Sesame Noodles
Whip up these easy sesame noodles in just 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and cold leftovers are even better. Get the full recipe now!
Keep exploring with Sushi Salad or Southwest Quinoa Salad.
Why These Homemade Sesame Noodles Beat Takeout
You only need 20 minutes to make these easy sesame noodles. The creamy peanut sauce is made in a blender, so it comes together fast. Serve them warm or cold. Leftovers are amazing cold straight from the fridge.
3 Reasons You’ll Love This Sesame Noodle Recipe
- It only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. That’s faster than ordering takeout.
- The peanut sauce is creamy, tangy, and a little spicy. You’ll want to put it on everything.
- You can eat them warm or cold. Cold leftovers are seriously good. Grab a fork and dig in.
Key Ingredients for Sesame Noodles
- Udon noodles: Thick and chewy, they soak up the sauce well. You can also use soba, ramen, or even spaghetti. Cook them al dente so they don’t get mushy.
- Peanut butter: It gives the sauce its creamy body. Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest sauce. Almond butter works too.
- Toasted sesame oil: It gives the sauce its nutty flavor. Do not substitute with regular sesame oil. Use it in the sauce, not for cooking.
Kitchen Tools for Sesame Noodles
- Large pot for boiling noodles
- Colander for draining and rinsing
- Blender or food processor for the sauce
- Large bowl for tossing
Tips for Making the Best Sesame Noodles
Keep a knob of fresh ginger in your freezer. It grates easily when frozen, so you don’t have to peel it. Just grate what you need and put the rest back.
After cooking the noodles, rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking and removes extra starch, so the sauce clings better. Taste the sauce before tossing, and add more sriracha if you like heat.
Expert Tips for Perfect Sesame Noodles
Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. That makes these noodles even faster on busy nights.
For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute before sprinkling. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, thin it with a splash of rice vinegar or water.
Easy Variations for Sesame Noodles
You can easily switch up this recipe. Add shredded chicken or cooked shrimp for extra protein. For a vegetarian version, toss in edamame or roasted carrots. If you want less heat, use just 1 teaspoon of sriracha or skip it entirely. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free noodles or rice noodles.
What to Serve with Sesame Noodles
These noodles are hearty enough to be a full meal, but they also work as a side dish. For a complete dinner, top them with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced steak. Add roasted broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies. A simple cucumber salad on the side balances the richness.
How to Store Leftover Sesame Noodles
Store leftover sesame noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They taste great cold, so you can eat them straight from the container.
Can You Freeze Sesame Noodles?
You can freeze the sauce alone for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and make fresh noodles. The cooked noodles don’t freeze well because they get mushy, so it’s best to freeze just the sauce.
How to Reheat Sesame Noodles
To warm up cold noodles, microwave them in 30-second bursts until hot. Or toss them in a hot pan with a splash of water to steam. If you prefer them cold, just eat as is.
Sesame Noodles FAQs
Can I use a different nut butter?
Yes, you can substitute creamy almond butter or cashew butter for the peanut butter. The flavor will change slightly but still be delicious.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free noodles such as rice noodles or gluten-free spaghetti. Make sure your tamari or soy sauce is also gluten-free.
How do I reduce the spiciness?
Start with just 1 teaspoon of sriracha or leave it out entirely. You can also use a mild chili sauce or add a bit more peanut butter to mellow the heat.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of minced?
Yes. Grate about 1 inch of fresh ginger root. If you don’t have fresh, you can use 1/2 teaspoon dried ginger, but fresh is much better.
Recipe
Sesame Noodles
You only need 20 minutes to make this easy sesame noodle recipe! Perfect for a quick and easy lunch or dinner! And leftover cold sesame noodles are SO good!
Ingredients
- 10 oz udon noodles
- 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 0.25 cup tamari or lite soy sauce
- 0.25 cup seasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar
- 1 tbsp minced fresh ginger, minced
- 0.5 clove garlic
- 2 tsp sriracha
- chopped roasted peanuts, chopped
- thinly sliced scallions, thinly sliced
- sesame seeds
Instructions
- 1
Bring a large pot of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the noodles and cook according to the package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water. Transfer noodles to a large bowl.
- 2
Meanwhile, in a blender or food processor, combine the sesame oil, tamari, vinegar, peanut butter, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and sriracha. Blend until smooth. Add more sriracha, to taste, if desired.
- 3
Add the sauce to the pot with the noodles. Toss to coat; taste and adjust seasoning. Top each serving with peanuts, scallions, and sesame seeds.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calorie breakdown
How this was calculated — 12 of 12 ingredients matched
Nutrition information is automatically calculated from USDA FoodData Central, so should only be used as an approximation. Actual values may vary depending on the ingredients, brands, and preparation methods used.
Open in analyzerKeyword: Boiled, dairy-free, spicy, vegetarian
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NutriforksNutriForks is a home-cooking site built around two simple ideas: recipes should actually work, and you should know what’s in them. Every recipe pairs clear, tested instructions with a full nutrition breakdown, so healthy, everyday cooking is genuinely easy.