Cold noodles in a rich sesame-chili sauce
Sichuan Sesame Noodles
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
Servings
2
2 servings
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Budget
$
Sichuan Sesame Noodles
Cold noodles in a rich sesame-chili sauce
★4.7(14)
Chewy noodles tossed in a bold, nutty sesame paste sauce with chili oil, Sichuan peppercorn, and soy sauce. Served cold for a refreshing, intensely flavored meal.
10m
Prep Time
10m
Cook Time
20m
Total Time
2
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Budget $
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Sichuan sesame noodles (dan dan-inspired cold noodles) are a study in bold contrasts—nutty, spicy, tangy, and numbing all in one slurp. They come together in minutes and taste even better chilled.
Chinese cooking techniques — high heat, quick movement, and precise timing — produce flavors that no other method can match. This recipe captures that magic.
Ingredients
- 8 oz Chinese wheat noodles or spaghetti
- 3 tbsp Chinese sesame paste (or tahini)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili oil with sediment
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sugar
Instructions
- 1
Cook noodles until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/4 cup cooking water. Rinse noodles under cold water.
- 2
Whisk sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and a pinch of Sichuan peppercorn powder.
- 3
Thin the sauce with reserved noodle water until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
- 4
Toss cold noodles in the sauce until every strand is coated.
- 5
Serve topped with julienned cucumber, crushed peanuts, and extra chili oil.
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
Substitutions
Chinese sesame pasteTahini + 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
Best available substitute with added toasted flavor
Chinese wheat noodlesSpaghetti
Surprisingly similar texture when served cold
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
Chinese sesame paste (zhi ma jiang) is toasted and richer than tahini; it is worth seeking out.
Make extra sauce and store it in a jar—it keeps for weeks and works on salads too.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Refrigerate dressed noodles for up to 2 days; toss with extra sauce before serving.
Reheating
Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15-20 minutes until warmed through, or microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes. Add a splash of broth or water to prevent drying. Stovetop reheating over medium-low heat is also effective.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (0mg) · 2 servings
Calories380
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein12g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat48g
Fiber720mg
Sugar3g
Sodium4g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is tahini the same as Chinese sesame paste?
- Tahini uses raw sesame; Chinese paste uses toasted sesame for a deeper, nuttier flavor.
- Can I make it spicier?
- Add more chili oil or a pinch of ground Sichuan peppercorn for extra numbing heat.
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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