Cold Mixed Noodles
A refreshing and flavorful noodle dish tossed with a savory sesame-peanut sauce, crisp vegetables, and fresh toppings. Perfect for quick lunches, warm days, or easy weeknight meals.
Ingredients
- * 12 ounces noodles such as wheat noodles, ramen, soba, or rice noodles
- * 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- * 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- * 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- * 2 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or tahini
- * 1 tablespoon honey or sugar
- * 2 cloves garlic finely minced
- * 1 teaspoon chili oil or 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes optional
- * 2 to 4 tablespoons cold water as needed to loosen the sauce
- * 1 cup cucumber thinly sliced or julienned
- * 1 cup carrot shredded or julienned
- * 3 green onions thinly sliced
- * 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- * 1/4 cup fresh cilantro chopped, optional
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to the package directions until just tender.
- Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water until completely cooled.
- Shake off excess water well so the sauce does not become watery.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, peanut butter or tahini, honey or sugar, garlic, and chili oil or chili flakes if using.
- Add cold water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
- Add the cooled noodles to the bowl and toss until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add cucumber, carrot, green onions, sesame seeds, and cilantro if using.
- Toss gently again until everything is well combined.
- Taste and adjust with more soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, or chili oil if desired.
- Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
* Ingredient swaps: Use soba noodles for a nutty flavor, rice noodles for a lighter gluten-free option, or ramen noodles for a chewy texture.
* Cooking tips: Do not overcook the noodles. They should be tender but still slightly chewy.
* Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Make-ahead tips: Prepare the sauce and vegetables ahead of time, then cook and rinse the noodles before serving.
* Important texture or flavor notes: The noodles may absorb sauce as they sit. Add a splash of cold water, soy sauce, or sesame oil before serving leftovers.
* Freezing is not recommended because the noodles and vegetables can become soft after thawing. ## Nutrition Nutrition information is estimated per serving. * Calories: 390
* Protein: 11g
* Carbohydrates: 52g
* Fat: 16g
* Saturated Fat: 3g
* Fiber: 4g
* Sugar: 7g
* Sodium: 720mg
* Cooking tips: Do not overcook the noodles. They should be tender but still slightly chewy.
* Storage tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
* Make-ahead tips: Prepare the sauce and vegetables ahead of time, then cook and rinse the noodles before serving.
* Important texture or flavor notes: The noodles may absorb sauce as they sit. Add a splash of cold water, soy sauce, or sesame oil before serving leftovers.
* Freezing is not recommended because the noodles and vegetables can become soft after thawing. ## Nutrition Nutrition information is estimated per serving. * Calories: 390
* Protein: 11g
* Carbohydrates: 52g
* Fat: 16g
* Saturated Fat: 3g
* Fiber: 4g
* Sugar: 7g
* Sodium: 720mg