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Real Deal Sesame Noodles

Sesame noodles is a perfect dish for a hot summer night when you don’t feel like standing in front of a hot stove. The nutty savory sauce that has a hint of sweetness and spiciness, it’s always a crowd pleaser. You can simply serve it without any toppings as a side dish. You top it with fresh summer produce and serve it as an appetizer for your grilling party. Or you can load it up with more toppings to serve it as a main. {Vegan, Vegetarian}

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 166 kcal
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Chinese

Ingredients

  • 9 oz dried wheat noodles , or 1 pound (450 g) fresh wheat noodles (*Footnote 1)
Sauce
  • 1/4 cup Chinese sesame paste (or unsalted natural peanut butter)
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water
  • 2 tablespoons light soy sauce (or soy sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon maple syrup (or sugar)
  • 2 teaspoons homemade chili oil (or to taste) (*Footnote 2)
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon ginger , minced
  • 2 cloves garlic , grated
  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground Sichuan peppercorn powder
Topping options
  • cucumber , cut into thin strips (carrot and / or radish)
  • toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Add Chinese sesame paste to a medium size bowl and slowly add 2 tablespoons water, a little at a time. Stir with a spatula until the water is fully incorporated and it forms a smooth paste.
  2. One liquid ingredient at a time, add light soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, maple syrup, chili oil, and sesame oil, fully stir to incooperate each ingredient before adding the next one.
  3. Add the ginger, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorn powder. Stir to mix well. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
  4. Boil noodles according to instructions. Transfer cooked noodles into a colander, rinse with tap water to stop the cooking. Drain well and transfer to small serving bowls.
  5. Serve the noodles with the sauce on the side with toppings of your preference.
  6. To eat, assemble your own bowl with any toppings you prefer, add a few spoonsful of the sauce. Mix and enjoy.

Notes

  • The sauce in this dish is so flavorful and versatile that you can use many types of wheat noodles for a great result. For a traditional taste, try out lo mein noodles. Udon noodles and somen noodles work great as well.
  • The homemade chili oil is usually served separately and added according to personal taste. I personally prefer to use a small amount in the sauce because it adds a very fragrant umami that makes the sauce stand out. Always ask your guests if they can handle a bit spiciness. If not, serve the chili oil separately with the noodles.
  • The quantity of the sauce and noodle depend on many factors such as how many toppings you use, the type of noodles, and personal taste. The recipe is a good starting point that can general 2 big servings with some fresh produce toppings. Double the sauce if you plan on using more toppings.

Nutrition Information

Serving 1serving Calories 166kcal (8%) Carbohydrates 23g (8%) Protein 2.8g (6%) Fat 7.2g (11%) Saturated Fat 1.1g (6%) Sodium 948mg (40%) Potassium 481mg (14%) Fiber 2.6g (10%) Sugar 14.5g (29%) Calcium 5mg (1%) Iron 6mg (33%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4servings

Amount Per Serving

Calories 166

% Daily Value*

Serving 1serving
Calories 166kcal 8%
Carbohydrates 23g 8%
Protein 2.8g 6%
Fat 7.2g 11%
Saturated Fat 1.1g 6%
Sodium 948mg 40%
Potassium 481mg 10%
Fiber 2.6g 10%
Sugar 14.5g 29%
Calcium 5mg 1%
Iron 6mg 33%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.