CHINESE SESAME NOODLE SALAD

Chinese Sesame Noodle Salad image

Provided by Sherry Blizzard

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 19

12 oz chow mein udon noodles (nanka seimen)
4 Tbsp sesame oil
DRESSING:
1-2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/4 c green onions (slice on the diagonal)
5 garlic cloves, minced
1 Tbsp garlic scapes (or you can use chives)
1" fresh ginger, zested
2 tsp sambal oelek (red chili paste)
3 Tbsp brown sugar
1/4 c rice vinegar
1/4 c soy sauce
2 Tbsp fish sauce
1/2 c creamy peanut butter
1/2 c hot water
GARNISH:
1/4 c toasted sesame seeds
cucumber slices to cover
minced cilantro

Steps:

1. Boil the noodles until soft (about 6-8 minutes). Immediately drain and rinse in cold water. Stop the cooking process! Drain well and toss with sesame oil to keep from sticking together.
2. Heat vegetable oil, add the garlic, onions, ginger and chili. Cook for a few minutes, then add the remainder of the dressing ingredients. When the sugar has dissolved and the peanut butter is creamed into the the dressing, toss over the noodles. Use your fingers to gently massage the dressing into the noodles.
3. Transfer the salad to a pretty dish. Discard any remaining dressing (you don't want to drown the noodles). Top with cucumber slices, toasted sesame seeds and cilantro. Serve at room temperature or chilled.