Refreshing noodles with sesame sauce, cucumber, carrot, and vibrant herbs for a cool summer main dish.
# Ingredient List:
→ Noodles
01 - 10 oz thin wheat noodles or soba noodles
02 - 1 teaspoon sesame oil
→ Sesame Sauce
03 - 3 tablespoons tahini or smooth peanut butter
04 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce, low-sodium preferred
05 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
06 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
07 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
08 - 1 clove garlic, finely grated
09 - 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
10 - 2 to 3 tablespoons water, as needed
→ Vegetables & Toppings
11 - 1 large cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
12 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
13 - 3 spring onions, thinly sliced
14 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
15 - 1 small bunch fresh cilantro, chopped
16 - 1 small red chili, thinly sliced, optional
17 - Lime wedges, to serve
# Steps:
01 - Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold running water until chilled. Toss noodles with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
02 - In a mixing bowl, combine tahini or peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, toasted sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Whisk until smooth, adding 2 tablespoons water to achieve a pourable consistency. Gradually incorporate additional water if required.
03 - Arrange chilled noodles evenly into individual serving bowls. Generously drizzle each portion with sesame sauce.
04 - Top noodles with cucumber, carrots, and spring onions. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, chopped cilantro, and sliced red chili if desired.
05 - Accompany with lime wedges for squeezing just before eating.