Cold Mustard-Sesame Noodles

Serves 4-6

Ingredients

For Sesame-Mustard Sauce

  • ½ cup sesame paste
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • ¼ cup rice vinegar
  • ¼ cup whole grain mustard
  • 1 tbsp minced ginger
  • 1 tbsp sriracha or other Asian hot sauce (optional)

For Noodles

  • 1 lb pasta (any shape, Italian pasta or Asian noodles)
  • 3 tbsp cooking oil, divided
  • 1 cup peeled, grated cucumber
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 cup grated carrot
  • 2 scallions, finely sliced
  • 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
  • ¼ lb cured pork belly, cut into ¼" batons

How-to

Make Sauce

  1. Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl. Set aside

Assemble Salad

  1. Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions
  2. Rinse under cold water and drain in a colander
  3. Once drained, toss with 2 tbsp cooking oil to prevent sticking
  4. In a small sauté pan, heat remaining oil over medium-high and cook cured pork belly until crispy, about 3-4 minutes
  5. Transfer to a paper towel-lined plate 
  6. In a large bowl, toss together noodles, pork belly, vegetables and dressing, reserving some sliced scallions for garnish
  7. Serve immediately, garnishing with remaining chopped scallions, or refrigerate until serving