In the realm of tantalizing flavors and unique culinary experiences, Sichuan cuisine stands out with its bold and fiery dishes that have captivated palates worldwide. Originating from the Sichuan province in southwestern China, this cuisine is renowned for its distinct use of chili peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, and an array of aromatic spices, creating a harmonious blend of heat, numbing sensations, and rich flavors. Among the many culinary gems of Sichuan, the Sichuan Cold Noodle, also known as Liang Mian, is a refreshing and savory dish that perfectly embodies the essence of this captivating cuisine.
Crafted with fresh noodles, tossed in a vibrant sauce made from a symphony of flavors, this dish offers a delightful contrast of textures and a journey of taste sensations. The noodles, often made from wheat or rice, are cooked to perfection, retaining their springy bite and delicate chewiness. The sauce, the heart of the dish, is a captivating blend of aromatic sesame paste, spicy chili oil, tangy vinegar, and a hint of sweetness. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a harmonious balance of flavors that dances on the palate. Accompaniments like shredded cucumber, carrot, and cilantro add a refreshing crunch and vibrancy, while crushed peanuts and chili oil provide an extra burst of flavor and texture.
This article presents a comprehensive guide to preparing the Sichuan Cold Noodle, offering three distinct recipes that cater to different taste preferences and dietary requirements. The first recipe, the Classic Sichuan Cold Noodle, stays true to the traditional flavors of this dish. The second recipe, the Vegan Sichuan Cold Noodle, is a delightful plant-based rendition that offers a vibrant and flavorful experience without compromising on taste. Lastly, the Gluten-Free Sichuan Cold Noodle caters to individuals with gluten sensitivities, providing a delectable alternative that maintains the essence of this beloved dish. With step-by-step instructions, helpful tips, and a detailed ingredient list, this article empowers home cooks to recreate this iconic dish in their own kitchens, bringing the vibrant flavors of Sichuan to their dining tables.
COLD NOODLES WITH SICHUAN DRESSING (LIANG MIAN, 凉面)
Pungent, aromatic and refreshing, cold noodles with Sichuan dressing is such a delectable dish to try! My recipe explains in detail the cooking method, ingredient sourcing and topping inspirations.
Provided by Wei Guo
Categories Side Dish
Time 25m
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Put minced garlic, Sichuan pepper & star anise into a small bowl. Add hot water. Leave to infuse.
- Option 1: Put the chicken on a plate. Steam for 15 mins over medium heat. Transfer to another plate to cool.
- Option 2: Place the chicken in a roasting tray. Cover the tray with tin foil. Cook for 20 mins in a preheated oven at 390°F/200°C/Fan 180°C. Transfer to a plate to cool.
- Bring a pot of water to a full boil. Add noodles. Boil until they are just cooked or a little undercooked. Be attentive to avoid boiling over.
- Drain the noodles. Rinse under tap water to cool.
- Transfer to a large bowl. Add sesame oil. Toss well.
- Shred the chicken either by hand or with a knife. Add to the noodles along with cucumber, scallions and fresh chilli.
- Drain the aromatic water through a sieve. Discard the garlic & spices. Pour the water over the noodles. Add all the ingredients for the dressing and mix well.
- Transfer the noodles to 2 serving bowls. Top each one with coriander, peanuts (if using).
Nutrition Facts : ServingSize 1 serving, Calories 439 kcal
SZECHUAN COLD NOODLES
Szechuan style cold noodle salad
Provided by Elaine
Categories staple
Time 20m
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Set up a steamer with enough water and bring to a boiling.
- Spread noodles on a steamer and then steam for 4-5 minutes. Then add a small pinch of salt in the water and then transfer the noodles in the water. Heat until the water boils again.
- Transfer out and add 1/2 tablespoon f oil immediately (This will help to avoid the noodles being sticky with each other). Stir to mix well. Use chopsticks to stir the noodles up repeatedly to help the noodles cool down quickly. In hot days, you can even resort to an electric fan.
- Cook the noodles according to the instruction on the package. I recommend you only cook the noodles about until 80% cooked.
