Imagine a dish that's so refreshingly cool, so packed with flavor, that it'll transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Taiwan. These Cold Sesame Noodles are not just a recipe—they're a culinary adventure waiting to happen! With a perfect balance of creamy sesame sauce, zesty garlic, and crisp vegetables, this dish is about to become your new summer obsession. Whether you're looking to impress dinner guests or treat yourself to an extraordinary meal, these noodles are guaranteed to make your palate dance with joy.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Taiwanese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Chinese noodles
- Sesame paste
- Soy sauce
- Rice vinegar
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Cucumber
- Scallions
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Gather the Chinese noodles, sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, cucumber, and scallions. Make sure the cucumber and scallions are washed and ready for slicing.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the Chinese noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes, until they are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the noodles are cooking, prepare the sauce. In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of sesame paste, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, and minced garlic and ginger (about 1 clove of garlic and a 1-inch piece of ginger, finely grated). Mix well until smooth. Adjust the flavors to your liking, adding more soy sauce or vinegar if desired.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. This will also help to remove excess starch.
- After rinsing, allow the noodles to drain thoroughly. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl.
- Pour the prepared sauce over the cooled noodles. Toss the noodles gently to ensure they are evenly coated with the sauce. You can use tongs or chopsticks for this step.
- Next, julienne the cucumber and slice the scallions thinly. Add these fresh vegetables to the bowl with the noodles and toss again to combine.
- Let the noodles sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. If you prefer a chilled dish, you can refrigerate the noodles for about 10 minutes before serving.
- To serve, divide the cold sesame noodles among four plates or bowls. Optionally, drizzle a little extra sesame paste on top and garnish with additional scallions or sesame seeds for added flavor and presentation.
- Enjoy your Taiwanese Cold Sesame Noodles as a refreshing dish, perfect for a warm day or as a side dish to accompany your main meal!
Tips
- Noodle Selection: Choose high-quality Chinese wheat noodles or fresh egg noodles for the best texture and authentic flavor.
- Sesame Paste Trick: If sesame paste is hard to find, you can substitute with tahini, but authentic Chinese sesame paste will give the most genuine taste.
- Sauce Consistency: Adjust the sauce thickness by adding a little warm water if it's too thick. You want a smooth, coating consistency.
- Chill Factor: For maximum flavor, let the noodles sit in the sauce for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to meld together.
- Freshness is Key: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the most vibrant flavor profile.
- Customization: Feel free to add protein like shredded chicken or tofu to make it a more substantial meal.
- Temperature Matters: Ensure noodles are completely cooled before mixing with sauce to prevent separation and maintain the perfect cold noodle texture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
