Cold Sesame Noodles

Vegetarian Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe from China

Region / culture: China | Preparation time: 15 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 4 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

Cold sesame noodles are a popular dish in Asian cuisine, known for their savory and nutty flavor. This dish is perfect for a light and refreshing meal on a hot summer day.

History

Cold sesame noodles originated in China and have since become a staple in many Asian cuisines. The dish typically consists of cooked noodles tossed in a flavorful sesame sauce, garnished with fresh herbs and vegetables.

Ingredients

16 oz (454 g) cooked spaghetti, rinsed and drained
3 tbsp tamari soy sauce
0.5 cup chopped fresh cilantro, separated
0.75 cup thinly sliced scallions, separated
2 cloves minced garlic
0.33 cup creamy soy nut butter
0.5 cup hot vegetable stock, preferably “chicken” flavored
1.5 tsp rice vinegar
1.5 tsp ground ginger
0.5 tsp hot sesame oil
2 tbsp sesame seeds

How to prepare

1. Cook the pasta according to the package directions. When it is al dente, remove it from the heat, drain it in a colander, and rinse it occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. In a 2 cup liquid measuring cup, combine tamari, 0.25 cup of cilantro, 0.5 cup of scallions, garlic, and soy nut butter. Mix well using a small wire whisk or fork. Add stock, rice vinegar, ginger, and sesame oil. Mix thoroughly. Toss the sauce with the pasta and top it with the remaining scallions and cilantro. Sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

Variations

Add shredded chicken or tofu for extra protein.
Mix in some julienned vegetables like carrots, cucumbers, or bell peppers for added crunch.
Drizzle with a bit of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to rinse the cooked noodles with cold water to prevent them from sticking together.

- Adjust the amount of soy sauce and sesame oil to suit your taste preferences.

- For a spicier kick, add a dash of hot chili oil or sriracha to the sauce.

Serving Suggestions

Cold sesame noodles can be served as a main dish or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or vegetables. They are best enjoyed chilled, making them a great option for picnics or potlucks.

Cooking Techniques

The key to making delicious cold sesame noodles is to cook the noodles al dente and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. This will ensure that the noodles are firm and not mushy.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you don't have soy nut butter, you can use peanut butter or almond butter as a substitute. You can also use regular butter or olive oil instead of sesame oil.

Make Ahead Tips

Cold sesame noodles can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to give them a good stir before serving to redistribute the sauce.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the cold sesame noodles with extra sesame seeds, chopped peanuts, or a sprinkle of chopped green onions for a beautiful presentation.

Pairing Recommendations

Cold sesame noodles pair well with a crisp and refreshing cucumber salad, a side of steamed broccoli, or a light and tangy coleslaw.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover cold sesame noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, simply microwave for a minute or two until warmed through.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

One serving of cold sesame noodles contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

One serving of cold sesame noodles contains approximately 45 grams of carbohydrates.

Fats

One serving of cold sesame noodles contains approximately 12 grams of fats.

Proteins

One serving of cold sesame noodles contains approximately 10 grams of proteins.

Vitamins and minerals

Cold sesame noodles are a good source of iron, calcium, and vitamin C.

Alergens

This recipe contains soy and wheat allergens.

Summary

Cold sesame noodles are a balanced meal with a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins. They are also rich in vitamins and minerals, making them a nutritious choice for a quick and easy meal.

Summary

Cold sesame noodles are a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With a flavorful sesame sauce and fresh herbs, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.

How did I get this recipe?

and unique flavors. It was many years ago, when I was just a young girl living in a small village in China. My family didn't have much money, so we had to be creative with our meals. One day, a neighbor invited us over for dinner and served us a dish that I had never seen before - Cold Sesame Noodles.

The noodles were perfectly cooked and tossed in a rich, creamy sesame sauce that was like nothing I had ever tasted. I asked our neighbor for the recipe, but she just smiled and said it was a family secret that had been passed down for generations. Determined to learn how to make it myself, I began my quest to unravel the mystery behind the delicious dish.

I spent hours in the kitchen, experimenting with different ingredients and techniques, trying to recreate the flavors that had captured my taste buds. I searched through cookbooks and asked other neighbors for advice, but no one seemed to have the exact recipe I was looking for. Undeterred, I continued to experiment, trusting my instincts and taste buds to guide me.

After many failed attempts, I finally stumbled upon the perfect combination of ingredients that resulted in a creamy, nutty sauce that coated the noodles perfectly. I was overjoyed with my success and couldn't wait to share my creation with my family.

I served the Cold Sesame Noodles to my parents and siblings, anxiously awaiting their verdict. To my delight, they all raved about how delicious it was and asked me for the recipe. I proudly shared my newfound knowledge with them, feeling like a true culinary master.

Over the years, I continued to perfect my recipe for Cold Sesame Noodles, making small tweaks here and there to enhance the flavors. I shared it with friends and extended family, who all marveled at how such a simple dish could be so incredibly delicious.

As I grew older, I began to learn more about the history and significance of Cold Sesame Noodles in Chinese cuisine. I discovered that the dish originated in Sichuan province and was traditionally served as a street food snack. The noodles were typically made with a combination of wheat and buckwheat flour, giving them a unique texture that paired perfectly with the creamy sesame sauce.

I also learned that the sauce was made with a blend of sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and chili oil, creating a harmonious balance of flavors that was both savory and slightly spicy. The addition of fresh herbs and vegetables added a pop of color and freshness to the dish, making it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.

As I continued to make Cold Sesame Noodles for my family and friends, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment in preserving this traditional recipe and passing it down to future generations. I knew that each time I made the dish, I was honoring the culinary heritage of my ancestors and keeping their memory alive through the art of cooking.

To this day, Cold Sesame Noodles remain one of my favorite dishes to make, bringing back memories of my childhood and the joy of discovering something new and delicious. I am grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow as a cook, and I look forward to continuing to share my love of food with those around me.