Sesame Noodles

A close-up shot of creamy sesame noodles served in a patterned bowl, garnished with crushed peanuts, chili oil, and julienned cucumber for freshness.
These Sesame Noodles are nutty, savory, and just a little spicy. Tossed in a creamy sesame and peanut butter sauce, they’re refreshing, satisfying, and ready in under 15 minutes.
Watch me make Sesame Noodles
Servings: 1 serving
Prep: 5 minutes
Cook: 7 minutes
Total: 12 minutes
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Ingredients 

Noodles & Sauce

  • 6 oz noodles, see note 1
  • 2 tablespoons sesame paste
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons reserved noodle water

Optional Garnish

  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Crushed peanuts
  • Chili oil

Instructions 

  • Boil the noodles 1 minute before al dente and reserve some noodle water.
  • In a bowl, whisk sesame paste, peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, and noodle water until smooth.
  • Toss the noodles in the sauce until evenly coated.
  • Plate and garnish with cucumbers, peanuts, and chili oil if desired.

Notes

(1) I used Korean udon, but any noodle type works, such as udon and even spaghetti noodles!

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingCalories: 940kcalCarbohydrates: 84gProtein: 22gFat: 56g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

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Sesame Noodles Are The Ultimate No-Cook Summer Noodle

Sesame Noodles are the perfect answer to hot days and lazy nights. They’re bold, creamy, and come together with pantry staples you probably already have. The sesame paste gives it a deep, nutty base, while peanut butter rounds it out with richness. Toss it all with soy, garlic, and a splash of sriracha, and you’ve got something that feels both refreshing and satisfying.

Chopsticks lifting a serving of creamy sesame noodles from the bowl, highlighting the rich sauce and garnished with fresh cucumber and crushed peanuts.
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Why This Recipe Is on Repeat

This dish is fast, flexible, and endlessly slurpable. You can use any noodle you have on hand, and it keeps well as leftovers too. It’s great for meal prep, lunchboxes, or a quick dinner that doesn’t require turning on the stove for long. Add a protein or keep it simple. It’s delicious either way!


Ingredients for Cold Sesame Noodles

You only need a few flavorful ingredients to pull this off. The combination of sesame paste and peanut butter creates the creamy base, while soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, and garlic give it depth. A touch of sriracha adds just enough kick, and the reserved noodle water brings it all together.

Noodles & Sauce

  • 6 oz noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame paste
  • 1 tablespoon peanut butter
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sriracha
  • 2 tablespoons reserved noodle water

Optional Garnish

  • Sliced cucumbers
  • Crushed peanuts
  • Chili oil

How to Make Sesame Noodles

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start by boiling your noodles until just shy of al dente. Reserve 2 tablespoons of the cooking water before draining.

In a mixing bowl, combine sesame paste, peanut butter, soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sugar, vinegar, sesame oil, sriracha, and reserved noodle water. Stir or whisk until smooth and creamy.

Soy sauce being poured into a mixing bowl filled with creamy sesame paste and a spoonful of peanut butter, the foundational ingredients for a rich noodle sauce.

Toss the cooked noodles into the bowl and mix until every strand is coated in the sauce.

Udon noodles thoroughly tossed in a rich sesame and peanut sauce, glistening and ready to be plated, sitting in a stainless steel mixing bowl.

Plate your noodles and top with sliced cucumbers, crushed peanuts, and a drizzle of chili oil for extra flavor and crunch.


Tips and Variations

Can I Make This in Advance?

Yes. This dish holds up well in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Add a splash of water to loosen the sauce before serving.

What Kind of Noodles Work Best?

Udon, ramen, soba, spaghetti, or even instant noodles all work well. Just avoid super delicate noodles that break easily.


Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this dish vegan?
It already is! Just double-check that your noodles and sriracha don’t contain animal products.

How do I make it spicier?
Add more sriracha or finish with extra chili oil or chili crisp on top.

What if I don’t have sesame paste?
You can sub with tahini or just use more peanut butter. The flavor will be slightly different but still great.


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About Mitchell Masuda

I'm a home (and self-taught) cook based in New York sharing easy, delicious, and approachable Asian food recipes!

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