Chilled Noodle Lunch Cups (Print Version)

Cold noodles mixed with sesame oil, soy sauce, and fresh vegetables for a tasty, make-ahead meal.

# Components:

→ Noodles

01 - 7 oz dried soba noodles (or rice noodles)

→ Sauce

02 - 3 tbsp soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
03 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
04 - 1 tbsp rice vinegar
05 - 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
06 - 1 to 2 tsp chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)

→ Vegetables & Garnishes

07 - 1 cup julienned cucumber
08 - 2 medium carrots, julienned
09 - 2 green onions, thinly sliced
10 - 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
11 - 1 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

# Directions:

01 - Prepare noodles according to package directions; drain and rinse under cold water until fully cooled, then drain well.
02 - In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, toasted sesame oil, rice vinegar, honey or maple syrup, and chili garlic sauce; whisk until blended.
03 - Distribute chilled noodles evenly into four containers.
04 - Top each portion with julienned cucumber, carrot, and sliced green onions.
05 - Drizzle sauce evenly over each cup and toss gently to combine ingredients.
06 - Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and cilantro if using; seal containers and refrigerate until ready to serve.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Make it once on Sunday and forget about lunch planning until Thursday.
  • Cold noodles with sesame oil hit different—nutty, light, and actually satisfying without feeling heavy.
  • The sauce-to-noodle ratio stays perfect because everything is already tossed and waiting.
02 -
  • Drain the noodles thoroughly or your lunch will be a swimming pool by day two—a colander and a gentle squeeze do wonders.
  • Keep sesame seeds separate until you're ready to eat so they stay toasted and don't turn soft and chewy in the fridge.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for thirty seconds—they wake up and smell incredible, completely different from pre-toasted versions.
  • Use a mandoline or vegetable peeler to julienne if you don't have patience for a knife—uniform cuts look intentional and cook into your mouth the same way.
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