I absolutely love this recipe because it’s a flavor bomb with the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and nutty—it just hits all the right spots! Plus, it’s super easy to make, so I can enjoy a delicious and refreshing meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
I adore the art of creating combinations of flavors and textures that dance on the palate, and my Cold Noodles with Sichuan Dressing embody that. The dish uses 8 oz of either Chinese wheat noodles or thin spaghetti (good luck finding the latter in a non-basketball-sized 18 oz package; I just cook what I need and vacuum-seal the rest if the spaghetti is not consumed within a week).
The Spicy and Savory Dressing (see ingredient list below) incorporates a lot of umami in a (not-so-simple) obviously delicious sauce, and has a lovely texture that you just want to slurp.
Ingredients
Chinese wheat noodles:
Foundation of quality carbs for powerful energy; adaptable across meals.
Chinkiang vinegar:
Contributes umami and acidity; vital for genuine Sichuan taste.
Sesame oil:
Aroma: Rich, nutty; Fats: Healthy; Flavor: Deepens profile.
Chili oil with sediment:
Imparts warmth and depth; boosts umami.
Sesame paste:
Rich in protein and healthy fats, creamy adds smooth texture.
Garlic:
Fragrant and full of flavor; strengthens the immune system; possesses natural antibiotic qualities.
Cucumber:
Replenishes with crispness; thirst-quenching; few calories.
Ingredient Quantities
- 8 oz (225g) Chinese wheat noodles or thin spaghetti
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar (black vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp chili oil with sediment (Lao Gan Ma recommended)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame paste or smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
1. Prepare the noodles as directed on the package. After cooking, drain the noodles, and rinse them under cold water until they are completely cool. Set the noodles aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, sesame oil, sediment-rich chili oil, sugar, minced garlic, and either sesame paste or peanut butter. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. In a large bowl, toss the cooked noodles with the dressing you have prepared, making sure they are well-coated.
4. Into the noodle mixture, add the chopped roasted peanuts and sliced scallions, gently tossing them to combine.
5. The cucumber is prepared by being julienned into thin strips. It is then added to the dressed noodles and mixed in gently.
6. Sample the noodles and modify the seasoning, adding salt if necessary.
7. Move the noodles that have been dressed to a platter or bowl for serving.
8. For an extra hit of flavor, toast some sesame seeds, then go ahead and sprinkle them over the top.
9. If you are using it, add fresh cilantro as a garnish, and you will have an incredibly vibrant and beautiful dish on your hands.
10. Serve at once, letting the flavors shine while the noodles are delightfully cool and refreshing.
Equipment Needed
1. Pot (for boiling noodles)
2. Colander (for draining noodles)
3. Kitchen sink (for rinsing noodles)
4. Mixing bowl (for preparing dressing)
5. Spoon or whisk (for stirring dressing)
6. Large bowl (for tossing noodles with dressing)
7. Cutting board (for chopping ingredients)
8. Knife (for mincing, chopping, and slicing)
9. Peeler or julienne peeler (for julienning cucumber)
10. Serving platter or bowl (for presenting the noodles)
11. Small pan (for toasting sesame seeds, optional)
12. Measuring spoons (for measuring ingredients)
FAQ
- Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?You can substitute with any thin noodles you have on hand, such as soba or rice noodles, although it may slightly alter the texture.
- Is there a substitute for Chinkiang vinegar?If you are unable to find it, you can substitute rice vinegar or a mix of balsamic vinegar with a little soy sauce.
- How can I adjust the heat level of this dish?Varying the amount of chili oil, or omitting the sediment, lets you control the heat. If you want it milder, just leave out the sediment.
- Can I pre-make this dish?Yes, you can make it a day in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Stir in cucumber and fresh cilantro just before serving to keep them crisp.
- What can I use instead of sesame paste?Creamy peanut butter is an acceptable substitute and will impart a nutty taste to the recipe.
- Is this dish served chilled?It is common for cold noodles to be served chilled or at room temperature, which really brings out the flavors of the sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
Wheat noodles or fine spaghetti, Chinese style: Use soba noodles or rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
Black vinegar, known as Chinkiang vinegar, can be replaced by either balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar.
Chili oil that has sediment in it: Use sriracha sauce or plain chili oil without sediment as a substitute.
Tahini or almond butter can be used as a substitute for sesame paste or smooth peanut butter.
Substitute roasted peanuts with cashews or sunflower seeds for a nut-free version.
Pro Tips
1. Chill the Noodles: After rinsing the cooked noodles under cold water, consider tossing them with a small amount of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together and to enhance their flavor. Place them in the fridge to chill for 15-20 minutes for an extra refreshing dish.
2. Customize the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your preferred spice level. You can also add a pinch of red pepper flakes or some finely chopped fresh chili for more heat and visual appeal.
3. Enhance the Crunch: Toast the chopped roasted peanuts lightly in a pan for a deeper, nuttier flavor and additional crunch.
4. Boost Umami: For an extra umami kick, add a splash of fish sauce or a teaspoon of miso paste to the sauce mixture. This can add depth and complexity to the dish.
5. Add Protein: Incorporate a protein like shredded chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make the dish more substantial. Marinate and quickly grill or sauté the protein, then mix it into the noodles before serving.
Cold Noodles With Sichuan Dressing Recipe
My favorite Cold Noodles With Sichuan Dressing Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Pot (for boiling noodles)
2. Colander (for draining noodles)
3. Kitchen sink (for rinsing noodles)
4. Mixing bowl (for preparing dressing)
5. Spoon or whisk (for stirring dressing)
6. Large bowl (for tossing noodles with dressing)
7. Cutting board (for chopping ingredients)
8. Knife (for mincing, chopping, and slicing)
9. Peeler or julienne peeler (for julienning cucumber)
10. Serving platter or bowl (for presenting the noodles)
11. Small pan (for toasting sesame seeds, optional)
12. Measuring spoons (for measuring ingredients)
Ingredients:
- 8 oz (225g) Chinese wheat noodles or thin spaghetti
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinkiang vinegar (black vinegar)
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp chili oil with sediment (Lao Gan Ma recommended)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame paste or smooth peanut butter
- 1 tbsp roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 small cucumber, julienned
- 1 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- Fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the noodles as directed on the package. After cooking, drain the noodles, and rinse them under cold water until they are completely cool. Set the noodles aside.
2. In a mixing bowl, combine the soy sauce, Chinkiang vinegar, sesame oil, sediment-rich chili oil, sugar, minced garlic, and either sesame paste or peanut butter. Stir until the sugar has dissolved and the mixture is smooth.
3. In a large bowl, toss the cooked noodles with the dressing you have prepared, making sure they are well-coated.
4. Into the noodle mixture, add the chopped roasted peanuts and sliced scallions, gently tossing them to combine.
5. The cucumber is prepared by being julienned into thin strips. It is then added to the dressed noodles and mixed in gently.
6. Sample the noodles and modify the seasoning, adding salt if necessary.
7. Move the noodles that have been dressed to a platter or bowl for serving.
8. For an extra hit of flavor, toast some sesame seeds, then go ahead and sprinkle them over the top.
9. If you are using it, add fresh cilantro as a garnish, and you will have an incredibly vibrant and beautiful dish on your hands.
10. Serve at once, letting the flavors shine while the noodles are delightfully cool and refreshing.
