Name: Sesame Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 10 ounces udon noodles, (can use soba or spaghetti); 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil; 1/4 cup tamari or lite soy sauce; 1/4 cup seasoned rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons peanut butter; 2 tablespoons light brown sugar; 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger; Half a garlic clove; 2 teaspoons sriracha, (plus more to taste); Toppings: chopped roasted peanuts, thinly sliced scallions, sesame seeds; Toppings: chopped roasted peanuts, thinly sliced scallions, sesame seeds; Toppings: chopped roasted peanuts, thinly sliced scallions, sesame seeds

Whip up these easy sesame noodles in just 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, and cold leftovers are even better. Get the full recipe now!

You only need 20 minutes to make these easy sesame noodles. The creamy peanut sauce is made in a blender, so it comes together fast. Serve them warm or cold. Leftovers are amazing cold straight from the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Sesame Noodles

It only takes 20 minutes from start to finish. That's faster than ordering takeout.
The peanut sauce is creamy, tangy, and a little spicy. You'll want to put it on everything.
You can eat them warm or cold. Cold leftovers are seriously good. Grab a fork and dig in.

Key Ingredients for Sesame Noodles

Udon noodles: Thick and chewy, they soak up the sauce well. You can also use soba, ramen, or even spaghetti. Cook them al dente so they don't get mushy.
Peanut butter: It gives the sauce its creamy body. Use creamy peanut butter for the smoothest sauce. Almond butter works too.
Toasted sesame oil: It gives the sauce its nutty flavor. Do not substitute with regular sesame oil. Use it in the sauce, not for cooking.

Kitchen Tools for Sesame Noodles

Large pot for boiling noodles
Colander for draining and rinsing
Blender or food processor for the sauce
Large bowl for tossing

Tips for Making the Best Sesame Noodles

Keep a knob of fresh ginger in your freezer. It grates easily when frozen, so you don't have to peel it. Just grate what you need and put the rest back.

After cooking the noodles, rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking and removes extra starch, so the sauce clings better. Taste the sauce before tossing, and add more sriracha if you like heat.

Expert Tips for Perfect Sesame Noodles

Make the sauce up to 3 days ahead and store it in the fridge. That makes these noodles even faster on busy nights.

For extra crunch, toast the sesame seeds in a dry pan for a minute before sprinkling. If the sauce thickens in the fridge, thin it with a splash of rice vinegar or water.

Easy Variations for Sesame Noodles

You can easily switch up this recipe. Add shredded chicken or cooked shrimp for extra protein. For a vegetarian version, toss in edamame or roasted carrots. If you want less heat, use just 1 teaspoon of sriracha or skip it entirely. For a gluten-free meal, use gluten-free noodles or rice noodles.

What to Serve with Sesame Noodles

These noodles are hearty enough to be a full meal, but they also work as a side dish. For a complete dinner, top them with grilled chicken, shrimp, or sliced steak. Add roasted broccoli or sautéed mushrooms for extra veggies. A simple cucumber salad on the side balances the richness.

How to Store Leftover Sesame Noodles

Store leftover sesame noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. They taste great cold, so you can eat them straight from the container.

Can You Freeze Sesame Noodles?

You can freeze the sauce alone for up to 3 months. Thaw it in the fridge overnight and make fresh noodles. The cooked noodles don't freeze well because they get mushy, so it's best to freeze just the sauce.

How to Reheat Sesame Noodles

To warm up cold noodles, microwave them in 30-second bursts until hot. Or toss them in a hot pan with a splash of water to steam. If you prefer them cold, just eat as is.