Sichuan Cold Noodle Salad – A Bold, Spicy, and Refreshing
Sichuan Cold Noodle Salad is a chilled noodle dish featuring chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, and a bold spicy dressing. The sauce combines chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and sesame paste for a complex and addictive flavor. Fresh vegetables add crunch and balance to the richness of the dressing. The dish is refreshing yet intensely flavorful, making it ideal for warm weather meals. Easy to customize with proteins and vegetables, it offers versatility and nutrition. Its famous mala flavor creates an unforgettable eating experience. This classic Chinese noodle salad is both comforting and exciting in every bite.
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 12 ounces Chinese wheat noodles
- Ice water for chilling
For the Vegetables
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 2 green onions, sliced
- ¼ cup cilantro leaves
For the Sichuan Dressing
- 3 tablespoons chili oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame paste or tahini
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- ½ teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Crushed roasted peanuts
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water.
- Transfer noodles to ice water until completely chilled.
- Julienne cucumber and carrot.
- Slice green onions and prepare cilantro.
- In a bowl, whisk together chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame paste, garlic, sugar, sesame oil, and Sichuan peppercorns.
- Drain noodles well and place in a large mixing bowl.
- Add vegetables and dressing.
- Toss until evenly coated.
- Garnish with sesame seeds and peanuts.
- Chill for 10 minutes before serving if desired.
- Serve cold and enjoy.
Notes
- Chinese wheat noodles provide the most authentic texture.
- Sichuan peppercorns create the signature numbing sensation.
- Black vinegar adds traditional depth of flavor.
- Fresh vegetables enhance crunch and freshness.
- Sesame paste makes the dressing creamy.
- Adjust chili oil according to spice preference.
- Serve immediately for best texture.
- Store dressing separately for meal prep.