Cold Sesame Noodles
Prep: 8 mins | Cook: 12 mins | Total: 20 mins | Serves: ['4', '4 servings (about 2 cups each)'] | Cuisine: American, Chinese
Finding a refreshing lunch that doesn't leave you feeling sluggish can be a struggle, especially when most pasta dishes feel too heavy for a warm afternoon. I used to think that authentic-tasting Asian noodles required a trip to a specialty market for rare ingredients or hours of prep work. It turns out we can get those same bright, savory notes using simple spaghetti and a few pantry staples.
These Cold Sesame Noodles turn a basic box of pasta into a vibrant meal in about twenty minutes. We toss the noodles with a zesty blend of soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, and a kick of sriracha for heat. To keep things light and crunchy, we fold in julienned red bell peppers, juicy grape tomatoes, and fresh basil.
A squeeze of lime adds a surprising brightness that balances the richness of the sesame. These Cold Sesame Noodles are an easy way to get your veggie fix while keeping things cool and crisp. You'll love how the toasted sesame seeds add a tiny bit of crunch to every bite of these Cold Sesame Noodles.
Cold Sesame Noodles
Instructions
Step 1
First, go ahead and pull out your spaghetti and all the sauce ingredients so everything is within reach. Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a rolling boil over high heat. Once those bubbles are jumping, add your noodles and cook them for about 8 to 10 minutes, or until they are tender but still have a slight bite.
Step 2
While your noodles are boiling, we can get all our colorful toppings ready. Start by slicing your red bell pepper into thin, matchstick-sized strips and cutting the grape tomatoes into quarters.
Next, finely chop your basil and green onions until they're small and fragrant. Finish things off by cutting a fresh lime into quarters so you have easy wedges to squeeze over the top.
Step 3
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Carefully drop in your spaghetti and let it cook for about 12 minutes.
You're aiming for an al dente texture, so give a noodle a taste toward the end. It should have a slight, firm bite to it rather than being mushy.
Step 4
Once your noodles are tender, pour them into a colander in the sink. Run a stream of cold water over the pasta for about 30 seconds to stop the cooking process.
Give them a gentle shake to remove the excess water so your sauce doesn't get watered down. You'll know they're ready when the noodles feel cool to the touch and have a nice, bouncy texture.
Step 5
Grab your largest mixing bowl and toss in the chopped bell peppers, tomatoes, fresh basil, and onions. Whisk in the sriracha, sesame seeds, toasted sesame oil, and soy sauce until the sauce is smooth and well-combined.
Now, add your cooked spaghetti directly into the bowl while the noodles are still warm. Toss everything together for about a minute until every strand of pasta is glossy and evenly coated in that savory sauce.
Step 6
Now, go ahead and pour your sauce over the cooked noodles and toss them together until every strand is beautifully coated. Transfer the mixture to a covered container and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can really meld.
Right before you're ready to eat, give the noodles one last quick toss to loosen them up. Divide the noodles into bowls and tuck a fresh lime wedge onto the side of each plate for a bright, zesty squeeze.
Nutrition Information
calories: 309 kcal
fat: 9 g
carbohydrate: 48 g
protein: 9 g
fiber: 4 g
servingSize: 1 serving (~2 cups each)
My Tip
Rinse your spaghetti under cold water immediately after draining. This stops the cooking process and prevents the noodles from sticking together, keeping them slippery and refreshing for your sesame sauce.
Leftovers
Keep your leftovers in a sealed glass container for up to three days to keep the veggies crisp. Since these are best enjoyed chilled, we recommend skipping the microwave and simply stirring them well to loosen the noodles.
Make It Your Own
Try swapping the spaghetti for rice noodles or soba noodles to give the dish a more traditional feel. If you want a gluten-free version, these are a great way to keep those refreshing flavors.
