Sesame Noodles

"From Fine Cooking. Possibly the most fabulous sesame noodles ever! A note: I had pre-roasted sesame seeds that I purchased at a local Asian grocery store, so I didn't need to roast them in the oven. If yours aren't roasted, though, be sure not to skip that step. Roasted sesame seeds are much more flavorful. Also ,this would be a great bag lunch item--no microwave or refrigerator needed. Finally, for our tastes, I needed to up the spice factor--I added three times the recommended amount of chile paste. We're dangerous, though."
 
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Ready In:
1hr
Ingredients:
20
Serves:
4
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ingredients

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directions

  • To make the dressing: Heat the oven to 350°F Put the sesame seeds on a baking sheet and toast them in the oven until golden brown and fragrant, 15 to 20 minute Be careful not to overcook them. Put the toasted seeds in a blender.
  • In a skillet, heat 1 Tbs. of the peanut oil over medium-low heat. Sauté the shallots and garlic until softened, 3 to 5 minute Set aside to cool. Add the shallots, garlic, remaining 6 Tbs. peanut oil, sesame oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chile paste to the sesame seeds in the blender. Blend on high speed just until a thick, rough paste forms, 2 to 3 minute Stop blending when most of the seeds have broken up and been puréed. After the paste forms, it will begin to get oily if you continue to purée it, as the seeds begin to give off their oil (see "How to use water to create a creamy sauce"). If you have time, refrigerate the purée (for up to a day).
  • To cook and dress the noodles: Bring a large pot of unsalted water to a rolling boil. Gently fluff the noodles and add them to the water, stirring. Return the water to a boil and cook the noodles for just 10 to 30 seconds. (These tiny fresh noodles don’t need much cooking. If it takes a minute or more for the water to come back to a boil, the noodles will already be done.) Drain the noodles immediately and cool them under cold running water. Drain well. Put the cold noodles in a bowl and toss with the peanut oil.
  • To assemble: When ready to dress the noodles, drain off any oil that has gathered on the top of the purée. If necessary, whisk about 3/4 cup water into the purée to thin it and to reach a creamy consistency; the sauce will lighten in color and become emulsified; add more water as needed. Add the chopped cilantro to the sauce.
  • In a large bowl, toss the noodles with about half the dressing. Add the snow peas, red pepper, and daikon, and toss to combine (using your hands is easiest). Add more dressing if you like. Put the noodles in a large serving bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with the cilantro leaves, chopped peanuts, and sliced scallions, or pass little bowls of the garnishes at the table.

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Reviews

  1. I love Asian food and can't wait to try your recipe. It sounds wonderful. I also love spicy food so I think I will use your suggestion and add more chili paste. I will let you know how wonderful it was. Thank you.
     
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bok bok, bok bok bok bok.
 
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