2011: The Year of the Rabbit
Noodles are a traditional food for Chinese New Year. They signify a long life to the person consuming them. Because of this, the noodles are never cut or shortened in the belief that it would be bad luck and would shorten that person’s life.
Here’s a recipe for cold sesame noodles that is very popular at the Rubin Rodeo. You can make these at home for a fraction of the cost of Chinese takeout. By cooking at home, you’ll have complete control of ingredients, no MSG here!
Once you make up a batch of the sauce, it will keep for a while in the fridge. Just add some hot water to thin it out a bit and you’re all set!
Rubin Rodeo Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce
2 cucumbers
1- 16 oz. Soba noodles or pasta
2 tablespoons dark sesame oil
½ cup tahini or peanut butter
2 tablespoons maple syrup
3 tablespoons tamari or soy sauce
1 teaspoon minced ginger
1 tablespoon brown rice vinegar
Hot sesame oil or Tabasco sauce, to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
½ cup minced scallions
- Peel cucumbers, cut them in half, and using a spoon, scoop out the seeds. Cut cucumber into slender shreds and set aside.
- Cook pasta or soba noodles until tender but not mushy.
- While noodles are cooking, whisk together sesame oil and tahini, maple syrup, soy sauce, ginger, vinegar, hot oil and pepper in a large bowl
- Thin sauce with hot water, so that it is about the consistency of heavy cream.
- When noodles are done, run them under cold water and drain them.
- Toss noodles with sauce and cucumbers.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
- Garnish with minced scallions and serve.
