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Easy Creamy Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe with Cucumber and Peanuts for Perfect Summer Meals

cold sesame noodles - featured image

A refreshing and creamy cold sesame noodles dish featuring crunchy cucumber and roasted peanuts, perfect for quick and satisfying summer meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or thin wheat noodles
  • 1 medium cucumber, sliced into thin matchsticks
  • 3 tablespoons tahini (preferably smooth and well-stirred)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce (use low sodium if preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 clove garlic, finely minced (optional)
  • Water to thin sauce as needed
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • 2 scallions, sliced thin
  • Optional: red chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for heat

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti or thin wheat noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 7–9 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain noodles in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to cool and stop cooking. Set aside.
  3. In a mixing bowl, combine 3 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, and minced garlic. Whisk together until smooth. Add water a teaspoon at a time until you reach a creamy, pourable consistency.
  4. While noodles cook, slice 1 medium cucumber into thin matchsticks or half-moons.
  5. In a large bowl, mix the cooled noodles with the creamy sesame sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly so every strand is coated.
  6. Fold in cucumber slices and 2 sliced scallions.
  7. Sprinkle the top with 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts and, if desired, a pinch of red chili flakes or a drizzle of chili oil for heat. Serve immediately or chill in the fridge for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

Notes

Rinse noodles under cold water to stop cooking and prevent clumping. Adjust sauce thickness with water as needed. Taste sauce before tossing noodles and adjust vinegar or honey for balance. Pat cucumber dry if watery. Prepare sauce and slice veggies while noodles cook to save time. Flavors deepen if chilled for a couple of hours before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold sesame noodles, creamy sesame sauce, cucumber noodles, summer meal, easy noodles, peanut topping, tahini sauce, vegetarian, vegan option, gluten-free option