Description
These Spicy Szechuan Noodles are tossed in a fragrant garlic chili oil sauce that delivers the perfect amount of heat. With a balance of savory, spicy, and a touch of sweetness, this dish is a vibrant and bold weeknight favorite.
Ingredients
For the Szechuan Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) of fresh or dried noodles (egg noodles, soba, or rice noodles work well)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for cooking the noodles)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon chili paste (adjust for spice level)
- 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorns (crushed)
- 2 tablespoons peanut butter (optional, for a creamy texture)
For the Garlic Chili Oil:
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons garlic (minced)
- 2 tablespoons chili flakes
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon Szechuan peppercorns (crushed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Instructions
Start by heating the vegetable oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring frequently, until it becomes fragrant and lightly golden. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Next, add the chili flakes and crushed Szechuan peppercorns to the oil. Stir well and let the mixture infuse for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Finally, remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sesame oil and rice vinegar. Set this garlic chili oil aside to cool while you cook the noodles.
In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add a pinch of salt. Once the water is boiling, add your noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes for most types of noodles. If you’re using fresh noodles, they will cook faster, so keep an eye on them.
Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and toss them with a bit of vegetable oil and sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together.
While the noodles are cooking, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and chili paste in a small bowl. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely. This sauce will add the base of savory, sweet, and spicy flavor to your noodles.
In a large skillet or wok, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and pour the prepared sauce over them. Toss the noodles in the sauce, ensuring they are well-coated.
Once the noodles are fully coated in the sauce, pour in the garlic chili oil. Toss the noodles again to distribute the chili oil evenly, allowing the heat and flavor to infuse into the noodles. The combination of the Szechuan sauce and the garlic chili oil will give the noodles a vibrant, spicy flavor.
At this stage, you can enhance the flavor and texture of your noodles by adding a tablespoon of peanut butter for a creamy finish. Stir it in thoroughly until the noodles are creamy and smooth.
If you want extra crunch, you can toss in some chopped scallions, crushed peanuts, or sesame seeds for garnish.
Once everything is combined, remove the skillet from the heat. Serve the Szechuan noodles in bowls, making sure to drizzle any remaining sauce and chili oil over the top. Garnish with extra crushed Szechuan peppercorns, chili flakes, or chopped cilantro for an added touch of flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 400-500 kcal
- Fat: 22-25g
- Carbohydrates: 45-50g
- Protein: 10-12g