Real Deal Sesame Noodles

Nguyên liệu

• 9 oz dried wheat noodles (, or 1 pound (450 g) fresh wheat noodles (*Footnote 1))
• 1/4 cup Chinese sesame paste ((or unsalted natural peanut butter))
• 2 to 4 tablespoons warm water
• 2 tablespoons light soy sauce ((or soy sauce))
• 2 tablespoons Chinkiang vinegar
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup ((or sugar))
• 2 teaspoons homemade chili oil ((or to taste) (*Footnote 2))
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon ginger (, minced)
• 2 cloves garlic (, grated)
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground Sichuan peppercorn powder
• Cucumber (, cut into thin strips (carrot and / or radish))
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

Cách làm

1. 1

   Add Chinese sesame paste to a medium size bowl and slowly add 2 tablespoons water, a little at a time. Stir with a spatula until the water is fully incorporated and it forms a smooth paste.

2. 2

   One liquid ingredient at a time, add light soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, maple syrup, chili oil, and sesame oil, fully stir to incooperate each ingredient before adding the next one.

3. 3

   Add the ginger, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorn powder. Stir to mix well. You can make the sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for 2 to 3 days.

4. 4

   Boil noodles according to instructions. Transfer cooked noodles into a colander, rinse with tap water to stop the cooking. Drain well and transfer to small serving bowls.

5. 5

   Serve the noodles with the sauce on the side with toppings of your preference.

6. 6

   To eat, assemble your own bowl with any toppings you prefer, add a few spoonsful of the sauce. Mix and enjoy.