Cold Asian Sesame Noodle Salad
Cold noodles tossed in a savory sesame dressing with light and dark soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, scallions, julienned red peppers, toasted sesame seeds, and gentle chili warmth. Balanced, clean, and perfect as a side dish or light meal.
Equipment
- Colander
- Large mixing bowl
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Dry sauté pan
Ingredients
Noodles
- 1 pound spaghetti lo mein noodles, or Chinese wheat noodles
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt for cooking water
- 1 tablespoon canola oil
Salad Mix Ins
- 1 large red bell pepper julienned
- 6 scallions thinly sliced on a bias
- 3 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
Sesame Dressing
- ¼ cup light soy sauce
- ¼ cup dark soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¼ cup canola oil
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 –2 teaspoons sambal oelek
- ¼ teaspoon white pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and season with 1 tablespoon kosher salt.
- Cook 1 pound noodles according to package directions until al dente, approximately 7–9 minutes, leaving a slight chew.
- Drain the noodles and rinse briefly under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess surface starch.
- Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon canola oil and allow them to cool completely.
- Place a dry sauté pan over medium heat and toast 3 tablespoons sesame seeds for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Remove immediately.
- In a mixing bowl whisk together ¼ cup light soy sauce, ¼ cup dark soy sauce, 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, ¼ cup canola oil, 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, 1–2 teaspoons sambal oelek, and ¼ teaspoon white pepper until lightly emulsified.
- Add cooled noodles to a large mixing bowl with 1 julienned red bell pepper and 6 sliced scallions.
- Pour dressing over the noodles and toss thoroughly until evenly coated.
- Fold in 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds, reserving the remaining 1 tablespoon for garnish.
- Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving and garnish with reserved sesame seeds.
Notes
Thin spaghetti works surprisingly well if Chinese wheat noodles are unavailable.
Dressing may tighten after refrigeration; toss lightly before serving.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
The flavor improves after resting for 30–60 minutes.
Dressing may tighten after refrigeration; toss lightly before serving.
Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a complete meal.
The flavor improves after resting for 30–60 minutes.
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