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Healthy Slow Cooking

August 18, 2021 · 29 Comments

Easy Sesame Cucumber Noodles

Appetizer· Asian· Quick and Easy· Salads· Spring· Summer

Jump to Recipe

These Sesame Cucumber Noodles are part yummy Asian sauce and part spiralizer love. That adds up to the easiest lunch you can pull out of the fridge!

Cucumber spaghetti is easy to make and you can spiralize them the night before. 

Cucumber noodles with sesame seeds in a black bowl with fork on the side
This plate is full of sesame goodness!
Table of Contents show
1 What inspired this spiralized cucumber recipe?
2 Can I use a different sauce on my cucumber pasta?
3 How do I make cucumber noodles or cucumber spaghetti?
4 What if I don’t have a spiralizer?
5 Ingredients for Sesame Cucumber Noodles
6 How to make Sesame Cucumber Noodles
7 What do English cucumbers taste like?
8 Can you substitute soy sauce for tamari?
9 Which is better: sesame oil or toasted sesame oil?
10 More recipes to try
11 Super Easy Sesame Cucumber Noodles – PF Chang’s Copycat
11.1 Ingredients 1x2x3x
11.2 Instructions
11.3 Nutrition

What inspired this spiralized cucumber recipe?

Today I’m sharing my latest favorite lunch—Easy Sesame Cucumber Noodles. It’s kind of a PF Chang’s Copycat with spiralized cucumber instead of cut into chunks.

To me, that makes it seem more like a real meal and more filling.

Of course, they discontinued the dish, but I still make this to satisfy my cravings.

This recipe is so easy, I can hardly call it a recipe. With that said, I’ve been eating it every day for lunch the past 2 weeks just because of its ease.

Can I use a different sauce on my cucumber pasta?

Yes, you can. I love a spicy peanut sauce on these, and a red curry coconut sauce would taste great too. 

You could also switch the cucumber noodles up with zoodles if that’s what you have an abundance of. 

Cucumber Noodles on wooden chopping board
Some cucumber noodles, freshly “spiralized”

How do I make cucumber noodles or cucumber spaghetti?

The easiest and quickest way is to use a spiralizer. It turns zucchini, yellow squash, butternut squash, and more into veggie “pasta.”

There are several types: the changeable blade model that has suction cups to hold it steady on the counter while you use it, a hand-held model that’s a little cheaper, and a variation of the first that uses gravity to make it easier to use.

What if I don’t have a spiralizer?

You can use a peeler to cut long narrow strips from the cucumber. It won’t look like pasta, but it will still have a good mouthfeel.

Where can I buy an inexpensive spiralizer?

First, keep an eye out at the Amazon Warehouse for a return.

Those are usually dented boxes and the like, but you can often get cheap kitchen appliances that way.

I’d go ahead and bookmark that link!

My second place to recommend is thrift stores. I’ve gotten one for most of my friends and have even upgraded my own a few times with second-hand store finds.

I even got a couple that was new and never used!

Ingredients for Sesame Cucumber Noodles

Here’s a quick list of this yummy Asian dish:

  • English cucumber — 1 large, or about 2 large regular ones
  • Soy sauce or tamari —or use coconut aminos to make it soy-free and gluten-free
  • Rice vinegar
  • Toasted sesame oil — use tahini or just leave out to make no oil added
  • Toasted sesame seeds

How to make Sesame Cucumber Noodles

It’s easy! First, spiralize the cucumber and break the noodles into soba-sized lengths.

Mix the rest of the ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl.

Toss the noodles in and mix. Plate up and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Super Easy Sesame Cucumber Noodles - PF Chang's Copycat
Can’t wait to do a taste test on these cucumber noodles!

What do English cucumbers taste like?

English cucumber tastes milder and less bitter than regular cucumbers and the middles are often firmer too.

While they’re often promoted as seedless, they do have seeds, only smaller so they’re easier to eat, too.

They also do not need de-seeding, and even their skin is edible.

English cucumbers have unwaxed skin, so they’re typically sold with plastic wrapped around them. That means you can eat the peel if you’d like.

Can English cucumbers be frozen?

Many veggies retain their texture when blanched and then frozen, but not cucumber.

Cucumbers, when blanched and stored conventionally, do not freeze well.

English cucumbers on top of a white and blue-striped cloth inside a basket
Turn your English cucumbers into healthy veggie noodles!

Can you substitute soy sauce for tamari?

In many cases, yes. It’s highly likely that the tamari you’re seeing in some recipes is there because the recipe is gluten-free. (Most soy sauce varieties have gluten in them, that’s why).

