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If there’s one thing I reach for over and over in the summer when the days are busy and too hot to cook, it’s this easy Sesame Noodles recipe. It’s fast, flavorful, and super versatile. Whether you’re serving it up as a main course for lunch or dinner, or letting it shine as a chilled side dish at your next backyard BBQ, these cold sesame noodles always deliver.

Why I Love This Recipe
I love recipes that taste like they took hours to make but are actually done in 20 minutes flat, this one’s exactly that. It’s packed with flavor thanks to a dreamy, nutty, slightly spicy peanut-sesame sauce that clings to every strand of chewy noodles.
Even better? It tastes amazing hot, warm, or straight from the fridge. Which means it’s the ultimate make-ahead meal. Picky eaters? No problem. Want to jazz it up with veggies or leftover chicken breast? You can! These noodles play well with just about everything.

Key Ingredients You Will Need
Here’s a quick look at what you need to make this dish and some easy swaps if you’re missing an ingredient.
- Egg Noodles – I love using dried lo mein noodles, but if you can find fresh hokkien or egg noodles, even better. Any type of long noodle works: spaghetti, ramen, soba, or even linguine in a pinch.
- Soy Sauce – I use both dark soy sauce and light soy sauce for depth, but you can use just light soy sauce if that’s what you have. Liquid Aminos or coconut aminos are great allergy-friendly substitutes for soy sauce, as well.
- Rice Vinegar – Rice vinegar adds the perfect tangy kick. Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar make great stand-ins.
- Sesame Oil – Toasted sesame oil brings that signature nutty flavor. Don’t skip it! But in a pinch, any neutral oil with a drizzle of tahini can help mimic the taste.
- Peanut Butter – Smooth or crunchy peanut butter both work. Almond butter or sunflower seed butter will do the trick if you need a peanut-free option.
- Chinese Sesame Paste – Chinese sesame paste is rich and deep, but tahini is a fantastic and easier-to-find alternative. No sesame paste? Just bump up the peanut butter a little more.
- Garlic and Ginger – Fresh is best, but jarred ginger or ground ginger will do if that’s what’s in your pantry.
- Garlic Chili Paste (Sambal Oelek or Sriracha) – Totally optional if you like it mild, but adds a nice zing. Try crushed red pepper flakes or your favorite chili oil if that’s more your speed.
- Green Onions and Sesame Seeds – For crunch and brightness. Sub in chives or even thinly sliced red onion if needed.
- Crushed Peanuts (optional) – Totally optional, but adds a great texture. Cashews or sesame sticks work too!
For the full ingredient list and measurements, see the recipe card below.

How to Make Sesame Noodles
This recipe comes together in three easy steps:
- Cook the Noodles – Boil according to the package instructions. Rinse quickly after draining to stop the cooking and keep them from sticking.
- Mix the Sauce – Whisk together the sauce ingredients in a bowl until smooth. A mini food processor or blender makes it even easier if you’re feeling fancy.
- Toss It All Together – Combine the cooked noodles, green onions, sesame seeds, and peanuts (if using) with the sauce in a large bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated. Garnish with extra sesame seeds for that finishing touch.
Serve warm, room temp, or chilled, it’s all good.

How to Store Leftovers
These sesame noodles store like a dream! Just pop them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. I actually love them even more the next day when all the flavors have had time to meld.
If they seem a little dry after sitting in the fridge, just splash in a little warm water or extra soy sauce and give them a quick toss.

Sesame Noodle Variations
These noodles are basically a blank canvas, so get creative! Here are a few ideas to round out your meal:
- Shredded rotisserie chicken
- Steamed or roasted shrimp
- Sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, or bell peppers
- Edamame or snap peas
- Fried tofu cubes
What I Serve with Sesame Noodles
- Asian Cucumber Salad – crisp, cool, and refreshing
- Grilled Teriyaki Chicken Skewers – savory and sweet flavors that pair beautifully
- Miso Glazed Salmon – for a protein-packed dinner
- Spicy Mango Slaw – for a little crunch and sweet heat
Whether you need a quick weeknight dinner, a flavorful lunch that beats any takeout, or a crowd-pleasing side dish for your summer parties, these cold sesame noodles totally deliver.
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Sesame Noodles Recipe

Equipment
- saucepan
- Strainer
- whisk
Ingredients
- 1 pound fresh egg noodles
- 1 cup green onions, sliced
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds, plus more for garnish
- 3 tablespoons chopped peanuts, optional, plus more for garnish
For the Sauce:
- 1 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon light soy sauce
- 1 ½ tablespoon 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 tablespoons sesame paste , or tahini
- 2 teaspoon garlic chili paste
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and then rinse briefly to keep them from sticking together.
- Add all the sauce ingredients to a small bowl and whisk until smooth.
- Place the noodles in a large bowl and top with the sauce. Toss to coat the noodles then add green onions, sesame seeds and peanuts, if using. Toss again gently to combine.
- Garnish with additional sesame seeds. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Noodle Options: Fresh egg noodles or hokkien noodles work best for texture, but dried lo mein or even spaghetti will do in a pinch. Rinse noodles briefly after cooking to prevent sticking.
- Soy Sauce Swap: Don’t have dark soy sauce? You can use all light soy or all-purpose soy sauce instead. The flavor will still be delicious!
- Peanut Butter Substitute: Almond butter or sunflower seed butter can be used if you’re avoiding peanuts. The flavor will be slightly different but still creamy and nutty.
- No Sesame Paste? No problem! Tahini works great and is easier to find. If you’re out of both, just add a little extra peanut butter.
- Adjust the Spice: Use more or less chili paste to suit your heat preference. A drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes also works!
- Make It a Meal: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or a handful of your favorite veggies for a more filling main dish.
- Serve Hot or Cold: These noodles are delicious warm, room temperature, or cold straight from the fridge—perfect for meal prep or summer picnics!
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.