These Cold Spicy Szechuan Sesame Noodles are a burst of flavor! With a perfect blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, and a kick of heat, they are super tasty and refreshing.
You won’t believe how easy they are to make! Just mix the sauce, toss in the noodles, and chill. Perfect for those hot summer days when you want something zesty without turning on the stove!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Noodles: While I recommend spaghetti for its easy availability, Chinese wheat noodles or even rice noodles work well. Rice noodles create a gluten-free version if needed.
Soy Sauce: Using low-sodium soy sauce is a smart substitute if you want to control the salt. Coconut aminos is another gluten-free alternative that adds a milder flavor.
Sesame Oil: Toasted sesame oil adds great depth. Don’t confuse it with regular sesame oil – the toasted variety is what you want for that rich taste!
Chili Oil: Adjust the amount based on your spice tolerance. You can replace it with sriracha or even a few dashes of hot sauce for a different kick.
Peanut Butter or Tahini: Both add creaminess, but feel free to substitute with almond butter or sunflower seed butter if you’re allergic to nuts.
How Do I Cook Noodles Perfectly for Cold Dishes?
Cooking noodles for a cold dish like this requires some extra steps to ensure the right texture. Here’s my simple guide:
- Boil water in a large pot and add a generous pinch of salt.
- Cook noodles according to the package instructions until they’re al dente – this keeps them firm, especially when chilled.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking. This also washes away excess starch, preventing them from sticking.
- Once cooled, toss the noodles in a little sesame oil to keep them separate and add flavor.
Cold Spicy Szechuan Sesame Noodles Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz (225g) spaghetti or Chinese wheat noodles
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1-2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Szechuan peppercorn oil or crushed Szechuan peppercorns (optional)
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon smooth peanut butter or tahini (optional)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
For Garnish:
- 3-4 green onions (scallions), thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 20 minutes to prepare from start to finish. You can enjoy it right away or allow it to chill in the fridge for 20-30 minutes to enhance the flavors. Perfect for a quick and spicy meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Noodles:
Begin by cooking your chosen noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. This should take about 8-10 minutes. Once they are cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. This stops the cooking process and cools them down quickly. Set the cooled noodles aside in a bowl.
2. Make the Sauce:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, Chinese black vinegar, chili oil, and Szechuan peppercorn oil (if you’re using it). Add the sugar, peanut butter (if you want some creaminess), minced garlic, and grated ginger. Mix these ingredients until they are smooth and well combined.
3. Adjust the Flavor:
Give your sauce a quick taste test! You can adjust the seasoning by adding salt, more chili oil, or chili flakes to suit your spice preference. It should be flavorful and a little zesty!
4. Toss the Noodles:
Add the cooled noodles to the prepared sauce. Toss everything together gently until the noodles are well coated with the sauce. Make sure each noodle gets that delicious flavor!
5. Prepare to Serve:
Transfer the dressed noodles to a serving dish and sprinkle the sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds on top for added crunch and flavor.
6. Add Some Finishing Touches:
If you like, garnish with fresh cilantro for a bright, fresh taste. This adds a lovely contrast to the spicy flavors!
7. Serve or Chill:
You can serve these noodles immediately, but for an even better flavor, chill the dish in the refrigerator for about 20-30 minutes before serving. This allows the ingredients to meld beautifully together. Enjoy your refreshing cold Szechuan sesame noodles!
Can I Use Different Noodles?
Absolutely! While spaghetti is a great option, you can also use Chinese wheat noodles or even rice noodles for a gluten-free version. Just be sure to cook them according to package instructions.
How Do I Adjust the Spice Level?
If you prefer a milder dish, start with 1 tablespoon of chili oil and taste before adding more. You can also use mild hot sauce or skip the chili flakes if you want zero heat.
Can I Make This Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the sauce and noodles up to a day in advance. Just keep them separate until you’re ready to serve. Combine them just before serving to maintain the texture!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To serve leftovers, you can enjoy them cold or give them a quick toss in a pan to heat them gently.
