Rice Paper Noodles with Spicy Sesame Dressing
Yash Dani
3
20 minutes
5 minutes
Asian Fusion
Noodles
Rice Paper Noodles with Spicy Sesame Dressing is a flavourful and satisfying dish made with chewy rice paper noodles, crisp vegetables, and a bold homemade dressing. Layered rice paper sheets are cut into noodles and tossed with cucumber and carrot for a refreshing crunch. The spicy sesame dressing combines gochugaru, chilli flakes, garlic, cilantro, green onions, sesame seeds, dark soy sauce, and rice vinegar, creating a delicious balance of spicy, savoury, tangy, and aromatic flavours. Finished with extra sesame seeds, these noodles make an easy light meal or exciting side dish. Serve immediately for the best texture and freshness.
Ingredients
For the Spicy Sesame Dressing:
- 1 tablespoon Gochugaru (Korean chili powder)
- 1/2 tablespoon chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon Sesame Seeds, plus extra for garnish
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 tablespoons green onions, chopped
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 tablespoons neutral cooking oil (e.g., canola, vegetable)
- 2 tablespoons Dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
For the Rice Paper Noodles:
- 6-9 Sheets Rice Paper, depending on desired noodle quantity
- Water, for dipping
For Assembly:
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced or julienned
- 1 cup carrot, thinly julienned
Directions
1. Prepare the Spicy Sesame Dressing:
In a large heatproof mixing bowl, combine the gochugaru, chili flakes, 1 teaspoon of sesame seeds, chopped garlic, chopped cilantro, chopped green onions, and sugar.
Heat the 3 tablespoons of cooking oil in a small ladle or frying pan over medium-high heat until it's very hot and shimmering.
Carefully pour the hot oil directly over the ingredients in the mixing bowl. Ensure the oil sizzles and lightly "cooks" the aromatics. Stir immediately to distribute the heat and ingredients.
To the same bowl, add the dark soy sauce and rice vinegar. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sauce is emulsified. Set aside.
2. Make the Rice Paper Noodles:
Fill a shallow dish or pie plate with lukewarm water, wide enough to fit a sheet of rice paper.
Dip one sheet of rice paper into the water for a few seconds until it becomes pliable but not overly soft.
Lay the dipped rice paper flat on a clean chopping board.
Dip a second sheet of rice paper in the water and carefully place it directly on top of the first sheet. Press gently to remove any air bubbles and ensure they adhere.
Dip a third sheet of rice paper and place it on top of the previous two, pressing again to seal. You should now have a stack of three rice paper sheets.
Using a sharp knife or a pizza cutter, cut the stacked rice paper into strips of your desired width (e.g., 1/2 inch or 1 inch wide).
Gently pull each strip apart and immediately transfer them to a separate bowl filled with cold water. This prevents the noodles from sticking together.
Repeat this process of layering, cutting, and submerging until you have your desired amount of rice paper noodles.
3. Assemble the Dish:
Once you have prepared all the noodles, drain them thoroughly from the cold water.
Transfer the drained rice paper noodles to the large mixing bowl containing the prepared spicy sesame dressing.
Add the thinly sliced cucumber and julienned carrots to the bowl.
Using chopsticks or tongs, gently toss everything together, ensuring the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the delicious sauce.
4. Serve:
Divide the saucy rice paper noodles and vegetables into serving bowls.
Sprinkle with extra sesame seeds for garnish.
Enjoy immediately!