So, you may sub the tamari in the recipe for soy sauce, and vice versa, using a 1:1 ratio—but not always. In some recipes, using too much soy sauce can be overpowering, as it tends to have more salt.

Tamari, on the other hand, has a richer and deeper soy flavor. But then again it can depend largely on what brand you’re using.

Does tamari taste like soy sauce?

Tamari is 100% wheat-free, so it tastes like a mellow, less salty, and more nuanced soy sauce.

Traditional soy sauce contains wheat, which gives it a harsh, almost vinegar-like flavor that you don’t get from tamari.

Tamari soy sauce in a white saucer
Tamari is actually a Japanese sauce made from fermented soybeans, so no wonder you see it in many Asian dishes.
Is white vinegar and rice vinegar the same?

Quick answer: no. White vinegar and rice vinegar may look similar, especially in their color, but they taste completely different.

White vinegar is sour, sharp, and harsh, while rice vinegar is actually sweeter and more delicate. White vinegar is super aggressive and acidic—you can even use it in cleaning out some household stuff.

Is rice vinegar the same as apple cider vinegar?

No, they come from two different sources—you might have noticed how their names give it away! 😉

Despite the difference, you may substitute one for the other in many recipes, such as sushi rice and marinades.

It’s just that apple cider vinegar is a little stronger and cloudier than rice vinegar. At least it’s still on the milder side.

rice vinegar in a glass cup with white rice grains surrounding it
Rice vinegar is made from fermented rice. It’s also a staple in many Asian dishes, such as sushi rice and pickled veggies.

Which is better: sesame oil or toasted sesame oil?

They’re both great! It’s just that they serve different purposes. Toasted sesame oil comes from roasted sesame seeds.

It would be more flavorful, but that makes it better for finishing than cooking.

You can use either in this recipe or leave it out entirely to make it oil-free.

More recipes to try

There’s a lot more to do with cucumbers! You can have some quick pickle with cucumber and onions for nice side tofu dishes in the summer.

Also, when you’re in the mood for cocktails, mocktails, and other refreshments, you could add some kale cucumber cups from Vegan Finger Foods for your finger food party.

Super Easy Sesame Cucumber Noodles - PF Chang's Copycat

Super Easy Sesame Cucumber Noodles – PF Chang’s Copycat

Kathy Hester
This is a great summer lunch or dinner. I’ve been eating it almost every day with some baked tofu straight from the fridge on the side. You can make this a day or two ahead of time to make the heat even a bit easier.
4.15 from 34 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 mins
Cook Time 0 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine asian
Servings 1 serving
Calories 152 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 1 large English cucumber or about 2 large regular ones
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce tamari, (or use coconut aminos to make it soy-free and gluten-free)
  • 1 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil or use tahini to make no oil added
  • 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Instructions
 

  • Spiralize the cucumber. Break the noodles into soba-sized lengths.
  • Mix the rest of the ingredients in a medium-sized mixing bowl. Toss the noodles in and mix. Plate up and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Nutrition

Calories: 152kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 3gFat: 8gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 547mgFiber: 2gSugar: 11g
Keyword cucumber, cucumber noodles, spiralizer
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Vicky @ Avocado Pesto says

    June 12, 2016 at 8:41 pm

    LOVE everything about this recipe! I need to get my hands on a spiralizer so I can eat this ALL SUMMER LONG! Pinning and yumming : ))

    Reply
    • Kathy Hester says

      June 12, 2016 at 9:11 pm

      I am in love with my spiralizer and will be posting more summer recipes with it!

      Reply
  2. Annie says

    June 13, 2016 at 1:41 pm

    This was delicious! I was looking for something quick & easy to add to our lunch of tofu, hummus, and bread – perfect!

    Reply
    • Kathy Hester says

      June 13, 2016 at 5:52 pm

      <3 - I miss you!!

      Reply
  3. Patricia says

    June 20, 2016 at 2:00 pm

    Yes, spiralizers are great. Any and all recipes appreciated!!! This one looks really tasty!

    Reply
  4. Gale Maurer says

    August 7, 2016 at 8:58 am

    Thank you, thank you, thank you. It has been hot and humid here in South Western Ontario. We don’t feel like moving let alone cooking and bonus, recipes that use up the abundance of cucumber we have growing in our garden. I don’t have a spiralizer but I do have a rotato that will make the “noodles”. I will be making this recipe for dinner tonight.

    Reply
  5. Janet Robinson says

    June 10, 2017 at 8:41 am

    I don’t see soba noodles as an ingredient, but mentioned in instructions.

    Reply
    • Kathy Hester says

      June 10, 2017 at 9:19 am

      The word soba is used to give an idea of the length you want to cut your cucumber noodle to. Break the noodles into soba-sized lengths.

