Cold Peanut Sesame Noodles

When the temperatures rise, finding a meal that is both satisfying and refreshing can be a challenge. Enter Chilled Peanut-Sesame Delight Noodles—a dish that perfectly marries comfort and coolness. This vibrant recipe is not only a feast for the eyes but also a delightful medley of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for hot summer days or as a light side dish at gatherings.

Discover the perfect summer dish with Chilled Peanut-Sesame Delight Noodles. This vibrant recipe combines silky noodles, a creamy peanut-sesame sauce, and fresh vegetables for a refreshing yet satisfying meal. Versatile enough to serve as a main course or side dish, it caters to various dietary needs with options for gluten-free and nut allergies. Explore the delightful balance of nutty flavors and crisp textures that make this dish a must-try for warm weather gatherings.

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Ingredients

8 oz (225 g) dried noodles (preferably rice or soba noodles)

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

2 tablespoons sesame oil

2 tablespoons soy sauce (or tamari for a gluten-free option)

1 tablespoon rice vinegar

1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup

1 teaspoon sriracha (adjust more or less to your spice preference)

1 clove garlic, finely minced

1-inch piece of fresh ginger, finely grated

1/4 cup water (additional water can be added for desired sauce consistency)

1 cup shredded carrots

1 cup cucumber, cut into thin matchsticks (julienned)

1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

4 green onions, finely chopped

1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

Cook the Noodles:

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the dried noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and immediately rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Drain again thoroughly and set aside.

Prepare the Sauce:

In a mixing bowl, combine the creamy peanut butter, sesame oil, soy sauce (or tamari), rice vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), sriracha, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Using a whisk, mix all the ingredients together until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. You may add more water gradually until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness.

Combine Noodles and Sauce:

In a spacious mixing bowl, place the cooled noodles. Pour the peanut-sesame sauce over the noodles and gently toss until all the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce.

Incorporate Vegetables:

Add the shredded carrots, julienned cucumber, thinly sliced red bell pepper, and chopped green onions to the noodle mixture. Toss everything together gently to ensure that the vegetables are evenly distributed throughout.

Chill for Flavor:

Transfer the noodle and vegetable mixture to an airtight container and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes. Chilling will help the flavors meld together beautifully.

Serve and Enjoy:

When ready to serve, give the noodles a quick toss to refresh them. Plate the chilled noodles and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor. Enjoy this dish as a refreshing meal or as an excellent side dish!

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour | Servings: 4