Dan Dan Noodles

Step 1

Cook noodles in 4 quarts rapidly boiling water until tender, for 4 to 5 minutes. Drain in colander, rinse with cold water, and drain again. In bowl, toss noodles with 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Refrigerate.

Step 2

Lightly toast sesame seeds in dry skillet. In food processor, place 5 tablespoons seeds, plus ginger, garlic, white scallions, peanut butter, 1/2 cup water, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, chili paste, pepper and remaining oil. Process until smooth. Sauce should be highly seasoned and pourable. Refrigerate.

Step 3

Divide noodles among 4 bowls, and pour sauce over them. Sprinkle scallion greens and remaining sesame seeds on top.