Liang Mian (Chinese Cold Sesame Noodles)

🧂 Ingredients

• 400 g Wheat noodles(Such as fresh ramen noodles, lo mein noodles, or even spaghetti in a pinch. Avoid thin egg noodles as they can become mushy.)
• 60 ml Chinese sesame paste(Crucially, use Chinese sesame paste (芝麻酱, zhīmajiàng), which is made from toasted sesame seeds and has a deeper, nuttier flavor than Middle Eastern tahini. If it has separated, stir well.)
• 3 tbsp Soy sauce(Use regular soy sauce or light soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, use tamari.)
• 2 tbsp Chili oil(Adjust to your spice preference. Store-bought or homemade chili oil with sediment works best for flavor.)
• 2 tbsp Black vinegar(Chinese black vinegar (like Chinkiang vinegar) is preferred for its malty, complex flavor. If unavailable, rice vinegar can be used, but the flavor will be less robust.)
• 1 tbsp Sugar(Granulated sugar or brown sugar.)
• 3 cloves Garlic(Finely minced or grated.)
• 1 medium Cucumber(Julienned into thin matchsticks.)
• 1 tsp Sesame oil(For tossing the cooked noodles, optional but recommended.)
• 2-4 tbsp Hot water(Reserved from cooking the noodles, to adjust sauce consistency.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente (tender but still with a slight bite). This usually takes about 8-10 minutes. Reserve about 1/2 cup (120ml) of the starchy cooking water before draining.

   ⏱️ 10 minutes
2. 2

   Drain the noodles thoroughly and immediately rinse them under cold running water. This stops the cooking process and removes excess starch, preventing them from clumping. Drain very well.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
3. 3

   Optional: Toss the cooled, drained noodles with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking and add a subtle flavor. Set aside.

   ⏱️ 1 minute
4. 4

   Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the Chinese sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil, black vinegar, sugar, and minced garlic. Whisk vigorously until smooth. The mixture will be quite thick at this stage.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
5. 5

   Gradually whisk in 2-4 tablespoons of the reserved hot noodle cooking water, one tablespoon at a time, until the sauce reaches a smooth, pourable consistency, similar to heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed – add more soy sauce for saltiness, vinegar for tang, sugar for sweetness, or chili oil for heat.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes
6. 6

   Add the drained noodles to the bowl with the sauce. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every strand is evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, add another tablespoon of hot water.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
7. 7

   Serve the sauced noodles immediately, or chill them in the refrigerator for about 15-20 minutes for a truly cold noodle experience. Garnish generously with the julienned cucumber and an extra drizzle of chili oil, if desired.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes (for chilling, optional)

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓The quality of the Chinese sesame paste is key to this dish. Look for brands specifically labeled 'Chinese sesame paste' or '芝麻酱'.
• ✓Don't skip rinsing the noodles under cold water; it's essential for achieving the right texture.
• ✓The reserved noodle water is starchy and helps to emulsify the sauce, making it creamier and better able to coat the noodles.
• ✓This dish is best served cold or at room temperature. If chilling, ensure the noodles are well-coated in sauce before refrigerating to prevent them from drying out.
• ✓For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or use a spicier chili oil.

🔄 Variations

• Add shredded cooked chicken or pork for a more substantial meal.
• Incorporate other vegetables like shredded carrots, bean sprouts, or blanched spinach.
• For a different flavor profile, substitute some or all of the Chinese sesame paste with smooth peanut butter (though this will alter the traditional taste).

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving