Cold Sesame Noodle Cucumber Bowl (Printable Version)

Chilled noodles, creamy sesame sauce, cucumber, and fresh herbs combine for a refreshing, easy meal.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 10 oz thin wheat noodles or soba noodles
02 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil

→ Sesame Sauce

03 - 3 tablespoons tahini or smooth peanut butter
04 - 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
05 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
07 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
08 - 1 clove garlic, finely grated
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
10 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water, as needed

→ Vegetables & Toppings

11 - 1 large cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
12 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
13 - 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
14 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
15 - 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1 small red chili, thinly sliced (optional)
17 - Lime wedges, for serving

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Prepare noodles according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water until fully chilled. Toss gently with sesame oil to prevent sticking.
02 - In a mixing bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and 2 tablespoons water. Gradually add additional water as required, mixing until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency.
03 - Distribute the chilled noodles evenly among serving bowls. Generously drizzle prepared sesame sauce over noodles.
04 - Arrange cucumber, carrots, and spring onions on top. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and sliced chili if desired.
05 - Accompany each portion with lime wedges for squeezing before eating.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • It turns simple pantry ingredients and fresh veggies into something you'll crave on sticky days.
  • You can tweak the toppings to suit your mood, and the creamy sauce works for both peanut lovers and sesame devotees.
02 -
  • Skipping the cold water rinse turns your noodles sticky and heavy—it's worth waiting for them to cool, I promise.
  • Tasting the sauce before pouring makes all the difference; sometimes a squeeze of lime or splash of soy will perfect it.
03 -
  • Don't rush the rinsing—cold noodles make the difference between sticky and sublime.
  • A pinch of coarse salt on cucumber slices before assembling makes them pop against the creamy dressing.
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