10 Minute Sesame Peanut Noodles (VIDEO)

Ingredients for 10-Minute Sesame Peanut Noodles

• 6 oz noodles

Dry Seasonings

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 1/2 tbsp sugar
• 2 cloves garlic grated
• 2 scallions chopped (optional garnish)
• 2 tbsp crushed peanuts (optional garnish)
• 1/4 tsp msg (optional) – I like to use MSG in moderation as a flavor enhancer; this is always optional.

Liquid Seasonings

• 3 tbsp sesame paste: I like to use Chinese sesame paste, which is something I always have in my pantry. Chinese sesame paste is made from toasted sesame seeds, so I find that it has a deeper flavor than tahini or peanut butter.
  • You can substitute with a natural creamy peanut butter (try to avoid any with sugar and do not use the chunky kind!)
  • If you would rather use tahini, I would add a little bit of sesame oil for flavor.
• 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar: I use Chinkiang vinegar, which is fragrant, slightly sweet, and the right amount of sour. As you explore my blog and check out some of my other recipes, you’ll see that I use this ingredient A LOT. If you are interested in cooking a lot of Chinese recipes at home, I would recommend you buy a bottle to add as a pantry staple.
• 2 tbsp light soy sauce – this is “light” or “all-purpose” soy sauce; do not use dark soy sauce, as it is too thick and sweet for this recipe!
• 1/4 cup noodle cooking water – after cooking your noodles, reserve at least 1/4 cup of the water. 1/4 cup of the water will be used to make the sauce.
  • Note – the sauce tends to thicken quickly, so I recommend you reserve more than 1/4 cup, as you may want to use this water to loosen your sauce to your liking.
• chili oil (optional garnish): I like to use my homemade chili oil! I get asked all the time what brand of chili oil is my favorite and I always say – my own! Making your own chili oil ensures that you can control for the quality of the ingredients, as well as customize to your liking. If you’re interested to making chili oil at home, definitely give my recipe a try!

NOTE – If you’re looking for a spicier version of this dish, try my Spicy Peanut Noodles!

Sesame Peanut Noodles: Recipe Instructions

1. Mix the sauce

You’re going to love how simple the recipe for Sesame Peanut Noodles is!

Take a bowl that you will be serving your noodles in. In it, mix together sesame paste, sesame seeds, Chinese black vinegar, light soy sauce, sugar, garlic, optional msg, and optional chili oil. Mix until combined and the sauce is smooth. Set aside.

2. Cook Noodles and Assemble

Cook the noodles of your choice according to the instructions on the package or to your desired doneness (for example – my wife prefers her noodles very al dente, so she is always cooking hers 2 minutes less than the instructions).

In the bowl with the Sesame Peanut Noodles sauce mixture (which you will be serving your noodles), add 1/4 cup of the cooking water – mix, and then add the cooked noodles. Combine the noodles, sauce, and noodle water until the sauce is well incorporated with the noodles. If you find the sauce is too thick, add in a little bit of the reserved noodle water to loosen. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so if you ever need to loosen it, just add a touch more cooking water.

3. Garnish with Toppings

Once the Sesame Peanut Noodles have been mixed to your liking, top with your optional garnishes (scallions, crushed peanuts, and drizzle of chili oil), and enjoy!