Cold Sesame Noodles
Chilled sesame noodles with a rich, nutty sauce and vibrant flavors, perfect for a quick, satisfying meal using leftover chicken and ideal for warm days or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 4 oz. fine egg noodles ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. sesame oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup sesame paste (tahini) or peanut butter ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. brewed tea or water ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. hot chili oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. light soy sauce ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. sugar ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1/4 cup oil ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chopped garlic ⓘ
- leftover chicken, cut into small pieces ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook the egg noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a bowl, combine sesame paste (or peanut butter), brewed tea or water, hot chili oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, sugar, and salt.
- Add sesame oil and chopped garlic to the sauce mixture, then stir well to combine.
- Toss the cooked noodles with the sauce until evenly coated.
- Add leftover chicken pieces and mix thoroughly.
- Let the salad sit for a couple of hours to allow flavors to meld before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider adding a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for garnish. If you want a nut-free version, substitute the sesame paste with sunbutter. For a spicier kick, increase the amount of hot chili oil. Be sure to rinse the noodles well after cooking to prevent them from sticking together.
Serving Suggestions
Serve cold as a light main course or as a side dish alongside grilled meats or Asian-inspired dishes. This dish pairs beautifully with Lemon Teriyaki Chicken, making for a delightful meal. For a crunchy element, consider topping with sliced cucumbers or shredded carrots.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can microwave the noodles in short intervals, stirring in between, or enjoy them cold as a refreshing salad. If they seem dry, add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Cold Sesame Noodles contains roughly 438 calories, with 5g protein, 8g carbohydrates, and 44g fat. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1416mg per serving (62% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the chicken and adding more veggies, such as shredded carrots or bell peppers. You can also use tofu as a protein substitute to keep it hearty and satisfying.
How can I adjust the spiciness level?
To adjust the spiciness, simply reduce the amount of hot chili oil in the sauce. If you prefer a mild flavor, you can also replace it with a milder chili sauce or omit it entirely. Taste the sauce before mixing it with the noodles to ensure it meets your preference.
What type of noodles can I use instead of egg noodles?
If you don't have fine egg noodles, you can substitute them with rice noodles or soba noodles for a gluten-free option. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodles you choose, as each type has different cooking requirements.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).