If you love takeout sesame noodles but want an easy, homemade version you can make in minutes, this Easy Sesame Noodle takeout style recipe is for you.
These Easy Sesame Noodles are creamy, savory, slightly sweet, and perfectly balanced. The sauce is rich from sesame paste and peanut butter, bright from rice vinegar, and layered with fresh ginger and garlic.
They come together in about 15 minutes and taste just as good warm as they do chilled straight from the fridge.
This is one of those flexible, back-pocket recipes you’ll make again and again.
What You’ll Love About these Easy Sesame Noodles
- Quick & Easy: Ready in about 15 minutes
- Simple Ingredients: Pantry-friendly ingredients
- Meal Prep Friendly: Delicious hot or cold
- Customizable: Easily adjustable to your taste
- Weeknight Idea: Great as a main dish or side
The proportions are forgiving, so you can adjust the sauce depending on how creamy, salty, or spicy you like it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Udon or wheat noodles: Chewy and satisfying, the perfect base for soaking up the sauce
- Soy sauce: Adds deep savory flavor
- Rice vinegar: Brightens and balances the richness
- Sesame paste or tahini: Creates a creamy, nutty base
- Smooth peanut butter: Adds body and subtle sweetness
- Toasted sesame oil: Provides that classic takeout aroma
- Granulated sugar or honey: Balances the savory elements
- Fresh ginger: Adds warmth and freshness
- Fresh garlic: Brings sharp, aromatic depth
- Chile-garlic paste or chile oil: Optional for gentle heat
- Cucumber: Adds cool crunch and contrast
- Roasted peanuts: Provide texture and nuttiness
- Green onions: Fresh, mild bite
- Shredded carrots: Adds color and subtle sweetness
(See the printable recipe card for full list of ingredients)
How to Make Easy Sesame Noodles
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain. If serving cold, rinse briefly under cool water and drain well.
- Make the sauce: In a large bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame paste, peanut butter, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, garlic, and chile paste if using. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add 1 to 3 tablespoons warm water until silky.
- Toss and adjust: Add the noodles to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Taste and adjust with more soy sauce, vinegar, or heat as desired.
- Garnish and serve: Top with cucumber, shredded carrots, green onions, and chopped peanuts. Serve warm or chilled.
Tips & Variations
- Sauce too thick? Thin the sauce as needed. Sesame paste thickens as it sits.
- Add Protein: Make it a meal by adding shredded chicken, baked tofu, or a soft boiled egg.
- Storage: Store leftovers in the fridge up to 24 hours. Add a splash of soy sauce or water before serving to loosen.
- Swap the sesame paste: Chinese sesame paste has a deeper, toastier flavor, but tahini works beautifully.
- Add vegetables: Add extra vegetables like red bell pepper, snap peas, or spinach for more color and nutrients.
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Description
These easy sesame noodles are creamy, savory sesame noodles tossed in a rich peanut-sesame sauce with fresh crunch. Ready in minutes and delicious hot or cold. Perfect skipping the takeout on busy weekday nights.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions until tender. Drain and rinse briefly under cool water if serving cold. Shake off excess water.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame paste, peanut butter, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, garlic and chile paste if using. The sauce should be smooth and creamy. If it feels too thick, add a tablespoon or two of warm water to loosen.
- Add the noodles to the bowl and toss until evenly coated. Adjust seasoning to taste, adding more soy sauce, vinegar or chile oil as desired.
- Transfer to a serving bowl. Top with cucumber, carrots, green onions and chopped peanuts. Serve immediately, or refrigerate and serve chilled.
Notes
- Make it ahead: Best within 24 hours. Toss with a splash of soy sauce or water before serving if it thickens in the fridge.
