Cold Shanghai-Style Noodles with Sesame and Scallions

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

Chilled noodles tossed in a fragrant sesame and soy dressing with crisp scallions and a hint of garlic, offering a refreshing taste of Shanghai street food. This Chinese-inspired noodle recipe (vegetarian), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs wheat noodles, light soy sauce, black vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 430 calories and feeds 3, 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. 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: 5 min Serves 3 Chinese cuisine 430 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 250 g wheat noodles and cook for 4-5 minutes until tender but firm. Drain and rinse under cold water until cool; drain well.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp sesame paste, 2 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, and 1 tbsp vegetable oil until smooth and slightly runny.
  3. Step 3: Toss the cooled noodles with the sesame dressing until fully coated.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 tbsp thinly sliced scallions and 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts; mix gently.
  5. Step 5: If desired, drizzle 1 tsp chili oil over the noodles for a spicy kick.
  6. Step 6: Serve immediately or chill for 15 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Cold Shanghai-Style Noodles with Sesame and Scallions take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (10 min prep + 5 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 Cold Shanghai-Style Noodles with Sesame 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 wheat noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cold Shanghai-Style Noodles with Sesame 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 Cold Shanghai-Style Noodles with Sesame and Scallions for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Cold Shanghai-Style Noodles with Sesame 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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