Ingredients

1 pound udon noodles

3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil

1/2 cup unhulled sesame seeds

1/4 cup soy sauce

6 tablespoons mirin (Japanese cooking wine)

2 teaspoons rice-wine vinegar

1 teaspoon black sesame seeds (optional)

2 scallions, white and light-green parts only, thinly sliced

Preparation

Bring a stockpot of water to a boil. Stir in the noodles, and cook until al dente, about 6 minutes or according to package instructions. Remove from heat, and drain. Transfer noodles to a serving bowl, and toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil. Set aside.

Gently toast unhulled sesame seeds in a small skillet set over low heat until just fragrant, about 2 minutes. Transfer seeds to a bowl to cool.

Place toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, mirin, the remaining 2 tablespoons sesame oil, and the rice-wine vinegar in the jar of a blender; process until smooth and creamy. Pour dressing over reserved noodles, and toss to combine. Sprinkle with black sesame seeds, if using, and scallions. Serve immediately.