Sesame Noodles

Sesame Noodles are a delicious and satisfying dish that combines tender shredded chicken, fresh wheat noodles, and a rich, creamy sesame-peanut sauce with just the right hint of spice and tang. Perfect for a family meal or meal prep, this recipe balances savory, nutty, and fresh flavors with crunchy veggies and aromatic Sichuan peppercorn oil to create an unforgettable taste experience.

Recipe

Serves: 4 people
Prep time: 35 minutes
Cook time: 35 minutes

For the chicken:
¼ teaspoon salt
2 pieces chicken breasts
½ small onion
1 stalk scallion, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 slices ginger
1 pod star anise

For the sesame sauce:
3 tablespoons sesame paste
1 tablespoon creamy peanut butter
1 teaspoon sugar
3 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon Chinkiang vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorn oil
½ cup warm chicken stock (90°F)
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

For the noodles:
1 pound fresh wheat noodles
1 English cucumber, julienned
1 carrot, julienned
¼ cup cilantro
2 tablespoons chili oil

Instructions

1. Cook the chicken:

• In a pot of water over high heat, add salt and whisk to dissolve.
• Add chicken breasts, onion, scallions, ginger, and star anise.
• Bring to a boil, then reduce to low heat and simmer for 25 minutes.
• Remove chicken and let cool for 10 minutes.
• Shred the chicken into small pieces by hand.

2. Make the sauce:

• In a bowl, whisk together sesame paste, peanut butter, sugar, soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, sesame oil, and Sichuan peppercorn oil.
• Gradually pour in warm chicken stock until sauce reaches desired consistency.
• Mix in minced garlic and toasted sesame seeds.

3. Cook the noodles:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil over high heat.
• Cook noodles until al dente, about 3 minutes.
• Drain and rinse under cold running water to stop cooking.

4. Assemble and serve the sesame noodles:

• In a large bowl, combine noodles, shredded chicken, cucumber, carrot, and cilantro.
• Add the sesame sauce and chili oil, then toss until everything is evenly coated.
• Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips & notes

• Adjust the sauce consistency: Add more chicken stock or water to thin the sauce, or more sesame paste to thicken.
• Use fresh wheat noodles: They provide the best texture, but dried noodles can be substituted if needed.
• Customize the heat: Adjust chili oil quantity or omit it to suit your spice preference.
• Make ahead: The sauce can be prepared in advance and refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Vegetarian version: Replace chicken with tofu and use vegetable broth instead of chicken stock.