Vegetarian Sesame Noodles with Peanut Sauce

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Cold noodles tossed in a rich, nutty peanut sauce, topped with crisp veggies and toasted sesame seeds for a refreshing vegetarian meal. This asian fusion-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 25 minutes blends spaghetti or Asian wheat noodles, natural peanut butter, soy sauce 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 380 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Asian Fusion cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook 8 oz spaghetti or Asian wheat noodles according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the noodles.
  2. Step 2: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/3 cup natural peanut butter, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp grated fresh ginger. Slowly add 1/4 cup hot water while whisking until the sauce is smooth and pourable.
  3. Step 3: Toss the cooled noodles with the peanut sauce until evenly coated.
  4. Step 4: Add 1 medium julienned carrot, 1/2 medium julienned cucumber, and 2 thinly sliced green onions to the noodles. Mix gently to combine.
  5. Step 5: Sprinkle 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds over the top for crunch and serve chilled or at room temperature.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Vegetarian Sesame Noodles with Peanut Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Vegetarian Sesame Noodles with Peanut 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 Vegetarian Sesame Noodles with Peanut 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 Vegetarian Sesame Noodles with Peanut Sauce 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 Vegetarian Sesame Noodles with Peanut Sauce 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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