* Sesame Cold Noodles Recipe

Boil and shock noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil with 1 tablespoon salt. Add dried noodles and cook according to package instructions until just tender (al dente), typically 3–5 minutes for thin wheat noodles. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

While noodles cook, fill a large bowl with 4 cups cold water and ice if you want extra-cold noodles (ice optional).

When noodles are cooked, reserve 2 tablespoons of the cooking water, then immediately drain the noodles in a colander and transfer them to the cold water bath. Agitate gently to stop cooking and chill for 1–2 minutes, then drain thoroughly and transfer to a mixing bowl.

Make the sesame sauce

In a medium bowl, combine 3 tablespoons tahini, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar (or honey), grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk together. The paste will be thick.

Add 2–3 tablespoons warm water a little at a time while whisking until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency that will coat the noodles (adjust water to reach desired thickness). Stir in optional chili crisp or chile oil to taste for heat.

Taste and adjust seasoning: add a splash more soy sauce for saltiness, more rice vinegar for brightness, or a pinch more sugar if needed.

Toss noodles with sauce

Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the drained cold noodles in the mixing bowl. Add the reserved 1–2 tablespoons of noodle cooking water if the noodles seem dry. Toss vigorously with tongs or two forks until noodles are evenly coated and glossy.

Fold in half of the julienned cucumber, half the sliced scallion whites, and all julienned carrot (if using) so vegetables are integrated.

Plate and garnish

Divide the dressed noodles among 2–3 bowls (depending on appetite). Top each portion with remaining cucumber and scallions, chopped cilantro (if using), and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and crispy shallots or crushed peanuts.

Serve with lime wedges alongside to squeeze over just before eating, and additional chili crisp if desired.