Name: Sesame Noodles
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 23 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1 pound fresh egg noodles; 1 cup green onions, sliced; 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (plus more for garnish); 3 tablespoons chopped peanuts (optional, plus more for garnish); For the Sauce:; 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce; 1 tablespoon light soy sauce; 1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger; 1 garlic clove, minced; 2 teaspoons sugar or honey; 2 tablespoons peanut butter; 1 tablespoon sesame paste (or tahini); 2 teaspoons garlic chili paste

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Sesame Noodles are a flavorful, creamy, and slightly spicy dish tossed in a rich peanut-sesame sauce. Perfectly balanced between savory, tangy, and nutty, these noodles are incredibly versatile—delicious served warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Whether you’re enjoying them as a quick lunch, a weeknight dinner, or a standout side dish, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These noodles come together in under 30 minutes, require minimal cooking, and use simple pantry ingredients. The sauce is ultra-creamy thanks to the combination of peanut butter and sesame paste, with a touch of heat from garlic chili paste. It’s easy to customize with add-ins like veggies or protein and tastes just as good cold as it does hot—perfect for leftovers or meal prep.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Noodles:
1 pound fresh egg noodles
1 cup green onions, sliced
2 tablespoons sesame seeds (plus more for garnish)
3 tablespoons chopped peanuts (optional, plus more for garnish)

For the Sauce:
1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
1 tablespoon light soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons fresh grated ginger
1 garlic clove, minced
2 teaspoons sugar or honey
2 tablespoons peanut butter
1 tablespoon sesame paste (or tahini)
2 teaspoons garlic chili paste

Directions

Cook the egg noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking.
In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients until smooth and creamy. Adjust consistency with a splash of water if needed.
Place the cooked noodles in a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss thoroughly to coat.
Add sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and chopped peanuts (if using). Toss again to combine.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Garnish with extra sesame seeds and peanuts just before serving.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 395 kcal per serving

Variations

Add Protein: Top with grilled chicken, tofu, or a soft-boiled egg for a heartier meal.
Spicy Version: Increase the garlic chili paste or add a drizzle of chili oil.
Vegetable Boost: Toss in shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, bell peppers, or steamed broccoli.
Noodle Swap: Use rice noodles, soba noodles, or spaghetti if egg noodles aren’t available.
Nut-Free Option: Substitute sunflower seed butter for peanut butter and omit the chopped peanuts.
Lime Twist: Add a splash of lime juice or zest for a citrusy pop.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover sesame noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. They’re best enjoyed cold or at room temperature, but can be gently reheated in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Stir frequently while reheating to maintain a creamy texture.

FAQs

Can I use dry noodles instead of fresh?

Yes. Use 8–10 ounces of dried noodles like spaghetti or linguine and cook according to package instructions.

Is this dish vegan?

Yes, as long as you use plant-based sweeteners like sugar or maple syrup and ensure all sauces are vegan-friendly.

What’s the difference between sesame paste and tahini?

Asian sesame paste is made from toasted sesame seeds and has a deeper, nuttier flavor. Tahini is milder but works well as a substitute.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. The sauce can be made up to 4 days in advance and stored in the fridge. Just stir before using.

Can I use natural peanut butter?

Yes, but make sure it’s well stirred and smooth. Natural peanut butter may make the sauce slightly thinner.

Is this dish good for meal prep?

Yes. It keeps well in the fridge and tastes great cold, making it ideal for lunches and busy weeknights.

Can I freeze sesame noodles?

Freezing is not recommended, as the texture of the noodles and sauce may change after thawing.

How do I make the sauce less spicy?

Reduce or omit the garlic chili paste. You can also add a bit more peanut butter or sesame paste to mellow the heat.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes. Use gluten-free noodles and substitute soy sauces with tamari or coconut aminos.

What can I serve with sesame noodles?

Serve with a side of steamed or stir-fried vegetables, dumplings, or a light cucumber salad.

Conclusion

Sesame Noodles are a quick, crave-worthy dish that’s both comforting and versatile. Whether you serve them warm for dinner or cold from the fridge for lunch, their creamy, flavorful sauce and satisfying texture make them a repeat-worthy favorite. Easy to make, endlessly customizable, and always delicious—this recipe is a must-have in your meal rotation.

Jessica