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Cold Sesame Noodles Garlic

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

Cold sesame noodles feature a creamy garlic sauce balanced with soy, sesame oil, and chili paste for a savory depth while chilled noodles add a refreshing bite. Topped with crisp cucumber slices lightly salted with chili flakes and finished with optional toasted sesame seeds, this dish layers textures and flavors beautifully. Easy to prepare, these noodles offer a cool, satisfying meal that’s perfect for warm days or quick lunches, allowing you to enjoy deep sesame notes with a mild heat and bright freshness from the cucumber.

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A woman wearing a chef's hat and apron.
Created By Sarah
Last updated on Thu, 17 Jul 2025 20:03:04 GMT
A bowl of noodles with cucumbers and sesame seeds. Save
A bowl of noodles with cucumbers and sesame seeds. | sarahmeal.com

This chilled sesame noodle dish brings together creamy garlic sesame sauce with crisp cucumber for a refreshing and satisfying meal that is perfect on warm days or when you crave something comforting yet light

I first made this while craving something cold and savory during a hot afternoon and now it is my go to for quick dinners when I want flavor without turning on the oven

Ingredients

  • Ramen soba or spaghetti noodles: provide the base and carry the sauce well look for noodles with good bite
  • Chinese sesame paste or tahini: adds a creamy nutty depth choose roasted sesame paste for fuller flavor
  • Garlic: brings essential savory aroma use fresh minced garlic for best results
  • Soy sauce: adds umami and seasoning opt for low sodium if needed
  • Sesame oil: provides fragrance and richness toasted sesame oil is best
  • Sugar: balances the savory and tangy notes
  • Chili garlic sauce: gives mild heat and a touch of acidity
  • Rice vinegar: brightens the sauce with light acidity
  • Water: helps adjust the sauce consistency for coating noodles smoothly
  • Cucumber: adds crunch and freshness use firm cucumbers with thin skin
  • Salt: seasons the cucumber and draws out moisture
  • Chili flakes: add a mild heat sprinkle to taste
  • Toasted sesame seeds: add crunch and nutty finish optional but recommended

Step by Step Instructions

Cook the Noodles:
Boil a large pot of salted water and cook your choice of noodles according to package directions until just tender drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch for a smooth texture
Make the Sesame Garlic Sauce:
In a large mixing bowl whisk together sesame paste minced garlic soy sauce sesame oil sugar chili garlic sauce and rice vinegar add water gradually until the sauce is thick but still pourable
Combine Noodles with Sauce:
Add the chilled noodles into the bowl with the prepared sauce toss thoroughly to ensure each strand is evenly coated with the creamy sesame garlic mixture
Prepare the Cucumber Topping:
In a small bowl combine thinly sliced cucumber with a pinch of salt and chili flakes toss gently to allow the cucumber to release moisture and absorb flavor
Assemble and Serve:
Top the coated noodles with the cucumber mixture and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds if using serve immediately or refrigerate to serve well chilled for deeper flavor
A bowl of noodles with vegetables. Save
A bowl of noodles with vegetables. | sarahmeal.com

My favorite part of this dish is how the sauce clings to each noodle making every bite creamy and savory with the cool crunch of cucumber bringing freshness I often make this on a Sunday and it becomes an easy lunch throughout the week

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days toss with a splash of water before serving to refresh the noodles and loosen the sauce

Ingredient Substitutions

You can use almond butter if you do not have sesame paste though the flavor will differ rice noodles can be used for a gluten free option and a splash of lime can replace rice vinegar if needed

A bowl of noodles with cucumbers and sesame seeds. Save
A bowl of noodles with cucumbers and sesame seeds. | sarahmeal.com

Serving Suggestions

Serve these cold sesame noodles with sliced grilled tofu or edamame for added protein or alongside a crisp Asian inspired cucumber salad for a complete meal

Cultural Context

Cold sesame noodles are a popular dish in Chinese American cuisine offering a cooling alternative to hot noodle dishes especially during warmer months they are loved for their simplicity and satisfying flavors that balance creamy nutty and tangy notes

Common Recipe Questions

→ Can I use tahini instead of Chinese sesame paste?

Yes, tahini can be used, though Chinese sesame paste has a deeper, roasted flavor that adds more richness to the noodles.

→ How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Rinsing noodles under cold water after cooking stops them from sticking by removing excess starch and cooling them quickly.

→ Can I adjust the sauce thickness?

Yes, add 1-2 tablespoons of water gradually to achieve a thick but pourable consistency for easier coating.

→ What type of noodles works best for cold sesame noodles?

Ramen, soba, or spaghetti all work well, allowing the sauce to cling while maintaining a pleasant chewiness.

→ Should I chill the dish before serving?

Chilling the noodles enhances flavor and texture, but you can also serve immediately if you prefer a quicker option.

Cold Sesame Noodles Garlic

Cold noodles with creamy garlic sauce and crisp cucumber for a refreshing, savory bite.

Preparation Time
10 minutes
Cook Time
10 minutes
Total Duration
20 minutes
Created By: Sarah

Recipe Category: Main Dishes

Level of Difficulty: Simple

Cuisine Style: Asian-inspired

Servings Yield: 4 Portion Size (4 servings)

Diet Preferences: Vegan-Friendly, Vegetarian-Friendly, Dairy-Free Option

What You'll Need

→ Noodles and Sauce

Ingredient 01 1 pound ramen, soba, or spaghetti noodles
Ingredient 02 3 tablespoons Chinese sesame paste or tahini
Ingredient 03 2 cloves garlic, minced
Ingredient 04 2 tablespoons soy sauce
Ingredient 05 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Ingredient 06 1 tablespoon sugar
Ingredient 07 1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce
Ingredient 08 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Ingredient 09 1 to 2 tablespoons water, to adjust consistency

→ Topping and Garnish

Ingredient 10 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
Ingredient 11 1 pinch salt
Ingredient 12 1 pinch chili flakes
Ingredient 13 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, optional

How to Make It

Instruction 01

Boil a large pot of salted water and cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.

Instruction 02

In a large bowl, whisk together sesame paste, minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, chili garlic sauce, and rice vinegar. Add water as needed until thick but pourable.

Instruction 03

Add the chilled noodles to the bowl with the sauce and toss until evenly coated.

Instruction 04

In a small bowl, toss sliced cucumber with salt and chili flakes until lightly coated.

Instruction 05

Top the noodles with the cucumber mixture and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until well chilled.

Additional Tips

  1. Rinsing noodles under cold water stops cooking and prevents clumping for a smoother texture.
  2. Chinese sesame paste offers a deeper flavor than tahini due to roasted seeds.
  3. Add water gradually to adjust sauce thickness for easier coating.
  4. Salting cucumber draws out moisture while adding light seasoning.
  5. Chilling the dish enhances flavor development and noodle texture.

Essential Tools

  • Large pot
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Small bowl
  • Strainer

Allergy Details

Always review ingredient labels for allergens, and consult a professional if you're unsure.
  • Contains soy
  • Contains gluten
  • Contains sesame

Nutritional Breakdown (per serving)

These nutritional details are for informational purposes and shouldn't replace medical advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Fat Content: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrate Content: 65 grams
  • Protein Content: 14 grams