Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe
A Deliciously Refreshing Chinese Classic
Cold Sesame Noodles, a staple in Chinese cuisine, is a simple yet flavorful dish, ideal for warm evenings or when you’re craving something light, satisfying, and packed with flavor. The rich sesame dressing, spicy kick from chili oil, and the crisp freshness of vegetables come together to create a mouthwatering dish that’s not only perfect for a meal but also makes for an excellent side dish at any gathering. This recipe is vegetarian, easy to prepare, and makes a perfect main course that will impress guests or satisfy your family’s dinner cravings.
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Sichuan peppercorns | 4 teaspoons |
| Red chili flakes | 4 tablespoons |
| Spring onion greens (roughly chopped) | 1 bunch |
| Bay leaves (tej patta) | 1 |
| Star anise | 1 |
| Cumin seeds (Jeera), powdered | 1 tablespoon |
| Coriander powder (Dhania) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic (finely minced) | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | 1 tablespoon |
| Sesame oil (Gingelly oil) | 1/2 cup |
| Chili oil | 2 tablespoons |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds), roasted and ground to a paste | 1/4 cup |
| Vinegar | 1 tablespoon |
| Soy sauce | 2 teaspoons |
| Peanut butter (optional) | 1 tablespoon |
| Veg Hakka noodles | 250 grams (cooked as per package instructions) |
| Cucumber, cut into strips | 1 cup |
| Mooli (Radish), cut into strips | 1/2 cup |
| Spring onion greens (for garnish) | As required |
| Raw peanuts (Moongphali), roasted | As required |
| Sesame seeds (Til seeds), toasted | As required |
Preparation Time
| Time | Duration |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 20 minutes |
| Total Time | 30 minutes |
Servings
This recipe serves 4 people, making it a perfect meal for a small family or a get-together with friends.
Instructions
Step 1: Preparing the Chili Oil
To begin with, we’ll create the homemade chili oil, which is the backbone of this dish’s distinctive flavor.
- Heat sesame oil in a wok over medium heat.
- Add the finely minced garlic and the roughly chopped spring onion greens to the wok. Stir briefly.
- Add red chili flakes, cumin powder, coriander powder, Sichuan peppercorns, bay leaf, and star anise. Stir everything together and cook on low heat, allowing the spices to infuse the oil and create a fragrant aroma. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- Once the oil starts bubbling and the spices are fragrant, remove the wok from the heat.
- Add soy sauce to the oil, and stir to combine. Discard the bay leaf, star anise, and spring onion pieces.
- Let the chili oil cool down to room temperature. Store it in a glass jar for later use.
Step 2: Preparing the Sesame Dressing
- In a large mixing bowl, add 2 tablespoons of the prepared chili oil, sesame seeds paste, vinegar, soy sauce, and peanut butter (if you are using it).
- Stir everything together until well combined, making sure the sesame paste blends smoothly with the other ingredients. The dressing should have a thick consistency with a balanced flavor of spice, tang, and umami.
Step 3: Cooking the Noodles
- Cook the Chinese noodles (preferably Hakka noodles) according to the package instructions.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Place the noodles in the refrigerator to chill and firm up for about 10 minutes.
Step 4: Assembling the Dish
- Once the noodles are chilled, toss them in the sesame dressing along with cucumber strips and radish strips.
- Mix thoroughly, ensuring that the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
Step 5: Garnishing and Serving
- Garnish the dish with fresh spring onion greens, roasted peanuts, and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve the Cold Sesame Noodles chilled for the best taste.
Tip: For an added touch of flavor, pair these cold sesame noodles with a side of Teriyaki Tofu for a well-rounded, delightful dinner experience.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | ~8g |
| Carbohydrates | ~45g |
| Fiber | ~3g |
| Fat | ~15g |
| Saturated Fat | ~2g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | ~550mg |
| Sugar | ~6g |
Tips & Variations
- Peanut Butter: If you prefer a richer, creamy texture, don’t hesitate to add the optional peanut butter. It adds a subtle sweetness and creaminess to the dressing.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other fresh veggies such as bell peppers, carrots, or even avocado for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiciness: Adjust the amount of chili oil and red chili flakes to control the spiciness of the dish. For a milder version, you can reduce the chili oil and omit the red chili flakes.
- Noodles: If you can’t find Hakka noodles, you can substitute them with any other type of Asian noodle like rice noodles, soba noodles, or egg noodles.
Conclusion
Cold Sesame Noodles is a simple, yet incredibly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any time of the year. Whether it’s a hot summer day or you’re just craving something light and refreshing, these noodles deliver with their perfect balance of flavors and textures. The homemade chili oil brings a wonderful depth, and the combination of sesame, soy, and fresh vegetables makes for a well-rounded, healthy dish. Serve it at your next dinner gathering, or enjoy it as a quick lunch during the week—this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire!
