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A little back story on my cold spicy peanut sesame noodles recipe
When my brother and I were in grade school, I remember my mom always made us the coolest lunches.
By coolest, I mean, it was always unique and diversified.
We didn’t have peanut butter and jelly, my mom would go out of the way to make sure our lunches were interesting so we wouldn’t get tired of them.
Some days, we’d get sushi for lunch or fried rice or even a fried egg sandwich.
My mom was seriously multi-talented in the kitchen when it came to lunches.
One of my favorite dishes my mom made for us were cold peanut noodles.
There was something about the ice cold noodles and the creamy peanut butter mixture that made the noodles addicting.
This cold spicy peanut sesame noodle recipe is a similar take to the classic peanut noodles that she’d make for us.
This version is a lot spicier but it’s just as delicious. Jason and I would keep sneaking into the fridge to eat a few noodles. They didn’t last us long at all.
It’s SO easy to make and it’s perfect for school lunches because you don’t have to worry about the refrigeration part of the lunch. It’s best to eat it cold/room temperature! :)
The sauce for these cold spicy peanut sesame noodles is irresistible and totally makes the dish what it is!
Let’s get started on common questions that may arise with these cold spicy peanut sesame noodles!
Can I use another nut butter?
Sure! Cashew butter would be wonderfully delicious.
Can this be eaten warm?
You can eat it warm but the beauty of this dish is when it’s eaten cold/chilled!
What kind of peanut butter do I use?
I would definitely use smooth but as far as natural or regular, I used regular (like JIF), but natural works just as well.
I think your sauce might be slightly more liquidy if you use natural though.
How do I make this less spicy?
Use less of the spicy garlic sauce.
What if I don’t have a blender?
You can use a food processor!
Can I use another type of pasta shape?
Mmm, spaghetti or medium rice noodles would be best in this dish.
How long can this stay out of the fridge?
At least 6-8 hours for sure.
**If your child or children around them have peanut allergies, please be conscious of this as this is dish contains peanuts! Also, if you or your child don’t like spicy foods, you can tone down the spice level by reducing the chili garlic sauce, or simply omit it altogether. The sauce will still taste great!
Other noodle recipes that are quick and easy:
- Pad see ew
- Cold sesame veggie noodles
- Thai chicken curry noodles
- Curry lemongrass chicken noodle bowl
- Soy sauce noodles
Cold Spicy Peanut Sesame Noodles
Equipment
Ingredients
- ¾ pound (340 g) dried spaghetti noodles, or Asian rice noodles
- ⅔ cup (158 ml) water
- ⅓ cup (86 g) smooth peanut butter
- ¼ cup (59 ml) low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup (59 ml) seasoned rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoon dark brown sugar, packed
- ¼ cup (59 ml) roasted peanut oil
- 2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, plus more for topping
- 3 teaspoon chili garlic sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 inch piece of ginger, peeled
- 1 clove small of garlic
- Fresh scallions, chopped, for topping
Instructions
- In a large stockpot, bring water to boil then add spaghetti noodles and cook according to box. Drain well when done.3/4 pound (340 g) dried spaghetti noodles
- In a jar of a blender, combine water, peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, peanut oil, sesame seeds, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Process until smooth.2/3 cup (158 ml) water, 1/3 cup (86 g) smooth peanut butter, 1/4 cup (59 ml) low sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup (59 ml) seasoned rice vinegar, 3 tablespoon dark brown sugar, 1/4 cup (59 ml) roasted peanut oil, 2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, 3 teaspoon chili garlic sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 inch piece of ginger, 1 clove small of garlic
- After pasta is done cooking and drained, add to a large glass bowl. Pour the peanut sesame sauce over the noodles and toss to coat. The mixture/sauce will be very runny and it will look like you made way too much. Trust me, once you pop it in the fridge, the sauce sets up and it’s perfect :)
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour – the longer, the better. I had mine in there for at least three. I love when it’s super cold and the sauce is nice and thick.
- Toss noodles again prior to serving. Top with fresh scallions and sesame seeds.Fresh scallions
Nutrition
Love luv luv this recipe. I used whole grain Rice Ramen noodles from Costco, used 5 packs for this recipe. Initially I was confused about the 2/3 cup of water. Wasn’t sure if it was meant to boil the noodles or if it was meant to go into the sauce. Decided to try it in the sauce thankfully and it worked out soooo well.
This is a perfect snack or lunch or late night or middle of the night all round yummy in your tummy. Truly appreciate your sharing this one Julie!!
How long do these noodles last in the refrigerator?
i would say maximum 3 days
I doubled the recipe and used Thai rice noodles. It was entirely devoured by my guests. Everyone loved it. I’ll definitely make it again and add cooked chicken, with cucumber salad on the side.
I love this recipe, always cook it when it gets hot!
would the cold sesame noodles go well with the pan fried sesame garlic tofu? A hot/cold mix? My vegan friend is coming over for lunch and i am freaking out!!! What can i make her that is easy for me to make? Is this a good combo or do you have a better one meal type of thing i can try to make this a hit of a visit? thanks
i wouldn’t pair the tofu with these noodles. the flavors would be too much (peanut butter + soy sauce and garlic tofu)…i would just do these noodles as the main dish or the pan fried sesame garlic tofu and serve it with white rice.
@Lisa Breton, Probably too late, but I usually do noodles with a nuac cham sauce. It’s light and features the tofu well.
Will rice noodles work? I’m gluten free.
it should. rice noodles are slightly more starchy so if the sauce gets too thick to toss the noodles in evenly, thin it out with a bit of water.
Forgot to add. I didn’t have peanut oil, but I added 2 tbsp sesame oil and it was still delicious. Made it on soba noodles and added julienned cucumber, carrot, red pepper, cilantro and some chopped peanuts. Excellent!
new go to peanut sauce recipe. so so good.
Made this tonight with 1/2 lbs spaghetti + 4 IP-cooked shredded chicken thighs + whole English cucumber cut in bite size chunk. Did not have peanut oil so had to adjust with vegetable oil/toasted sesame oil ratio. I cut down the chili garlic sauce to our heat preference. DELICIOUS and very filling. It’s a keeper. Sharing recipe with my daughters now.
Very refreshing cold noodle dish. It’s a great accompaniment to any kind of Asian meal and would also be great on picnics…..a definite repeat!