The Best Yumblink Pancakes recipe you will fall in love with. Full of tips and tricks to help you make the best pancakes.
Hey everyone! Today, I’m sharing a super quick and easy recipe that’s perfect for those hot days when you don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. These 10-Minute Cold Sesame Noodles are a twist on the Taiwanese classic ma jiang mian (麻醬麵). It’s packed with flavor and requires no cooking once you have your noodles ready. Plus, you can make it as spicy or mild as you like with a dash of chili oil. Trust me, these noodles are so good, you’ll want them for lunch every day!
Method
Cook the noodles
Start by boiling the noodles according to the packet instructions. Make sure to follow the exact time given to ensure they cook perfectly without being too soft or too firm. While the noodles are cooking, be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of the noodle water before draining the noodles. This noodle water will come in handy later to make the sauce creamy and smooth.
Rinse the noodles
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step will also help to cool the noodles down, making them more refreshing, especially for a cold dish. After rinsing, drizzle a small amount of sesame oil over the noodles to prevent them from sticking together. Toss the noodles gently to ensure the sesame oil is evenly distributed, adding a touch of flavor. This step is optional, but it really enhances the flavor of the noodles.
Make the sauce
In a separate bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients sesame paste, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, peanut butter, Chinese black vinegar, garlic paste, salt, and optional chicken powder. Stir everything together. Gradually add the reserved noodle water little by little while mixing, until you reach your preferred sauce consistency. The noodle water will help thin out the sesame paste, creating a smooth and velvety sauce that will coat the noodles beautifully. Taste the sauce and feel free to adjust the flavors. You can add a little more soy sauce for saltiness, more sugar for sweetness, or extra peanut butter for a creamier texture.
Mix the noodles and sauce
Now that you have your sauce ready, pour a couple of spoonfuls of it into the noodles. Toss the noodles gently to coat them with the sauce, ensuring every strand is covered. If you like a saucier dish, you can add the rest of the sauce or more spoonfuls until the noodles are nicely coated with the rich, savory sauce.
Top it off
Once the noodles are mixed with the sauce, it’s time to add the toppings. Start by placing sliced cucumber and finely sliced scallions on top of the noodles for a fresh crunch. Then, add a boiled egg for extra protein. Finish it off by sprinkling some crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil for a little kick. You can also add extra chili oil to taste, depending on how spicy you like your noodles.
Necessary Tools
- A pot for boiling noodles
- A bowl for mixing the sauce
- A spoon for stirring
- A knife for slicing the cucumber and scallions
- A pot or pan for boiling the egg
10 Minute Cold Sesame Noodles
Cuisine: Taiwanese, Chinese, AmericanDifficulty: EasyServings
2
servingsPrep time
5
minutesCooking time
5
minutesTotal time
10
minutesIngredients
170g wheat noodles
2 tbsp Chinese sesame paste (can replace with tahini but flavor will differ)
1 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tsp brown sugar
1/2 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
1/2 tsp garlic paste
Pinch of salt
1/2 tsp chicken powder (optional)
1/4 cup of noodle water
1 tsp chili oil (optional, can add some into the sauce or just at the end)
Toppings
1 boiled egg
Cucumber, sliced
Crushed peanuts
Sesame seeds
1 scallion, finely sliced
Chili oil
Directions
- Cook the noodles Start by boiling the noodles according to the packet instructions. Be sure to reserve about 1/4 cup of noodle water, as we’ll use it to make the sauce later.
- Rinse the noodles Once the noodles are cooked, rinse them under cold water to cool them down. Drizzle a bit of sesame oil over them and toss to prevent sticking (this step is optional, but it adds a nice flavor).
- Make the sauce In a bowl, combine the sesame paste, sesame oil, soy sauce, brown sugar, peanut butter, black vinegar, garlic paste, salt, and chicken powder (if using). Gradually add the noodle water and mix until you get your desired sauce consistency. Taste and adjust it as needed!
- Mix the noodles and sauce Pour a couple of spoonfuls of the sauce into the noodles and toss them to coat. You can add more sauce if you like it saucier.
- Top it off Once your noodles are coated in the sauce, top them with sliced cucumber, scallions, boiled egg, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, and a drizzle of chili oil.
Notes
- Consistency of sauce Don’t rush when adding the noodle water. Add it gradually, stirring as you go. This will help you control the consistency of the sauce.
- Adjust the flavors Feel free to adjust the sesame paste, peanut butter, or soy sauce according to your taste. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add a little more peanut butter or sesame paste.
- Noodle temperature If you’re in a rush, you can skip rinsing the noodles and serve them hot, though the cold version is definitely more refreshing in the heat.
Serving Suggestions
These cold sesame noodles make an excellent lunch, but they also work as a light dinner or a side dish for a larger meal. Serve them with a simple cucumber salad or a side of steamed vegetables. You can also add some grilled chicken or tofu for extra protein!
Fun Fact
Did you know that sesame paste is one of the key ingredients in many Asian dishes? It has a rich, nutty flavor that adds depth to sauces, dressings, and even desserts. It’s kind of like the sesame version of peanut butter!
Conclusion
There you have it your new go-to quick and easy meal for hot days. These 10-Minute Cold Sesame Noodles are full of flavor, packed with good ingredients, and ready in no time. So, next time you’re craving something tasty but don’t want to sweat it out in the kitchen, give these noodles a try! Enjoy!
