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Easy Creamy Cold Sesame Noodle Bowls Recipe 15-Minute Perfect Dinner

easy creamy cold sesame noodle bowls - featured image

A quick and easy cold sesame noodle bowl with a creamy, nutty sauce made from tahini and peanut butter, perfect for a refreshing and satisfying meal in just 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces spaghetti or Asian wheat noodles (or soba/rice noodles for gluten-free)
  • 3 tablespoons tahini
  • 2 tablespoons smooth peanut butter
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 clove fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated ginger (optional)
  • 1 cup shredded carrots
  • 1 medium cucumber, julienned
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • Chopped fresh cilantro or parsley (optional, for garnish)
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil (about 4-5 quarts). Add 8 ounces of spaghetti or preferred noodles. Cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 7-9 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
  2. Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse thoroughly under cold water to stop cooking and cool them down, removing excess starch.
  3. In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp tahini, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger if using. Add warm water a teaspoon at a time if the sauce is too thick until pourable.
  4. While noodles cook, shred 1 cup carrots, julienne 1 medium cucumber, and slice 2 scallions thinly. Set aside.
  5. In a large bowl, combine cooled noodles, sauce, and veggies. Toss gently but thoroughly to coat noodles evenly.
  6. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

Add warm water gradually to thin the sauce if too thick. Rinse noodles under cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and keep dish refreshing. Let noodles marinate in sauce for 10-15 minutes for deeper flavor. Use toasted sesame oil for best aroma. Protein additions like grilled chicken or tofu can be added for a fuller meal. For nut-free, substitute peanut butter with sunflower seed butter and soy sauce with coconut aminos.

Nutrition

Keywords: cold sesame noodles, creamy sesame sauce, tahini noodles, peanut butter sauce, quick dinner, easy noodle bowl, vegetarian, gluten-free option