Chilled noodles with sesame sauce, cucumber, and scallions
Chinese Sesame Cold Noodles
Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
25 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Chinese Sesame Cold Noodles
Chilled noodles with sesame sauce, cucumber, and scallions
A chilled noodle dish with a creamy sesame sauce and crisp vegetables that works especially well for hot days or easy lunches.
15m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
25m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Cold sesame noodles are one of the most useful make-ahead dishes around because they taste good cold, travel well, and rely mostly on pantry staples. They also happen to be very easy to scale.
Ingredients
- 10 oz noodles
- 3 tbsp sesame paste or tahini
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 2 scallions, sliced
HeatTool
Test Kitchen Pick
Saute Pan
Helpful Tool
Why a wide pan helps here
Recipes like this come together better when there is room to toss pasta or noodles directly in the sauce instead of crowding a smaller skillet.
A wider pan makes the sauce-and-finish step much easier.
- Better for tossing noodles in sauce
- More useful than a single-purpose pasta gadget
A large saute pan earns its keep quickly if pasta or noodle dishes are in regular rotation.
Shop saute pan options for this recipeInstructions
- 1
Cook the noodles and rinse them cold.
- 2
Whisk together the sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and a little hot water.
- 3
Toss the noodles with the sauce until coated.
- 4
Top with cucumber and scallions.
- 5
Serve cold.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve over steamed jasmine or sticky rice
Pair with a side of pickled vegetables or kimchi
Add a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for extra flavor
Serve as a light main course or alongside grilled protein
Substitutions
Sesame pasteTahini
Tahini is easier to find and works very well in this kind of sauce
Rice vinegarBlack vinegar
Black vinegar adds more depth and a slightly moodier flavor
DepthPantry
Test Kitchen Pick
Rice Vinegar
Helpful Pantry Staple
Why the rice vinegar matters
This recipe wants a softer acidity than standard distilled vinegar. Rice vinegar keeps the flavor cleaner and more balanced.
It sharpens the dish without making it harsh.
- Brighter finish without aggressive acidity
- Useful across dressings, sauces, and quick pickles
Rice vinegar is one of those pantry staples that quietly improves a lot of weeknight cooking.
Shop rice vinegar for this recipeTips & Storage
Pro Tips
The sauce thickens as it sits, so keep a little extra water nearby if needed.
A spoonful of chili crisp is a very good addition if you want more heat.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days.
Reheating
No reheating needed.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 bowl) · 4 servings
Calories340
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein10g
Carbohydrates43g
Fat14g
Fiber3g
Sugar6g
Sodium760mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use peanut butter?
- Yes. It changes the flavor slightly but still gives a good creamy cold noodle sauce.
- What noodles work best?
- Fresh wheat noodles, spaghetti, or ramen-style noodles all work well.
Explore More
About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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