      Reply
      • Mary Chleboun says

        May 29, 2018 at 3:36 pm

        Kathy, I have no idea how long that it is… can you help me out with further explanation?

        Reply
        • Kathy Hester says

          May 29, 2018 at 3:52 pm

          It’s a little shorter than spaghetti, but you can cut them to the length you like best.

          Reply
  6. Kelly says

    June 10, 2017 at 8:05 pm

    Thank you for this. I’ve been making cucumber slices with soy sauce and toasted sesame seeds for a snack. I never thought of spiralizing the cucumber or adding rice vinegar or sesame oil.

    I made this for dinner tonight. I made it with Gardein’s Chick’n Scallopini. I followed the package directions for it, except instead of sauteing it in water, I made a second batch of the dressing for the cucumbers. I served the chick’n over the cucumber “pasta.”

    It’s perfect! Thank you!

    Reply
  7. Dave says

    July 16, 2017 at 4:36 pm

    I’ve never tried cucumber noodles but I know they must be healthier for you than regular noodles. I would love to try these with my family.

    Reply
  8. Julia says

    September 10, 2017 at 11:09 pm

    I’m confused. Is this a salad or do you use a slow cooker.

    Reply
    • Kathy Hester says

      September 14, 2017 at 10:03 am

      It is an uncooked main dish.

      Reply
  9. Ryan says

    July 13, 2019 at 1:45 am

    Nice, refreshing recipe! Perfect for those hot summer days when you don’t want to turn the stove on. Also, since I like a bit of spice, I’ve taken to putting a dollop of chili-garlic paste or Sriracha in the sauce. Yummy! Thanks, Kathy!

    Reply
  10. Joann Lakes says

    August 2, 2019 at 10:35 pm

    I love that you’re offering no oil substitutes. I don’t always go no sos but I am doing it more and more for health reasons (husband’s). I’ve been doing a great deal of no added oil especially when sautéing.
    I love the energy you put into your social networking. You’re tireless.

    Reply
  11. JoAnn M Lakes says

    August 4, 2019 at 3:00 pm

    I added some freshly grated ginger and a roasted garlic clove (also grated). I love spices and herbs. I bet cilantro would be a great addition for those people that find it delicious. I wish I didn’t have the soap taste bud.

    Reply
  12. Jen says

    August 23, 2019 at 10:52 am

    Thank you for this recipe. I recently purchased the OXO Spiralizer (countertop model) from Bed, Bath, and Beyond (use your $10 coupon for a great discount). I absolutely love it! I will make this recipe tonight.

    By the way, do you have a vegan biscotti recipe you can share?

    Reply
    • Kathy Hester says

      August 23, 2019 at 10:56 am

      Yay on the discount!! I don’t have a biscotti recipe yet, but I’ll make one for you <3 Any flavor you want?

      Reply
      • Jen says

        August 23, 2019 at 3:34 pm

        Almond!

        Reply
  13. Mary Burdick says

    August 16, 2021 at 7:43 pm

    I love this idea! You never cease to amaze me with your culinary creativity.

    Reply
    • Kathy Hester says

      August 16, 2021 at 7:44 pm

      Thank you so much!

      Reply
  14. Nancy says

    August 16, 2021 at 9:05 pm

    I like the idea of using cucumbers, but as written, one serving of the recipe has MORE than a whole days worth of sodium! Yikes!!

    Reply
  15. Kathy Hester says

    August 16, 2021 at 9:22 pm

    That’s why I encourage everyone to adjust the recipes to fit their diet. Try using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce to reduce the sodium.

    Reply
  16. Donna @ Modern on Monticello says

    August 24, 2021 at 2:00 pm

    This looks delicious. Thanks for sharing the link to buy the spiralizer. #HomeMattersParty

    Reply
  17. Sandi says

    April 6, 2022 at 10:57 am

    Shouldn’t you drain the cucumbers after spiraling them so your recipe is not watered down?

    Reply
    • Kathy Hester says

      October 1, 2022 at 9:59 am

      You can, but I haven’t had an issue with the ones I use.

      Reply
  18. Giselle says

    February 16, 2023 at 11:36 pm

    Does any other pasta dressing work – how about pesto? (I have a spiralizer and want to experiment on cucumbers, but I lack sesame seeds/oil/soy sauces etc :’) and would appreciate any alternate sauce suggestions!)

    Reply
    • Kathy Hester says

      February 16, 2023 at 11:46 pm

      You could use any dressing and turn it into something else. If you want to keep it Asian, maybe try some miso, veggie broth, garlic and ginger?

      Reply

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