Liang Mian (Cold Sesame Peanut Noodles)

Method

1. 1

   Boil the spaghetti in well-salted water until just tender, then drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water until fully cooled.

   💡 Rinsing stops the cooking and washes off the surface starch that would otherwise make the noodles clump.

2. 2

   Whisk the peanut butter with 3 tablespoons of hot water until smooth and pourable, then whisk in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic and sugar.

3. 3

   Toss the cooled noodles with most of the sauce until every strand is coated.

4. 4

   Divide the noodles between bowls and top with cucumber, carrot and spring onion.

5. 5

   Drizzle with the remaining sauce and a thread of chili oil if using, then scatter with toasted sesame seed.

6. 6

   Serve cold or at room temperature; loosen with a splash of water if the sauce has thickened while sitting.