Toasted Sesame and Peanut Rice Noodles

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

Rice noodles tossed with a toasted peanut and sesame dressing, brightened with lime and fresh herbs for a fresh Burmese-inspired noodle salad. This asian-inspired noodles (vegetarian) ready in about 20 minutes pairs rice noodles, chopped roasted peanuts, toasted sesame seeds for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 4 Asian cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 8 oz rice noodles according to package instructions until just tender, about 4-5 minutes, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp lime juice, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp brown sugar, 2 tbsp vegetable oil, and 2 minced garlic cloves until sugar dissolves.
  3. Step 3: Add the drained noodles to the bowl along with 1/2 cup chopped roasted peanuts, 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 3 thinly sliced green onions, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes.
  4. Step 4: Toss everything well to coat the noodles evenly with the dressing and distribute the herbs and nuts.
  5. Step 5: Let the salad sit for 10 minutes at room temperature to allow flavors to meld before serving as a light main or side dish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Toasted Sesame and Peanut Rice Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 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 Toasted Sesame and Peanut Rice Noodles?

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 rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Toasted Sesame and Peanut Rice Noodles?

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 Toasted Sesame and Peanut Rice Noodles 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 Toasted Sesame and Peanut Rice Noodles 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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