Easy Chinese Sesame Noodles
Chinese New Year is coming up and I wanted to share a couple Chinese/Asian recipes these next few weeks for you guys to make during the holiday. Noodles are a must on Chinese New Year as it symbolizes longevity and happiness. These SUPER easy classic Chinese sesame noodles are delicious, traditional, simple, comforting, and insanely fast to whip up. They remind me of all the times I would order sesame noodles on the streets in Taiwan, especially during the summer months.
You can use spaghetti noodles if you can’t find Asian wheat noodles or soba noodles (but they are super common and easy to find at the Asian grocery store). This recipe calls for Chinese sesame paste, which is not the same as tahini. Chinese sesame paste is made from toasted whole sesame seeds, which gives it a richer, nuttier flavor and darker color. You can buy it at the Asian grocery store, but if you can’t find it, you can use tahini, or half tahini and half peanut butter.
To make these noodles, all you have to do is make the sauce while the noodles are cooking, drain the noodles, add it to the sauce, and mix until evenly combined. You can top it with julienned carrots and cucumbers as well to add some fresh veggies and crunch. This meal can be done in 10 minutes and is perfect for those busy nights where you just want something tasty and comforting. If you want to make it gluten-free, make sure you buy soba noodles that are 100% made from buckwheat flour.
These easy Chinese sesame noodles are not only great for Chinese New Year, but delicious any day! They are so comforting and homey. If you make it, please tag me @nutsaboutgreens on Instagram and leave a comment below!
Easy Chinese Sesame Noodles
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Chinese sesame paste (or tahini, look at notes above)
- 1 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2-1 tsp chili garlic sauce (or chili oil)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tsp black vinegar
- 2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 stalks green scallion, sliced thinly (green onion)
- 8 oz wheat noodles (or soba noodles)
- toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions.
- While the noodles are cooking, make the sauce. In a large bowl, mix together the sesame paste, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, garlic, black vinegar, and sesame oil. Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Once noodles are done, drain them and give it a light rinse. Make sure it is well drained and add it to the bowl with the sauce. Add the scallions. Use tongs and toss the noodles with the sauce until everything is evenly coated. It’s easier to do when the noodles are warm. Serve and top with some toasted sesame seeds and extra chopped scallions. Enjoy warm or cold! You can add some julienned carrots and cucumbers on top too!
