Craving a refreshing and lightning-fast meal that'll transport your taste buds straight to the vibrant streets of Asia? Look no further than this irresistible Asian Sesame Noodle Salad! In just 15 minutes, you'll create a colorful, flavor-packed dish that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrition. Perfect for busy weeknights, summer potlucks, or when you want a quick lunch that doesn't compromise on taste, this recipe is about to become your new go-to culinary secret weapon.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 5 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Asian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 cup red cabbage, shredded
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup sesame oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add a pinch of salt to the water for flavor.
- Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package instructions, typically 4-5 minutes, until they are al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While noodles are cooking, prepare an ice bath in a large bowl with cold water and ice cubes. This will help stop the cooking process and cool the noodles quickly.
- Once noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and immediately transfer to the ice bath to halt cooking and cool them down rapidly.
- In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, and rice vinegar to create the dressing. Mix thoroughly until well combined.
- Drain the cooled noodles completely and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
- In a large serving bowl, combine the noodles, shredded carrots, shredded red cabbage, and sliced green onions.
- Pour the prepared dressing over the noodle and vegetable mixture. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure even coating.
- Sprinkle sesame seeds over the salad for added texture and garnish.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld together before serving chilled.
Tips
- Noodle Selection: Choose thin wheat noodles, soba, or rice noodles for the most authentic texture and flavor.
- Ice Bath Technique: The ice bath is crucial for stopping the cooking process and preventing mushy noodles. Don't skip this step!
- Dressing Pro Tip: Whisk the dressing ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth, well-integrated flavor profile.
- Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, or edamame for extra crunch and nutrition.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling for a few hours, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Protein Boost: Add grilled chicken, tofu, or shrimp to turn this into a more substantial meal.
- Garnish Generously: Toast the sesame seeds lightly before sprinkling for enhanced nutty flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 0mg
