Name: Easy Korean Sesame Noodles – Classic & Spicy
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1 portion soba noodles; 1 ½ tbsp tsuyu (Japanese soup seasoning sauce); 1 tbsp Korean wild sesame oil or toasted sesame oil (classic version); 1 tbsp chili oil or Lao Gan Ma (spicy version); 1 green onion or chive, chopped; 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, ground; 1 sheet toasted seaweed, crushed (optional); A few slices red chili (optional, for spicy version)

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Short Description

A quick and flavorful noodle dish featuring soba noodles tossed in sesame or chili oil with savory tsuyu seasoning. Choose between a classic or spicy version for a light, refreshing, and satisfying meal in minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and no-cook sauce: Ready within the time it takes to boil the noodles.
Toasty sesame aroma: Wild sesame oil brings deep, nutty flavor.
Dual options: Make it mild and savory or fiery and bold—your choice.
Minimal cleanup: Just one bowl and one pot, plus a few garnishes.
Simple yet elegant: Perfect for a quick lunch or chilled noodle dinner.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 portion soba noodles
1 ½ tbsp tsuyu (Japanese soup seasoning sauce)
1 tbsp Korean wild sesame oil (deul‑gireum) or good‑quality toasted sesame oil
1 green onion or chive, chopped
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, ground
1 sheet toasted seaweed, crushed (optional)

For spicy version:

1 portion soba noodles
1 ½ tbsp tsuyu
1 tbsp chili oil or Lao Gan Ma
1 green onion or chive, chopped
1 tsp toasted sesame seeds, ground
A few slices red chili, optional

Directions

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the soba noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
While the noodles cook, prepare a serving bowl by mixing 1½ tbsp tsuyu with either 1 tbsp sesame oil (classic version) or 1 tbsp chili oil or Lao Gan Ma (spicy version).
Chop the green onion (or chive) and slice the red chili if using.
Drain the cooked soba noodles and rinse thoroughly under cold water to remove excess starch and stop cooking. Drain well.
Transfer the cooled noodles into the bowl with the sauce mixture. Toss thoroughly so every strand is coated.
Garnish with chopped green onion, ground sesame seeds, and optional red chili slices or crushed toasted seaweed.
Serve immediately and enjoy chilled or at room temperature.

Servings And Timing

Servings: 1 portion (easily scale up for more servings)
Prep Time: ~2 minutes to mix sauce and chop garnishes
Cook Time: ~5–8 minutes depending on noodle instructions
Total Time: ~7–10 minutes

Variations

Substitute tsuyu with a mixture of soy sauce, mirin, and a pinch of dashi powder.
Add shredded cucumber, grated carrot, or julienned bell pepper for freshness and crunch.
Include a soft-boiled egg or pan-fried tofu for extra protein.
Top with finely chopped roasted peanuts or almonds for crunch.
Use udon, somen, or ramen noodles instead of soba if preferred.

Storage/Reheating

To Store: Best eaten fresh. If you make more, store noodles and sauce separately in the fridge for up to 1 day.
To Reheat: Not recommended to reheat; reassemble cold before serving for best texture and flavor preservation.

FAQs

How Do I Prevent The Noodles From Becoming Mushy?
Immediately rinse soba under cold water after draining to halt cooking and remove excess starch. Drain well before mixing.

Can I Use Ramen Or Udon Instead Of Soba?
Yes—other noodles work well. Just adjust cooking time and rinse thoroughly before tossing with sauce.

What Is Tsuyu And Where Can I Buy It?
Tsuyu is a Japanese soup seasoning made with soy, mirin, and dashi. It’s often available in Asian groceries or online.

Can I Make These Noodles Gluten‑Free?
Use gluten‑free soba (made from 100% buckwheat) and check that tsuyu or substitute sauces are gluten‑free.

How Do I Control The Heat Level In The Spicy Version?
Start with less chili oil or skip the red chili slices, then taste and adjust to your preferred spice level.

Is Wild Sesame Oil Essential?
It gives a distinct nutty depth. If unavailable, toasted sesame oil works, though with slightly milder flavor.

Can These Noodles Be Made Ahead?
Prepare sauce and noodles separately ahead of time, then assemble just before serving to preserve texture.

How Many Calories Are In One Serving?
Estimated calories depend on noodles type—but soba generally offers around 200–300 kcal per portion, with added sauce and oil.

Is Sesame Oil Stronger Than Chili Oil?
Yes—sesame oil offers aromatic, nutty notes; chili oil adds heat and a different flavor profile. Use the one that suits your preference.

Can I Add Protein To This Dish?
Absolutely—top with tofu cubes, shredded chicken, or egg. Serve alongside grilled meats, shrimp, or even smoked salmon.

Conclusion

These Easy Korean Sesame Noodles offer a satisfying meal in under 10 minutes. With a refreshing, pleasantly oily sauce—whether toasty or spicy—and simple garnishes, they’re perfect for solo meals, quick lunches, or warm-weather dinners. Customize the flavor, texture, and heat level just how you like it, and enjoy every bite.