Ingredients
1 package udon or other Asian noodles
2 tbsp sesame oil
3 ½ tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp rice vinegar
2 tbsp sesame paste *
1 tbsp peanut butter
1 tbsp granulated sugar
1 tbsp grated ginger
2 tbsp minced garlic
2 tbsp chili-garlic paste, chili crisp, or chili oil (to taste) **
½ cucumber, peeled and cut into matchsticks
¼ cup chopped roasted peanuts
* Can't find sesame paste at the store? Try putting equal parts sesame seeds and olive oil into a food processor and blend until smooth. You can also use either tahini or miso paste, but taste as you go and add a little more peanut butter if needed to balance the flavor out.
** Making your own chili oil is fun! Heat some neutral oil in a pan, throw in a couple tsp of chili flakes and a few cloves of minced garlic. Once the garlic is golden brown (after a minute or so), pour the mixture over some super-thinly sliced or diced scallions in a heat-proof bowl. Allow the hot oil to cook the scallions and there you have it!