Sesame Noodles

Ingredients

• 1 bunch scallions, (top 1 inch trimmed and sliced on a bias)
• 20 ounces (570g) fresh udon noodles ( (see Note 1 for substitutes))
• 2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
• 3 cloves garlic, (grated or crushed with a press)
• 3 to 3 ½ tablespoons (40 to 50g) Chinese roasted sesame paste ( (see note 2))
• 2 tablespoons Chinese light soy sauce ((see note 3))
• ½ tablespoon dark soy sauce ((optional; see note 4))
• ½ tablespoon agave nectar (or organic cane sugar)
• ½ tablespoon Chinese black vinegar ((see note 5))
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
• 1 heaping tablespoon chili-garlic sauce or sambal oelek ((see note 6))
• 6 ounces (170g) shelled edamame ((omit for a side dish; see note 7))
• Kosher salt (as needed)
• 1 medium red/orange bell pepper, (thinly sliced)
• A few handfuls of shredded napa or savoy cabbage
• A few handfuls of finely diced English cucumber
• ¼ cup (35g) roasted peanuts, (chopped (omit for nut-free))
• 2 tablespoons roasted white or black sesame seeds
• Chinese chili crisp or chili oil ((optional))
• Fresh chili peppers, (sliced (optional, for spicy!))
• A drizzle of toasted sesame oil ((optional))

Nutrition (per serving)