- When the noodles are completely cooled down, add shredded cucumber and all the other seasonings. Mix well and serve cold.
- Drizzle some chili oil on top, garnish green onion and roasted peanuts.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 150 kcal, Carbohydrate 12 g, Protein 2 g, Fat 5 g, Sodium 416 mg, Sugar 8 g, ServingSize 1 serving
SZECHUAN NOODLES
Steps:
- Place the garlic and ginger in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the vegetable oil, tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, sherry, sherry vinegar, honey, chili oil, sesame oil, and ground peppers. Puree the sauce.
- Add a splash of oil to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook the spaghetti al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, place it in a large bowl, and while still warm, toss with 3/4 of the sauce. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and scallions; toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature. The remaining sauce may be added, as needed, to moisten the pasta.
SPICY SICHUAN NOODLES
This recipe for spicy peanut noodles is adapted from Ken Hom, the chef and cookbook author best known for his BBC television show "Ken Hom's Chinese Cookery." It is incredibly easy to put together on a weeknight, yet loaded with complex flavors and textures.
Provided by Florence Fabricant
Categories dinner, one pot, main course
Time 25m
Yield 4 servings
Number Of Ingredients 12
Steps:
- Heat a wok or heavy skillet over medium heat. Add the peppercorns and stir-fry for about 5 minutes until they brown slightly and start to smoke. Remove them from the heat and allow them to cool, then grind them. Set aside.
- Combine the pork, 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of the salt and mix well. Heat a wok or skillet, add the oil and when the oil is hot, deep-fry the pork, stirring it with a spatula to break up the pieces. When the pork is crispy, about four minutes, remove it with a slotted spoon and drain it on paper towels.
- Pour off all but two tablespoons of the oil. Put a pot containing 3 to 4 quarts of water on the stove and bring to a boil.
- Reheat the wok with the remaining oil and stir-fry the garlic, ginger and scallions for 30 seconds, then add the sesame paste, the remaining soy sauce and salt, the chili oil and chicken stock. Simmer for four minutes. Return the pork to the pan and stir.
- Cook the noodles in the boiling water two minutes if they are fresh, five minutes if they are dried (if using spaghetti, cook according to package directions). Drain in a colander. Transfer them to a serving bowl or individual bowls. Ladle on the sauce and top with the fried pork mixture. Sprinkle with the ground Sichuan peppercorns and serve.
Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 1109, UnsaturatedFat 61 grams, Carbohydrate 69 grams, Fat 82 grams, Fiber 4 grams, Protein 27 grams, SaturatedFat 16 grams, Sodium 799 milligrams, Sugar 4 grams, TransFat 0 grams
Tips:
- Use authentic ingredients: This includes Sichuan peppercorns, Pixian doubanjiang (broad bean paste), and Chinese rice vinegar. You can find these ingredients at Asian grocery stores.
- Toast the Sichuan peppercorns: This will bring out their flavor and aroma. You can toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes, or until they are fragrant.
- Soak the rice noodles: This will soften them and make them easier to eat. You can soak them in cold water for about 30 minutes, or until they are pliable.
- Rinse the noodles thoroughly: This will remove any excess starch and prevent them from becoming sticky.
- Use a variety of vegetables: This will add color, texture, and flavor to your dish. Some good options include cucumber, carrot, bell pepper, and bean sprouts.
- Make the sauce ahead of time: This will allow the flavors to meld and develop. You can make the sauce up to 3 days in advance.
- Serve the noodles cold: This is a refreshing and delicious way to enjoy them. You can also serve them at room temperature or slightly warm.
Conclusion:
Sichuan cold noodles are a delicious and refreshing dish that is perfect for a summer meal. They are easy to make and can be customized to your own taste. With a little planning, you can make this dish ahead of time and enjoy it all week long. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal, give Sichuan cold noodles a try. You won't be disappointed!
Are you curently on diet or you just want to control your food's nutritions, ingredients? We will help you find recipes by cooking method, nutrition, ingredients...
Check it out »
You'll also love