Real Deal Sesame Noodles

Sesame noodles is a perfect dish for a hot summer night when you don’t feel like standing in front of a hot stove. The nutty savory sauce that has a hint of sweetness and spiciness, it’s always a crowd pleaser. You can simply serve it without any toppings as a side dish. You top it with fresh summer produce and serve it as an appetizer for your grilling party. Or you can load it up with more toppings to serve it as a main. {Vegan, Vegetarian}

Ingredients

• 9 ounces (250 g) dried wheat noodles (, or 1 pound (450 g) fresh wheat noodles (*Footnote 1))
• 1/4 cup Chinese sesame paste ((or unsalted natural peanut butter))
• 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce ((or soy sauce))
• 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup ((or sugar))
• 2 teaspoons homemade chili oil ((or to taste) (*Footnote 2))
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger (, minced)
• 2 cloves garlic (, grated)
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground Sichuan peppercorn powder
• Cucumber (, cut into thin strips (carrot and / or radish))
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

0. Add Chinese sesame paste to a medium size bowl and slowly add 2 tablespoons water, a little at a time. Stir with a spatula until the water is fully incorporated and it forms a smooth paste.
1. One liquid ingredient at a time, add light soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, honey, chili oil, and sesame oil, fully stir to incooperate each ingredient before adding the next one.
2. Add the ginger, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorn powder. Stir to mix well. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.
3. Boil noodles according to instructions. Transfer cooked noodles into a colander, rinse with tap water to stop the cooking. Drain well and transfer to small serving bowls.
4. Serve the noodles with the sauce on the side with toppings of your preference.
5. To eat, assemble your own bowl with any toppings you prefer, add a few spoonsful of the sauce. Mix and enjoy.