Cold Sesame Noodles (“Má Jiàng Miàn”; Northern China)
Equipment
- Normal Kitchen Utensils
Ingredients
- 8 Oz. Wheat Noodles, Linguini or Spaghetti
- 1 Cucumber Julienned
- 1-2 Scallions (Green Onions) Finely Chopped
- 2 Tbsp Chinese Sesame Paste, Peanut Butter or Tahini
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Chinese Black Vinegar or Rice Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1-2 tsp Sugar
- 1 Clove Garlic Minced
- 1 tsp Chili Oil
- Sesame Seeds For Garnish
- Cilantro For Garnish (Optional)
Instructions
- Boil the Noodles per package directions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to chill them.8 Oz. Wheat Noodles, Linguini or Spaghetti
- While the pasta boils, make the sauce. Mix the sesame paste (or peanut butter or tahini), soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, sugar, garlic and 2 Tbsp of water.2 Tbsp Chinese Sesame Paste, Peanut Butter or Tahini, 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp Chinese Black Vinegar or Rice Vinegar, 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil, 1-2 tsp Sugar, 1 Clove Garlic, 1 tsp Chili Oil
- Toss the cooked noodles with the sauce until well combined. If necessary, add some extra cold water, 1 Tbsp at a time, until the sauce loosens into a workable consistency.
- You can either serve this dish right away at room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator for a half hour until it is nice and cold (my preference).
- Before serving, check the sauce consistency and add water, 1 Tbsp at a time, as needed. Serve topped with cucumber, scallions, sesame seeds and (optional) cilantro.1 Cucumber, 1-2 Scallions (Green Onions), Sesame Seeds, Cilantro
Why I Love Chinese Cold Sesame Noodles
I have to admit, I’m a huge snacker, and cold pasta straight from the fridge is a personal weakness. Chinese Cold Sesame Noodles are a perfect solution for this craving! They’re a dish that’s totally acceptable to eat cold. Plus, they’re incredibly easy to prepare in advance and keep in the fridge for when hunger strikes. No reheating, no fuss. Just grab a bowl and enjoy!
The Origins of Cold Sesame Noodles
This recipe has its roots in northern China, where cold noodle dishes are common, especially during the hot summer months. In fact, cold noodles are often a go-to street food, offering a refreshing and satisfying meal without the need for a hot stove. The use of sesame paste in the sauce gives the dish a nutty, rich flavor, and while Chinese sesame paste is traditional, peanut butter has become a popular substitute in modern variations. The dish gained popularity during the 20th century as a quick, affordable meal for workers, but its history likely stretches back centuries due to the use of simple, widely available ingredients like wheat noodles and sesame.
Simple and Customizable
Another thing I love about this dish is how customizable it can be. You can add veggies like cucumber or carrots for some crunch, or even toss in some protein like tofu or chicken if you want to make it more filling. The sauce is savory, nutty, and just a little tangy, making it perfect for pairing with all kinds of flavors. It’s one of those dishes that’s ready in no time but tastes like it took much more effort.
Try Another Cold Favorite
If you enjoyed this dish, you should check out some other classic cold savory dishes, like Chinese Sour Spicy Cold Noodles or Korean Oi Muchim (cucumber salad). They’re just as easy to prepare, and just as tasty!
Some content generated with the help of ChatGPT | OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/
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