Cold Sesame Noodles


In our household, Joe always wants Indian food whereas I'm constantly craving Asian food.
I grew up eating the Indian version of Chinese food in India, which was deliciously spicy but not very authentic (Joe is very tickled by the Indian concept of Chinese food, he loves it). Then I moved to the US and embraced the American version of Chinese food. I haven't had it in ages but I still ache for some classic chicken fried rice or some lo mein, every now and then. 

Many of my childhood friends are Chinese and in their homes, I learned to appreciate each of their mom's home cooking which is far tastier and less oilier than the restaurants (one of my favorite dishes is just some tomatoes and scrambled eggs mixed together, served as a side dish with dinner.) 
And on my trip to China, I got to try different cuisines from all different parts of China and pretty much loved them all. 
The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, onions, and garlic is simply scrumptious.


I'm sharing a recipe today from Joe's family. His dad makes some of the best noodle dishes I've ever had. They're complex and flavorful using basic ingredients you probably already have on hand.

The funny part is, the noodles are actually angel hair pasta, since they hold structure better than Asian noodles and are also much thinner and more absorbent, according to Joe's parents. 

The longest part of the whole recipe is boiling the pasta to al dente. Then all you have to do is toss in the ingredients and adjust according to preference.

We've brought this to picnics since it holds up so well--you can serve them in little mason jars, too. We've also made it for bbqs or anything that just needs a carb-y side.


I've spiralized zucchini and mixed it in for a healthier weekday lunch, and sometimes even cracked an egg over the top.

These noodles are addictive and easy! I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
Just as with cooking vs baking, these ingredients are all approximate and according to taste so adjust as you go!

Listen while you bake: Old Thing Back - Matoma Remix

Cold Sesame Noodles

8 ounces angel hair pasta
~2 tablespoons soy sauce
~2 tablespoons sesame oil
~4 garlic cloves finely minced and lightly toasted in a pan*
~1 tsp chili oil or red pepper flakes
~1 tablespoon vinegar
~pinch of sugar
~2 tablespoons finely chopped green onions, reserve some for garnish
~Ground peanuts (optional)

Follow instructions on the pasta box and cook the pasta to al dente.
Drain well and then toss the rest of the ingredients with the pasta in a large bowl.
Adjust ingredients according to taste.
Let the flavors meld for about 30 minutes to an hour before eating.

*Burnt garlic is gross. Watch the stove! Free free to simply use fresh garlic but it can be spicy at first--it will mellow out by the following day.


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