Sesame Noodles Salad

May I introduce to you, my friend, my delicious Sesame Noodles Salad (some may call it Tahini Noodle Salad though…). I’ve been working on this recipe for a little while, and feel the key is getting the dressing right (which is the bit that’s been taking me a little while to perfect). Anyway, here it is! Enjoy (oh, and if you have any feedback, please do let me know x).

What Country is Sesame Noodles From?

Sesame noodles, also known as ‘sesame cold noodles’ or ‘sesame peanut noodles’, do not originate from a single specific country. They are however a very popular dish in Asian cuisine and can be found in various forms in different Asian countries.

One of the most well-known versions is often associated with Chinese cuisine, particularly in Sichuan and Shandong provinces, where they are known as “liang mian” (凉面) or “ma jiang mian” (麻酱面). These Chinese sesame noodles typically feature a sauce made from sesame paste or peanut butter, soy sauce, vinegar, and chili oil, giving them a rich and spicy flavor.

Sesame noodles can also be found in other Asian cuisines, such as Japanese and Korean, each with its own unique variations. In Japan, they are known as “hiyashi chuka” (冷やし中華) and are often served with cold ramen noodles and a soy-based dressing. In Korea, a similar dish called “jaengban-guksu” (쟁반국수) features cold wheat noodles served with various toppings and a spicy sesame-based sauce.

So, while sesame noodles have strong associations with Chinese cuisine, they are a dish that has been adapted and enjoyed in various Asian countries with regional variations in ingredients and preparation methods.

How to Make My Sesame Noodles Salad

To make my Sesame Noodles Salad, you’ll need the following ingredients (and why…)

1. Soba Noodles (150 grams):
   • Soba noodles are made from buckwheat and have a nutty flavor and a slightly chewy texture.
   • They serve as the base of the salad, providing a hearty and satisfying element to the dish.
   • Soba noodles also absorb the flavors of the dressing and other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste and texture.
     
2. Cucumber (1/2, seeds removed, sliced into half moons):
   • Cucumbers add a refreshing and crisp element to the salad.
   • They provide a contrasting texture to the noodles, balancing the dish with their light and hydrating qualities.
   • Cucumbers also contribute a subtle sweetness and a mild vegetal flavor to the salad.
     
3. Fresh Coriander (2 handfuls, chopped):
   • Fresh coriander, also known as cilantro, brings a burst of freshness and herbaceousness to the dish.
   • Its bright and citrusy notes complement the other flavors in the salad, adding depth and complexity.
     
4. Spring Onions (5-6, sliced):
   • Spring onions contribute a mild onion flavor and a slight crunch to the salad.
   • They provide a subtle pungency and a hint of sweetness, enhancing the overall taste profile.
     
5. Sesame Seeds (for garnish):
   • Sesame seeds are used as a garnish to add texture, visual appeal, and a nutty flavor to the salad.
   • They complement the sesame-based dressing and reinforce the overall theme of the dish.
     
6. Sesame Dressing:
   
   • Tahini (1/4 cup): Tahini, made from ground sesame seeds, forms the base of the dressing. It contributes a creamy texture and a rich, nutty flavor.
     
   • Sriracha (1 tbsp): Sriracha adds a spicy kick to the dressing, providing heat and complexity to the overall taste.
     
   • Sugar or Maple Syrup (2 tsp sugar or 3 tsp maple syrup): The sweetener balances the spiciness of the sriracha and enhances the overall flavor profile by providing a touch of sweetness.
     
   • Dark Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): Dark soy sauce contributes a deep, savory umami flavor and adds a rich color to the dressing.
     
   • Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): Sesame oil intensifies the nutty sesame flavor and provides a silky mouthfeel to the dressing.
     
   • Rice Vinegar (1 tbsp): Rice vinegar adds a bright and slightly tangy note, balancing the richness of the tahini and soy sauce.
     
   • Garlic (2 cloves, crushed) and Fresh Ginger (1-inch piece, grated): These aromatics infuse the dressing with pungent, earthy, and spicy notes, enhancing the overall complexity of flavors.
     
   • Cold Water (50 ml): Water is used to achieve the desired consistency of the dressing, making it smooth and pourable.

What is Sesame Flavour?

Sesame seeds have a unique and nutty flavor profile that can be described as:

1. Nutty: Sesame seeds have a natural nuttiness that is rich and earthy. This nuttiness is often described as similar to that of peanuts or almonds but with its own distinct character.
   
2. Toasty: Sesame seeds are often toasted before use in cooking, and this toasting process enhances their flavor. Toasted sesame seeds have a warm, slightly roasted taste that adds depth to dishes.
   
3. Mild Bitterness: Toasted sesame seeds can have a subtle bitter note, which is not overpowering but contributes to their complexity.
   
4. Sweetness: While sesame seeds are not intensely sweet, they do have a natural sweetness, especially when toasted. This sweetness can balance out other flavors in dishes.
   
5. Rich and Oily: Sesame seeds contain natural oils, and this oiliness contributes to their mouthfeel and richness in flavor. The oil content is especially pronounced in sesame paste or tahini, which has a creamy and slightly viscous texture.