Cold Sesame Noodles Garlic (Print-Friendly Version)

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

# What You'll Need:

→ Noodles and Sauce

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

→ Topping and Garnish

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

# How to Make It:

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.
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.
03 - Add the chilled noodles to the bowl with the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
04 - In a small bowl, toss sliced cucumber with salt and chili flakes until lightly coated.
05 - Top the noodles with the cucumber mixture and toasted sesame seeds if desired. Serve immediately or refrigerate until well chilled.

# Additional Tips:

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