# Required Ingredients:
→ Noodles
01 - 12.3 oz dried wheat noodles (such as Chinese wheat noodles, spaghetti, or soba)
→ Sauce
02 - 4 tbsp creamy, unsweetened peanut butter
03 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame paste (tahini or Chinese sesame paste)
04 - 2 tbsp soy sauce
05 - 2 tbsp rice vinegar
06 - 1 tbsp sesame oil
07 - 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
08 - 1 finely grated garlic clove
09 - 1-2 tsp freshly grated ginger
10 - 1-2 tsp chili-garlic sauce (optional, to taste)
11 - 3-4 tbsp warm water (to thin sauce as needed)
→ Toppings
12 - 1 large cucumber, julienned or thinly sliced
13 - 2-3 scallions, thinly sliced
14 - 2 tbsp roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
15 - 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
16 - Fresh cilantro or mint leaves (optional)
17 - Lime wedges (optional)
# Preparation Steps:
01 - Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cool. Set aside to drain thoroughly.
02 - In a medium bowl, whisk together peanut butter, sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, honey (or maple syrup), garlic, ginger, and chili-garlic sauce (if using). Add warm water a tablespoon at a time until a smooth, pourable sauce forms.
03 - Place the cooled noodles in a large mixing bowl. Add most of the sauce and toss to combine thoroughly. If the noodles are too sticky, add a little more water or sauce until evenly coated.
04 - Arrange noodles on serving plates. Top generously with cucumber slices, scallions, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, and fresh herbs. Serve with lime wedges if desired. Drizzle with any remaining sauce.
05 - Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for up to 2 hours before serving.
