Sesame Peanut Noodles
Sesame Peanut Noodles are a quick and easy dish to make that compliments any Asian inspired meal….takes just minutes and has lots of flavor. Goes very nicely with stir fry veggies or any meat dish.
Cook noodles according to package. Drain and put in serving bowl. Mix in peanut sauce, sesame oil and scallions. Top with peanuts and sesame seeds and serve immediately. Add soy sauce to taste.
Ingredients:
8 ounce package Lo Mein Noodles
½ cup peanut sauce*
1 tbsp sesame oil
4 scallions, sliced
2 tbsp peanuts, finely chopped
1 tsp sesame seeds
Soy sauce to taste
* See recipe for Peanut Sauce under Condiments and Sauces category.
Serves 2
Why I Love These Noodles
Some nights I want dinner on the table in the time it takes to boil water, and these noodles are my answer. They are salty, nutty and just a little bit sweet, and they come together with only a handful of ingredients. I make them as a side for stir fry nights, but I will also happily eat a big bowl on their own for lunch. They are one of those recipes my family never seems to get tired of.
Tips for Success
- Do not overcook the noodles. Lo mein noodles cook quickly. Take them off the heat when they are tender but still have a little bite so they hold up to the sauce.
- Toss while warm. Warm noodles soak up the peanut sauce and sesame oil much better than cold ones, so mix everything together right after draining.
- Toast the sesame seeds. Shake them in a dry skillet over medium heat for a minute or two until golden and fragrant. Watch closely since they go from toasted to burnt in a flash.
- Save a splash of pasta water. If the sauce feels too thick to coat the noodles, a tablespoon or two of the cooking water loosens it right up.
- Add soy sauce last. Peanut sauce can already be fairly salty, so taste first and then add soy sauce a little at a time.
Ingredient Swaps and Variations
If you cannot find lo mein noodles, spaghetti or linguine make a great stand in. Rice noodles work well too. I love to toss in whatever crunchy vegetables I have in the refrigerator, such as shredded carrots, thinly sliced cucumber, red bell pepper strips or snow peas. A squeeze of lime brightens everything up. For a heartier meal, top the noodles with cubes of baked tofu, grilled chicken or shrimp. If you like a little heat, a drizzle of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes does the trick. Chopped cashews can stand in for the peanuts too.
Hot or Cold?
The recipe is written to serve immediately while the noodles are warm, and that is how I like them best for dinner. That said, these noodles are also wonderful chilled. They make a great addition to a summer picnic or a packed lunch. If you plan to serve them cold, hold off on the peanuts until just before serving so they stay crunchy.
Make Ahead and Storage
Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The noodles will soak up the sauce as they sit, so stir in a little warm water, an extra spoonful of peanut sauce or a few drops of sesame oil to loosen them before serving. Reheat gently in the microwave or enjoy them cold straight from the refrigerator.
What to Pair It With
These noodles go with just about any Asian inspired dish. Try them next to a vegetable stir fry, teriyaki chicken, grilled salmon, or a simple plate of steamed broccoli and edamame.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these noodles ahead for a party?
Yes. Toss the noodles with the sauce, sesame oil and scallions up to a day ahead and refrigerate them. Add the peanuts and sesame seeds right before you set them out.
How do I keep the noodles from clumping?
Drain them well and toss them with the sesame oil and sauce right away. If they sit plain in the colander, they stick together quickly. A quick rinse under warm water loosens them if they do.
Can I make it for a crowd?
Yes. The recipe doubles or triples easily. Use a large pot for the noodles so they have plenty of room to cook evenly.
Are these noodles safe for someone with a nut allergy?
No. Peanuts are in both the sauce and the topping, so this dish is not a good fit for anyone with a peanut allergy.
Sesame Peanut Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- Cook the noodles according to the package directions.
- Drain the noodles and put them in a serving bowl.
- Mix in the peanut sauce, sesame oil and scallions.
- Top with the chopped peanuts and sesame seeds.
- Add soy sauce to taste and serve immediately.
Notes
Mandy
I started this blog after my daughter came home from a year in Paris and reunited me with my passion for cooking. Here you will find what comes out of our weekly test kitchen plus my tried and true favorites.
Are they as good as Spicy cold from LuLu’s? You NEED to replicate that recipe for me 🙂 Thanks for all the good cooking!
Nothing compares to Lulus cold and spicy!! As much as I may try….
we should try and replicate that recipe!!