Spicy Sesame Noodle Salad

# Ingredient List:

→ Noodles

01 - 8.8 oz dried wheat noodles or soba noodles

→ Dressing

02 - 3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

03 - 2 tablespoons soy sauce

04 - 1.5 tablespoons rice vinegar

05 - 1 tablespoon chili oil

06 - 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter, optional

07 - 1 teaspoon sugar or honey

08 - 1 garlic clove, finely grated

09 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

→ Vegetables and Toppings

10 - 1 medium cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced

11 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced

12 - 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

13 - 0.25 cup fresh cilantro leaves, chopped

14 - 0.25 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped, optional

# How-To Steps:

01 - Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Set aside.

02 - In a large bowl, whisk together sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, peanut butter if using, sugar, garlic, and ginger until smooth.

03 - Add the cooled noodles to the bowl with the dressing. Toss well to coat evenly.

04 - Add cucumber, spring onions, and half the sesame seeds, cilantro, and peanuts if using. Toss gently to combine.

05 - Transfer to a serving platter or individual bowls. Sprinkle with remaining sesame seeds, cilantro, and peanuts. Serve immediately or chilled.

# Expert Advice:

01 -

It comes together in under half an hour and tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a bit.
The dressing is punchy and balanced, with just enough heat to wake up your taste buds without overwhelming them.
You can toss in whatever crunchy vegetables or proteins you have on hand and it still works beautifully.

02 -

Do not skip rinsing the noodles in cold water, warm noodles will wilt the vegetables and make the dressing taste oily instead of balanced.
Taste the dressing before adding the noodles, it should be slightly too strong on its own because the noodles will dilute it.

03 -