Chilled noodles in a creamy peanut-sesame sauce
Cold Sesame Noodles
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
4
4 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Cold Sesame Noodles
Chilled noodles in a creamy peanut-sesame sauce
★4.6(23)
Silky chilled noodles coated in a rich, nutty sesame-peanut sauce with cucumber, scallions, and a kick of chili oil.
10m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Cold sesame noodles are a staple of Chinese-American takeout and one of the greatest hot-weather foods ever invented. The sauce is a masterclass in balance — creamy from tahini and peanut butter, tangy from rice vinegar, savory from soy sauce, and gently spicy from chili oil.
The beauty of this dish is that it tastes better cold than hot and improves as it sits. Make a big batch on a Sunday and eat it all week — for lunch, as a side dish, or as a midnight snack straight from the fridge. It is endlessly craveable.
Ingredients
- 12 oz Chinese egg noodles or spaghetti
- 3 tbsp tahini or Chinese sesame paste
- 2 tbsp creamy peanut butter
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp honey or sugar
- 1 tbsp chili oil (to taste)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 inch ginger, grated
- 2-3 tbsp warm water to thin
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 3 green onions, sliced
- Sesame seeds and cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- 1
Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain, rinse under cold water until completely cool, and toss with sesame oil.
- 2
Whisk together tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, chili oil, garlic, and ginger until smooth. Add warm water to thin to a pourable consistency.
- 3
Toss the cold noodles with the sauce until evenly coated.
- 4
Top with julienned cucumber, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro.
- 5
Serve immediately or refrigerate for up to 3 days. Loosen with a splash of water before serving if the sauce thickens.
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
Chinese egg noodlesSpaghetti or soba noodles
Both work well. Soba adds a buckwheat flavor.
Peanut butterSunflower seed butter or almond butter
For nut-free or different flavor profiles.
Chili oilSriracha or red pepper flakes
Different heat delivery but effective.
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Chinese sesame paste (made from toasted sesame seeds) is more flavorful than tahini but either works.
The sauce thickens as it sits. Always have extra water on hand to loosen it.
Add shredded chicken or edamame for extra protein.
Storage
Refrigerate for up to 4 days. Store sauce separately if making ahead.
Reheating
Serve cold. Loosen with a splash of warm water and toss before serving.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (1 bowl) · 4 servings
Calories420
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein14g
Carbohydrates50g
Fat20g
Fiber3g
Sugar6g
Sodium720mg
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the difference between tahini and Chinese sesame paste?
- Tahini is made from raw sesame seeds; Chinese sesame paste is made from toasted seeds and has a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Can I make this nut-free?
- Omit the peanut butter and increase the tahini. Or use sunflower seed butter as a replacement.
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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