Incredibly flavorful Cold Sesame Noodles filled with crunchy veggies and fresh herbs and tossed in a homemade toasted sesame dressing. Sweet, tangy, savory, and a little spicy, this healthy, easy recipe is the perfect summer side dish or easy dinner recipe.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Made with simple, fresh ingredients, this cold sesame noodle salad is one of my favorite quick and easy meals to make when it’s too hot to turn on the oven. The delicious sesame sauce bursts with umami flavor and a bit of zing while the veggies add a delightful crunch.
One of the best parts of this recipe, however, is its versatility. The spice level is adjustable to fit your personal preference, the tempeh can be substituted for shredded chicken or grilled shrimp, and veggies can be added or subtracted until you feel you’ve reached the perfect noodle-to-veggie ratio.
And if you’re cooking for someone with a peanut allergy, this delicious dish makes a great alternative to takeout peanut noodles.
How to Make Cold Sesame Noodles
- Start by making the dressing. Add the canola oil, garlic, low sodium soy sauce, water, white vinegar, honey, toasted sesame oil, lemongrass paste, fish sauce, and lime juice to a large bowl and whisk until fully combined. Set the bowl aside.
- Cook the noodles according to the package directions and chop the vegetables.
- Prepare the tempeh by transferring the chopped tempeh to a large bowl with the liquid smoke, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Gently toss the tempeh to coat it evenly.
- Heat a medium skillet over medium-high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons of oil. Add the tempeh (and the remaining marinade). Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook until the tempeh begins to brown (about 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently). Remove the tempeh from the heat.
- Finally, assemble the salad. In a large bowl, toss the chopped veggies, fresh chopped herbs, and tempeh with the dressing. Add the noodles and gently toss everything together.
How to Serve
These cold sesame noodles are a delicious main dish on their own or can be served family style or as a side dish. They pair well with an additional protein like grilled chicken or a hot accompaniment like soup.
Storage and Freezing
Cold sesame noodles will last in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. They can be enjoyed cold (it’s in the name!) or can be heated up on the stove for variety. I don’t recommend freezing.
Can You Heat Cold Sesame Noodles?
Yes! This dish can be enjoyed hot or cold. That’s the beauty of it–quick and versatile leftovers!
More Delicious Noodle Recipes
If you try making this Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know! I always love to hear your thoughts.
RECIPE CARD
Cold Sesame Noodles Recipe
Ingredients
Dressing:
- ⅓ cup canola oil
- 5 cloves garlic - minced
- 6 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ⅓ cup white vinegar
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 2.5 tablespoon lemongrass paste
- 2 teaspoon fish sauce
- 1 lime juiced
Salad:
- 9.5 ounces soba noodles - or noodle of choice, cooked according to package instructions
- 8 ounces tempeh - roughly chopped into small pieces (I purchase my tempeh from Trader Joe’s)
- 1 tablespoon liquid smoke
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon fish sauce
- 2 red bell pepper - seeded and thinly sliced
- 1 large cucumber - julienned
- 4 large carrots - julienned
- ½ cup fresh cilantro - chopped
- ½ cup green onions - chopped
- ⅓ cup mint - chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the dressing: Place all ingredients in a large bowl and whisk until fully combined. Set aside.
- With the noodles prepared and vegetables chopped, prepare the tempeh. In a large bowl combine chopped tempeh the liquid smoke, soy sauce, and fish sauce. Toss to coat. Heat a medium skillet over medium high heat and add 1-2 tablespoons oil. When oil is hot add tempeh (with remaining marinade) and reduce heat to medium low. Cook for 4-6 minutes, stirring frequently, or until tempeh just barely starts to brown. Remove from heat.
- Prepare the salad: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped vegetables, fresh chopped herbs, and tempeh. Add the dressing and toss to coat. Finally, add the noodles and very gently toss everything together.
Nutritional Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)
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