RECIPE: Better Than Take-Out Cold Sesame Noodles

Cold Sesame Noodles are my all time favorite. They are what I order for Chinese take out and what I order when I go to a Chinese restaurant. I first discovered them when I moved to New York and frequented Empire Szechuan Village (RIP!) down the street. At the time, the order was $2.99!! We revamped the recipe and added an Athlete Food twist. The sauce is made by crushing toasted sesame seeds - which adds vitamins, fiber and a host of health benefits derived from sesame seeds. It’s a little more labor than I am used to, but trust me: It’s worth it!

Ingredients:

4 tbsp sesame seeds

1 tsp brown sugar

2 tsp tamari (or soy sauce)

2 tbsp water

1 tbsp rice vinegar

2 heaping tbsp of peanut butter

Directions:

Dry-roast the sesame seeds in a frying pan over moderate heat until they are golden brown.

Crush the seeds into a paste with a mortar and pestle.

Combine the paste with the remaining ingredients and mix well. Make sure the sugar is dissolved.

Pour over cooked and cooled rice noodles.

Top with sliced green onions and veggies like cucumbers, sliced carrots or raw sliced summer squash.

Serve with cilantro on top and a sprinkling of red pepper flakes.

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