These Cold Spicy Szechuan Sesame Noodles are a tasty twist that packs a punch! With a blend of sesame, soy sauce, and a kick of spice, they’re full of flavor and super refreshing.
Perfect for hot days when you don’t want to cook, I love serving them chilled with some crunchy veggies. They disappear fast at my house, and it’s easy to see why—so good! 😋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: You can use Chinese wheat noodles, ramen noodles, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have. I prefer ramen for its texture, but any of these will work just fine!
Sesame Paste: If you can’t find sesame paste, natural peanut butter is a great substitute. It adds a nice creaminess and flavor, but it will shift the taste a bit. You can also use tahini as another alternative.
Chili Oil: Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your spice tolerance—less for a mild kick, more if you’re craving heat. You can also use sriracha for a different flavor profile.
Black Vinegar: If you can’t get Chinese black vinegar, balsamic vinegar is a decent stand-in. It’s a bit sweeter but still adds depth to the dish.
Garnishes: Fresh cilantro adds a nice freshness, but if you’re not a fan, you can skip it or substitute with chopped green bell pepper for some crunch.
How Do I Ensure My Noodles Are Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking noodles just right is key to a great dish. Here’s how you can ensure they turn out well:
- Follow the package instructions closely, checking for ‘al dente,’ which means they should still have a slight bite to them.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles immediately and rinse them under cold water. This halts the cooking process and cools them down quickly.
- Make sure to drain well to get rid of excess water, which could dilute your flavor when mixed with sauce.
Using these tips will help you achieve the perfect noodle base for your Cold Spicy Szechuan Sesame Noodles!
How to Make Cold Spicy Szechuan Sesame Noodles
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 8 oz Chinese wheat noodles, ramen noodles, or spaghetti
Sauce Ingredients:
- 3 tbsp sesame paste (or natural peanut butter as a substitute)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (regular or light)
- 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
- 2 tbsp chili oil with chili flakes (adjust to spice preference)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
Toppings:
- 3 scallions (green parts only), chopped
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- Optional garnish: chopped fresh cilantro or crushed peanuts
- 1-2 tbsp water (to adjust sauce consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This dish takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus an optional 30 minutes of chilling time for the flavors to blend together. It’s quick, simple, and so satisfying on a warm day!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cooking the Noodles:
Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Once cooked, drain the noodles and give them a good rinse under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools them down. Drain well and set aside.
2. Preparing the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, combine the sesame paste, soy sauce, black vinegar, chili oil, toasted sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Whisk everything together until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add 1-2 tablespoons of water to get a creamy yet pourable consistency.
3. Combining Noodles and Sauce:
Take the cooled noodles and place them in a large mixing bowl. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and gently toss until every strand is coated in that delicious, spicy sauce. Make sure it’s evenly mixed!
4. Adding Toppings:
Transfer your beautifully sauced noodles to serving plates or bowls. Top with chopped scallions and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for that extra crunch. If you like, throw on some chopped fresh cilantro or crushed peanuts for added flavor.
5. Serving:
These noodles are ready to enjoy right away! However, if you have time, chill them in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld even more, making every bite even tastier!
Now, sit back and savor your Cold Spicy Szechuan Sesame Noodles—a delightful blend of spicy, nutty goodness!
Can I Use Different Types of Noodles?
Absolutely! You can use any noodles you have on hand, such as Chinese wheat noodles, ramen, or even spaghetti. Each type will give a slightly different texture but will still taste delicious!
How Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer your noodles less spicy, simply reduce the amount of chili oil you add. You can start with 1 tablespoon and gradually increase it to your taste. Alternatively, you can substitute it with less spicy options like sweet chili sauce or sriracha for a milder flavor.
Can I Make This Dish Vegan?
This recipe is already vegan-friendly! Just ensure that the soy sauce and any other ingredients you use are certified vegan. Enjoy the creamy flavor from the sesame paste without any animal products!
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover noodles in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, you can enjoy them cold or give them a quick toss in a pan to warm them slightly. Just be cautious not to overheat, as you don’t want to lose that lovely cold noodle texture!
