Classic Sesame Noodles with Cucumber and Scallions

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Cold sesame noodles tossed in a savory peanut and soy sauce dressing, garnished with crunchy cucumber and scallions for a refreshing side or light meal. This asian-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs (225g) spaghetti noodles, smooth peanut butter, soy sauce for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz spaghetti noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp smooth peanut butter, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 minced garlic clove until smooth and creamy.
  3. Step 3: Toss the cooled noodles with the peanut sauce until fully coated.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 small julienned cucumber and 2 thinly sliced scallions, tossing gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top before serving chilled or at room temperature.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Classic Sesame Noodles with Cucumber and Scallions 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 Classic Sesame Noodles with Cucumber and Scallions?

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 (225g) spaghetti noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Classic Sesame Noodles with Cucumber and Scallions?

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 Classic Sesame Noodles with Cucumber and Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Classic Sesame Noodles with Cucumber and Scallions vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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