Sesame Noodles

Name: Sesame Noodles
Prep time: 25 min
Cook time: 45 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Yield: 4 to 6
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 400 g wheat noodles; 3 tbsp sesame paste; 1 tbsp soy sauce; 1 tsp vinegar; 1 cucumber; 1 tsp chili oil; to taste fine sea salt

25 minutes prep 45 minutes cook Serves 4 to 6 vegetarian

Sesame Noodles, a staple of Beijing summers, is a dish that thrives in the heat, when noodles cool and flavors meld effortlessly. Traditionally prepared by hand, this home version captures the essence of a Chinese family kitchen, where salt is judged intuitively and a generous hand with fat ensures a satisfying richness. It's a meal meant for sharing, laid out on a table that welcomes friends and family alike.

The dish offers a silky texture, with wheat noodles cloaked in a creamy sesame paste that's lifted by a splash of soy sauce and vinegar. A hint of chili oil brings a gentle heat, while crisp cucumber slices provide a refreshing bite. Each mouthful balances savory and nutty flavors, creating an irresistible combination that beckons you to savor every bite.

Ingredients

400 gwheat noodles
3 tbspsesame paste
1 tbspsoy sauce
1 tspvinegar
1cucumber
1 tspchili oil
to tastefine sea salt

Method

Start by preparing all your ingredients. Peel the cucumber and cut it into thin julienne strips. This will add a refreshing crunch to the dish. In a small bowl, mix together 3 tbsp of sesame paste, 1 tbsp of soy sauce, and 1 tsp of vinegar. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined, as this will be the sauce that coats the noodles.
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 400 g of wheat noodles to the boiling water. Cook the noodles until they are tender but still have a slight bite, which should be about the texture of al dente pasta. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch. This will also cool the noodles, making them perfect for a cold dish.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the sesame sauce. Toss the noodles until they are evenly coated with the sauce. This ensures that every strand of noodle is flavorful.
Add the julienned cucumber to the noodles and gently toss to combine. The cucumber should be evenly distributed throughout the dish, providing a crisp texture with each bite.
Drizzle 1 tsp of chili oil over the noodles for a hint of heat. Adjust the amount to your taste preference. The chili oil will add a subtle spice that complements the nutty sesame flavor.
Taste the noodles and add fine sea salt to taste, if needed. The salt should enhance the flavors without overpowering them. Mix well to ensure the salt is evenly distributed.
Transfer the sesame noodles to a serving platter. Arrange them neatly, and serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, with the noodles at room temperature and the flavors well mingled.