Description
This Sesame Noodles recipe delivers a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring fresh udon noodles tossed in a rich, savory sesame sauce with ginger, garlic, soy sauce, and chili-garlic sauce. Crisp vegetables like scallions, bell peppers, cabbage, and cucumber add freshness and crunch, while roasted peanuts and sesame seeds provide texture. Perfect as a quick lunch or dinner, this recipe balances bold Asian flavors with a vibrant and satisfying noodle bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Vegetables
- 1 bunch scallions, top 1 inch trimmed and sliced on a bias
- 20 ounces (570g) fresh udon noodles
- 1 medium red/orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
- A few handfuls shredded napa or savoy cabbage
- A few handfuls finely diced English cucumber
- 6 ounces (170g) shelled edamame (optional)
Sesame Sauce
- 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, grated or crushed
- 3 to 3 ½ tablespoons (40 to 50g) Chinese roasted sesame paste
- 2 tablespoons Chinese light soy sauce
- ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce (optional)
- ½ tablespoon agave nectar or organic cane sugar
- ½ tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 heaping tablespoon chili-garlic sauce or sambal oelek
Toppings and Garnishes
- ¼ cup (35g) roasted peanuts, chopped (omit for nut-free)
- 2 tablespoons roasted white or black sesame seeds
- Chinese chili crisp or chili oil (optional)
- Fresh chili peppers, sliced (optional)
- A drizzle of toasted sesame oil (optional)
- Kosher salt, as needed
Instructions
- Prepare scallions: Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil for the noodles. Meanwhile, place the sliced scallions in a bowl of cold water and soak for 10 minutes to mellow their pungency. Then, remove with a slotted spoon and dry with a towel.
- Make the sesame sauce: In a bowl, whisk together grated ginger, garlic, Chinese roasted sesame paste, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), agave nectar, Chinese black vinegar, toasted sesame oil, and chili-garlic sauce until smooth, breaking up any sesame paste clumps. Adjust taste for sweetness, acidity, or heat as desired.
- Cook noodles: Cook the fresh udon noodles according to package instructions. Before draining, reserve some noodle cooking water. Drain and rinse noodles under cold water until cooled, then return to the saucepan or a large bowl. Toss with a little sesame oil if not serving immediately to prevent sticking.
- Prepare edamame: If using edamame, place in a bowl and season with a few pinches of kosher salt.
- Toss noodles with sauce: Combine the cooled noodles and sesame sauce in a large bowl. Add reserved noodle water as needed (start with 2 tablespoons) to help the sauce coat the noodles evenly and prevent dryness.
- Add vegetables and toppings: Mix in the drained scallions, bell pepper, cabbage, cucumber, seasoned edamame (if using), roasted peanuts, and sesame seeds. Toss gently to combine all ingredients.
- Serve and garnish: Optionally spoon some Chinese chili crisp or chili oil on top for extra heat. Garnish with fresh sliced chili peppers and an extra drizzle of toasted sesame oil if desired. Leftovers can be refreshed with a dash of black vinegar or chili sauce before serving.
Notes
- Note 1: Fresh udon noodles can be substituted with fresh or dried wheat noodles or thick Chinese egg noodles.
- Note 2: Chinese roasted sesame paste is made from toasted sesame seeds and is thicker and more flavorful than standard tahini.
- Note 3: Use Chinese light soy sauce for a lighter saltiness; other light soy sauces can be used if Chinese brand is unavailable.
- Note 4: Dark soy sauce is optional and adds color and depth but can be omitted.
- Note 5: Chinese black vinegar adds a tangy sweetness and can be replaced with balsamic vinegar if unavailable.
- Note 6: Chili-garlic sauce or sambal oelek provides a spicy kick; adjust quantity based on heat preference.
- Note 7: Edamame is optional and can be omitted to serve as a simple side dish.
- To keep noodles from sticking when preparing ahead, toss with a bit of toasted sesame oil.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese
Keywords: sesame noodles, Chinese noodles, udon noodles, vegetarian noodle recipe, sesame sauce noodles, easy Asian noodles, spicy sesame noodles
