Takeout-Style Sesame Noodles

INGREDIENTS

• 1pound noodles, frozen or (preferably) fresh
• 2tablespoons sesame oil, plus a splash
• 3½tablespoons soy sauce
• 2tablespoons Chinese rice vinegar
• 2tablespoons Chinese sesame paste
• 1tablespoon smooth peanut butter
• 1tablespoon granulated sugar
• 1tablespoon finely grated ginger
• 2teaspoons minced garlic
• 2teaspoons chile-garlic paste, chile crisp or chile oil, or to taste
• Half a cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into ⅛-inch by ⅛-inch by 2-inch sticks
• ¼cup chopped roasted peanuts

PREPARATION

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook until barely tender, about 5 minutes. They should retain a hint of chewiness. Drain, rinse with cold water, drain again and toss with a splash of sesame oil.
   
2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the remaining 2 tablespoons sesame oil, the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame paste, peanut butter, sugar, ginger, garlic and chili-garlic paste.
   
3. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss. Transfer to a serving bowl, and garnish with cucumber and peanuts.