Chilled Korean Buckwheat Noodles with Spicy Sesame Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Refreshing chilled buckwheat noodles tossed in a creamy, spicy sesame sauce with crunchy cucumber and toasted sesame seeds. This korean ready in about 20 minutes blends buckwheat noodles (naengmyeon noodles), julienned cucumber, toasted sesame seeds into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Korean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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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). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

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

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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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