Chilled Sesame Peanut Noodles with Fresh Garnishes
Indulge in the refreshing and flavorful experience of Chilled Sesame Peanut Noodles, inspired by Tyler Florence's timeless recipe. This dish features tender Chinese egg noodles enveloped in a creamy peanut sauce that is perfectly balanced with hints of sesame oil, fresh ginger, and zesty lime. Topped with vibrant green onions, toasty sesame seeds, and crisp cucumber, every bite is a delicious journey. Perfect for lunch or a light snack, these noodles can be prepared ahead of time and served cold, making them ideal for picnics, potlucks, or cozy weeknight dinners. Share this delightful dish with friends and family or enjoy it solo for a satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Fresh Chinese egg noodles
8 ounces
Dark sesame oil
3 tablespoons
Peanut oil
2 tablespoons
Green onions
2 (thinly sliced on the diagonal)
Fresh ginger
1 inch piece (minced)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
Red chili paste
1 teaspoon (such as sambal)
Lime
1 (juiced)
Brown sugar
2 tablespoons
Creamy peanut butter
1/2 cup
Rice vinegar
3 tablespoons
Low sodium soy sauce
3 tablespoons
Hot water
6 tablespoons
Toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon
Fresh cilantro leaves
to garnish (chopped)
Cucumber
1 (julienned)
Instructions
1
In a large pot, bring unsalted water to a boil. Add the fresh Chinese egg noodles and cook until barely tender, about 3 minutes. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain thoroughly and transfer to a wide bowl. Toss the noodles with dark sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2
In the same pot, heat the peanut oil over medium-low heat. Add the sliced green onions, minced ginger, minced garlic, and red chili paste. Sauté for about 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables have softened.
3
Stir in the brown sugar, creamy peanut butter, rice vinegar, low-sodium soy sauce, and hot water. Mix thoroughly until the brown sugar has dissolved and the peanut butter is fully incorporated and smooth.
4
Return the cooked noodles to the pot and toss them with the peanut sauce until evenly coated.
5
In a dry skillet over medium-low heat, toast the sesame seeds, shaking the pan constantly, until they turn golden brown. Set aside to cool.
6
Transfer the coated noodles to a serving bowl. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro leaves, and julienned cucumber strips for a refreshing crunch. For the best experience, refrigerate the noodle dish for at least 30 minutes before serving, adding the garnishes just before enjoying.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Chilled Sesame Peanut Noodles?
They are a refreshing dish featuring tender Chinese egg noodles tossed in a creamy peanut sauce with sesame, ginger, and lime flavors.
Who inspired this recipe?
This recipe is inspired by a timeless dish from chef Tyler Florence.
What type of noodles should I use?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of fresh Chinese egg noodles.
How long do the noodles take to cook?
The fresh Chinese egg noodles should be cooked for about 3 minutes until barely tender.
Why should I rinse the noodles in cold water?
Rinsing under cold water stops the cooking process and prevents the noodles from becoming mushy.
How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?
Toss the thoroughly drained noodles with dark sesame oil to keep them from sticking.
What oil is used for sautéing the aromatics?
Two tablespoons of peanut oil are used to sauté the green onions, ginger, and garlic.
What aromatics are in the sauce?
The sauce includes sliced green onions, minced fresh ginger, and minced garlic cloves.
What provides the heat in the peanut sauce?
One teaspoon of red chili paste, such as sambal, provides the spicy element.
How much peanut butter is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of creamy peanut butter.
What is the purpose of using hot water in the sauce?
Hot water helps to dissolve the brown sugar and thin the peanut butter into a smooth, creamy sauce.
Can I use regular soy sauce?
The recipe specifically recommends 3 tablespoons of low-sodium soy sauce.
What kind of vinegar is used?
Three tablespoons of rice vinegar are used to add acidity to the sauce.
How do I prepare the ginger?
You should use a one-inch piece of fresh ginger and mince it finely.
How do I toast the sesame seeds?
Toast them in a dry skillet over medium-low heat, shaking the pan constantly until they are golden brown.
How long should the dish be chilled?
It is recommended to refrigerate the noodles for at least 30 minutes before serving.
What fresh garnishes are used?
The dish is topped with toasted sesame seeds, fresh cilantro leaves, and julienned cucumber.
How should I cut the cucumber?
The cucumber should be julienned into thin, crunchy strips.
How many green onions are in the recipe?
The recipe uses 2 green onions, thinly sliced on the diagonal.
Is there any citrus in the recipe?
Yes, the juice of one lime is included in the sauce for a zesty flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, this is a vegetarian dish and can be a vegan option depending on the noodles used.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are 16 total ingredients including the garnishes.
Can this be served at a potluck?
Yes, because it is served cold, it is ideal for picnics, potlucks, and gatherings.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to boil the noodles in unsalted water for 3 minutes, then rinse and toss with sesame oil.
When should I add the garnishes?
For the best texture and freshness, add the garnishes just before enjoying.
Can I substitute the creamy peanut butter?
While creamy is recommended for a smooth sauce, you could use crunchy peanut butter for added texture.
What are some tags associated with this dish?
Tags include noodles, cold dish, Asian cuisine, quick meal, and peanut sauce.
Is the brown sugar mandatory?
The two tablespoons of brown sugar help balance the savory soy and acidic lime/vinegar flavors.
How much dark sesame oil is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of dark sesame oil.
What kind of chili paste should I use?
The recipe suggests using a red chili paste like sambal.