Chilled Korean Buckwheat Noodles with Spicy Sesame Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Refreshing chilled buckwheat noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy sesame sauce with crunchy cucumber and toasted sesame seeds. This korean-inspired korean ready in about 20 minutes pairs buckwheat noodles (naengmyeon noodles), julienned cucumber, toasted sesame seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart.

★ 4.5 (13 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz buckwheat noodles and cook for 4-5 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool thoroughly.
  2. Step 2: Transfer noodles to a large bowl filled with 1 cup ice cubes and cold water to chill for 5 minutes, then drain well.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp mayonnaise, 1 tbsp gochujang, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp sesame oil until smooth and creamy.
  4. Step 4: Toss the chilled noodles with the spicy sesame sauce until evenly coated.
  5. Step 5: Plate the noodles and top with 1 julienned cucumber and sprinkle with 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds for crunch and nutty aroma.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chilled Korean Buckwheat Noodles with Spicy Sesame Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chilled Korean Buckwheat Noodles with Spicy Sesame Sauce?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep julienned cucumber from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chilled Korean Buckwheat Noodles with Spicy Sesame Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chilled Korean Buckwheat Noodles with Spicy Sesame Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chilled Korean Buckwheat Noodles with Spicy Sesame Sauce?

Korean korean like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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