garlic for extra flavor)
• 1-2 tbsp warm water (to thin the sauce to desired consistency)
• 1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
• Chopped green onions (for garnish)
• Cucumber or carrots (optional, for extra crunch)

Optional for Serving:

• Crushed peanuts
• Chili flakes for heat
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions for Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

Start by cooking the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps achieve that refreshing “cold” noodle texture. Set them aside to drain completely.

Step 2: Make the Sesame Peanut Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, and garlic powder. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add warm water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 3: Combine Noodles with Sauce

Toss the cooked and cooled noodles in the sesame peanut sauce until they’re fully coated. Make sure the noodles are well-mixed so every bite is bursting with that creamy, savory flavor.

Step 4: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the noodles to a serving bowl. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, chopped green onions, and any other toppings you like (crushed peanuts, cilantro, or julienned cucumber and carrots for a fresh crunch).

You can enjoy the dish immediately or chill it in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes for an even colder, more refreshing meal.

Recipe Notes

• Noodle Variety: Feel free to experiment with different types of noodles! Soba, spaghetti, or even rice noodles all work beautifully in this recipe. Each type of noodle adds a unique texture to the dish.
• Peanut Butter Type: For a smoother, creamier sauce, use smooth peanut butter. If you prefer a bit of crunch, go for crunchy peanut butter.
• Customizing the Sauce: If you like a spicier kick, add a bit of chili paste or sriracha to the sauce for some heat.
• Vegetarian Option: This recipe is vegetarian-friendly. To make it vegan, simply use maple syrup instead of honey.

Time and Serving Information

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes (for noodles)
• Total Time: 15 minutes
• Serving Size: Serves 2-3

Storage Tips

Storing Leftovers

Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles are perfect for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy, just give them a quick stir. If the noodles seem dry, add a splash of water or a little extra sesame oil to bring them back to life.

Freezing

While this dish is best served fresh or refrigerated, you can freeze the noodles and sauce separately for up to 1 month. To reheat, simply defrost in the fridge overnight and give them a quick toss with some extra sesame oil.

Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)

Extra Tips to Make the Recipe Perfect

• More Texture: Add some thinly sliced cucumber or shredded carrots for extra crunch and freshness.
• Perfect Sauce Consistency: Adjust the consistency of your sauce by adding more warm water if you prefer a thinner sauce or less if you like it thick and creamy.
• Leftovers: This dish is just as delicious the next day, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

How to Serve Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles

Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles are perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Serve them as is or pair with a side of crispy tofu or grilled chicken for extra protein. You can also top with avocado slices for a creamy texture, or chopped peanuts for additional crunch.

Kitchen Tools Needed

• Large Pot for cooking noodles
• Whisk for mixing the sauce
• Large Bowl for tossing noodles and sauce
• Measuring Spoons for accurate ingredients
• Serving Bowl for presenting the dish

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use other nut butters instead of peanut butter?

Yes! You can substitute peanut butter with almond butter or cashew butter for a different flavor. Just keep in mind that the flavor will change slightly.

2. Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Add sriracha or chili garlic sauce to the peanut sauce to give it a spicy kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to your desired heat level.

3. How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari instead of soy sauce and make sure the noodles you use are gluten-free (soba noodles or rice noodles work well).

4. Can I use a different type of noodle?

Definitely! While soba noodles and rice noodles are popular for this dish, you can easily swap them for spaghetti or any pasta you prefer.

5. Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes! Adding vegetables like steamed broccoli, bell peppers, or edamame can bring more flavor and nutrition to your cold sesame peanut noodles.

Final Thoughts

Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles are not only easy to make, but they’re also packed with flavor and can be customized to fit your preferences. Whether you’re in the mood for a light meal or a satisfying lunch, this recipe has you covered. The creamy peanut sauce, combined with the delicate noodles, creates a dish that’s as comforting as it is flavorful. Plus, it’s quick to whip up, making it a perfect meal for any day of the week. Enjoy this refreshing, savory dish with your favorite toppings, and feel free to make it your own!