Asian Peanut Sesame Noodles – These Asian-style noodles are piled with colorful vegetables and coated in a creamy, flavorful peanut-sesame dressing. Quick to prepare and versatile, this sesame noodle dish is ready in under 30 minutes and works warm or chilled.
Sesame noodles are one of my favorite vegetarian meals to make at home. They’re savory, satisfying, and easily customized—swap in your preferred vegetables, dial the heat up or down, and serve them warm or cold. This recipe also stores well, making it ideal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or picnics.
Sesame Noodles Ingredients
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Soba noodles or spaghetti – choose your favorite; use gluten-free pasta if needed.
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Broccoli florets – cauliflower also works well.
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Red bell pepper – any color is fine.
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Carrots – peeled and cut into matchsticks or use pre-shredded.
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Scallions – thinly sliced.
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Cilantro – chopped; substitute parsley if you prefer.
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Mint – fresh and chopped.
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Sesame seeds – lightly toasted for extra flavor and crunch.
Asian Peanut Sesame Dressing Ingredients
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Peanut butter – creamy is recommended.
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Mild oil – avocado, canola, vegetable, or mild olive oil.
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Tahini – sesame paste adds depth and richness.
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Soy sauce – low-sodium or tamari for gluten-free.
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Rice vinegar – white wine vinegar can substitute.
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Honey – balances the savory elements.
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Sesame oil – toasted sesame oil for that nutty aroma.
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Fish sauce – optional but recommended for umami; you can omit for a vegetarian version.
How To Make Asian Peanut Sesame Noodles
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Make the dressing: Combine all dressing ingredients in a bowl and whisk until smooth, or place them in a jar, seal, and shake until combined.
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Prep the vegetables: Slice and measure all vegetables and herbs so everything is ready when the pasta finishes cooking.
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Cook the noodles: Boil salted water and cook the noodles according to package directions. In the final minute, add the broccoli to blanch and preserve its bright color. Drain pasta and broccoli.
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Toss together: While still warm, toss the noodles and broccoli with the dressing. Add bell pepper, carrots, scallions, cilantro, and mint. Toss gently to combine so the dressing coats everything evenly.
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Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and serve immediately, or chill and serve later.
What Kind Of Noodles To Use
Most noodles work well in this recipe. Popular options include:
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Udon – thick, soft, and chewy wheat noodles.
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Ramen-style – thin, slightly curly noodles; use the noodles from instant packs if you like.
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Soba – buckwheat-based Japanese noodles with a nutty flavor.
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Spaghetti or linguine – pantry staples that work perfectly in a pinch.
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Gluten-free pasta – a great choice for gluten-free diners.
Possible Variations
This recipe is very adaptable—use it to clean out the fridge. A few variation ideas:
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Veggies: cauliflower, snow peas, edamame, cucumber, asparagus.
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Protein: tofu, cooked chicken, shrimp, or steak.
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Crunch: sliced almonds, chopped peanuts, or cashews.
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Extra flavor: fresh grated ginger, chili-garlic sauce, or sriracha for heat.
Make-Ahead and Storage
Yes—these sesame noodles keep well. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2–3 days. If they dry out, toss with a little oil or vegetable broth to refresh the texture before serving.
Asian Peanut Sesame Noodles
Kathy McDaniel
Pin
Ingredients
- 1 pound soba noodles or spaghetti (use GF if needed)
- 2 cups broccoli florets
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup carrots, matchsticks (or shredded)
- 4 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
- 2 – 3 tablespoons mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
For the Peanut Sesame Dressing
- 1/4 cup mild oil
- 1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 3 tablespoons tahini
- 1/2 cup soy sauce or tamari
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fish sauce (optional)
Instructions
To Make the Peanut Sesame Dressing
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Place all dressing ingredients in a jar and shake, or whisk together in a bowl until smooth.
The Noodles
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Cook the noodles according to package directions. In the last minute of cooking, add the broccoli florets. Drain pasta and broccoli and transfer to a large bowl.
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While still warm, toss the noodles and broccoli with the dressing. Add red pepper, carrots, scallions, cilantro, and mint. Toss gently to combine, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve.
Nutrition
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This recipe was posted as part of the Winter Games Series. Several food bloggers contributed dishes inspired by countries participating in the event.
These Asian noodles represent China and are wonderfully addictive when tossed in the peanut-sesame dressing.