Best Easy Cold Rice Noodles with Sesame Recipe

Chilled rice noodles are dressed in a creamy sesame paste with cucumber and a splash of vinegar. This fresh, vegetarian-friendly dish is light, healthy, and ideal for weight loss during warm-weather family meals.

Cook 20 min Difficulty EASY 350 kcal
#vegetarian #mediterranean #diabetic friendly #low carb
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • Dried rice noodles 6 oz
  • Cucumber 1 medium
  • Red bell pepper 0.5 piece
  • Scallions 2 pieces
Seasonings/Sauce
  • Sesame paste (tahini or Chinese sesame paste) 3 tbsp
  • Soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • Rice vinegar 1.5 tbsp
  • Sugar 1 tsp
  • Sesame oil 1 tbsp
  • Chili oil (optional) 1 tsp
  • Water 3 tbsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 49 g 56%
Protein 10 g 11%
Fat 13 g 33%
Serving size 220g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the dried rice noodles and cook according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes) until just tender but not mushy.

  2. 2

    Immediately drain the noodles and rinse thoroughly under cold running water to stop the cooking and chill the noodles. Drain well and set aside.

  3. 3

    While noodles cool, mix the sesame paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, sesame oil, chili oil (if using), and water until the sauce is creamy and smooth.

  4. 4

    Slice the cucumber and red bell pepper into thin strips. Slice scallions diagonally for garnish.

  5. 5

    In a large bowl, toss the chilled noodles with the sesame sauce, ensuring all strands are well coated. Top with cucumber, bell pepper, and scallions before serving.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The sesame paste is the star ingredient in this dish, providing a rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture that makes these cold rice noodles unique and satisfying. Its pairing with crisp cucumber offers balance and freshness.
Q. How do you prevent the rice noodles from sticking or becoming mushy?
To avoid sticky or mushy noodles, boil them only until just tender, then immediately rinse under cold running water. This stops cooking, firms the texture, and ensures a pleasant, springy bite.
Q. What is the protein-to-carb ratio per serving?
Each serving delivers about 10g of protein to 49g of carbohydrates. Protein provides roughly 11% of calories, while carbs make up 56%, offering a balanced, energizing profile suitable for a light meal.
Q. Which flavor component stands out the most?
The combination of creamy sesame paste and tangy rice vinegar creates a vibrant, savory sauce. Sesame oil and soy sauce support depth, while optional chili oil adds heat for those who enjoy spice.
Q. Is this dish suitable for a vegetarian or weight management diet?
Absolutely. The recipe contains no meat or seafood and emphasizes vegetables and a moderate calorie count of about 350 kcal per serving, making it ideal for vegetarian and weight-conscious family meals.
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