Description
A refreshing and flavorful chilled udon noodle salad tossed in a zesty sesame garlic dressing, perfect for warm days or as a light meal. This dish combines tender udon noodles with crisp vegetables like cucumber and radish, finished with a bright lime and sesame dressing for a delightful balance of textures and tastes.
Ingredients
Noodles
- 2 pouches Annie Chun Udon Noodles
Sauce and Dressing
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon coconut sugar or brown sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- Zest and juice of 1 lime
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
Vegetables and Garnishes
- 1 cup thinly sliced cucumber
- 1 cup thinly sliced radish
- 1 cup corn kernels
- 2 scallions, chopped
- 1/4 cup cilantro leaves
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds
- Salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Boil udon noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them and rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
- Make Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, grated ginger, coconut or brown sugar, crushed red pepper flakes, lime zest and juice, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until well combined and smooth.
- Toss Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled noodles with the dressing, thinly sliced cucumber, radish, corn kernels, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro leaves. Toss everything together gently to ensure the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
- Season and Chill: Season the noodle salad with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, then toss again. Transfer the salad into serving bowls, sprinkle the black sesame seeds on top, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let flavors meld and serve chilled.
Notes
- For best results, chill the salad for at least one hour before serving to enhance the flavors and provide a refreshing taste.
- You can substitute corn kernels with other sweet vegetables like snap peas or sweet bell peppers for variation.
- Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes based on your preferred level of heat.
- Use gluten-free udon or substitute with rice noodles to make this dish gluten-free.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds for extra nuttiness if desired.
