Cold Noodles in Spicy Peanut Sauce

If you’ve ever craved those slurp-worthy cold sesame peanut noodles from your favorite Chinese takeout spot, this is your shortcut home.

Chow mein noodles get cooked, cooled, and drenched in a thick, spicy peanut sauce built on soy, garlic, hot bean sauce, and toasted sesame oil.

The peanut butter takes a minute to cooperate (just keep stirring, it comes together), and then you’re 25 minutes from a bowl of pure noodle bliss.

It’s fast, it’s bold, and it hits that salty-sweet-spicy trifecta that keeps you going back for one more forkful.

Variations

• Add protein: Toss in shredded rotisserie chicken, sliced cucumber, and julienned carrots for a more complete meal.
• Extra heat: Stir in chili crisp or sriracha if you want it to really bite back.

Kitchen Tips

• Warm the peanut butter slightly in the microwave for 15 seconds before mixing. It blends into the sauce much more smoothly.
• Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to stop the cooking and wash off excess starch. This keeps them from clumping.
• Toss the noodles with the sauce while they’re still slightly warm. They’ll absorb more flavor that way.