| Prep: 25 mins | Cook: 20 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 460 | 15g | 2g | 77g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 11g | 6g | 12g | 1.8g |
Deep in the heart of Montana, my culinary journey began, an adventure that would traverse continents and blur culinary boundaries. A recipe shaped by many cultures and many kitchens, loaded with flavor and unexpected combinations of ingredients, is where my heart settles – and that’s exactly what Spicy Sichuan Noodles is. A fusion of East and West, this dish playfully teases the taste buds with its dual kick of heat from Sichuan pepper and chili flakes, a layer of sweetness from fresh, vibrant fruit, and a generous drizzle of umami, courtesy of the soy sauce and black vinegar. Bathing hearty wheat noodles in an all-embracing sauce, this is a recipe that’s a flavor odyssey and a fulfilling, healthy meal all in one go.
From Montana’s Meadows to Sichuan’s Streets
Sichuan-style fare often gets compared to the hearty ranch meals from back home, with aggressive seasoning, an emphasis on proteins, and a pairing with sturdy grains or noodles. Dietitian Lisa Richards’s comprehensive review of the health benefits of Sichuan peppercorns adds an unexpected twist, illuminating its effectiveness in aiding digestion and reducing inflammation. So, don’t hesitate to be bold with those aromatic, tongue-numbing peppercorns. They not only pack a punch in flavor but contribute a superfood punch to this already health-packed dish.
Fruit? In Noodles? Trust Me on This
Now, I can almost hear you balking. “Fruit in noodles?” A marker of my Western twist; my love for a nil waste approach, and it actually effortlessly aligns with Asian practice of blending sweet and savory. Think mango with sticky rice in Thailand, fresh pineapple on skewered street meats in the Philippines. The diced fresh fruit not only adds a layer of freshness and vitality to our Spicy Sichuan Noodles but also supplies vitamins and helps with digestion. Not to mention their natural sweetness helps temper the heat, creating a balanced flavor.
This recipe is a perfect companion to my Halal Cart-Style Chicken and Rice, bringing a complimentary zest and noodle dish to a rich rice and protein. So go on, give your taste buds an adventure, and dive right into a bowl of these Spicy Sichuan Noodles. You’ll love every bite, just as I do.
What You’ll Need
- 400g of dried wheat noodles
- 3 tbsp of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp of fresh ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup of red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup of green bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup of Sichuan peppercorns
- 2 tbsp of red chili flakes
- 1/4 cup of soy sauce
- 2 tbsp of sugar
- 1 tsp of black vinegar
- 1/2 cup of green onions, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup of cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 cup of diced fresh fruit (mango, pineapple, or papaya)
Method
Step One
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the dried wheat noodles and cook according to the instructions on the packet. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Step Two
Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the garlic, ginger, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté until the vegetables are soft and the garlic and ginger are aromatic.
Step Three
Add the Sichuan peppercorns and red chili flakes to the pan and continue to sauté for another few minutes, until the spices are well incorporated into the mixture.
Step Four
Add the soy sauce, sugar, and black vinegar to the pan and stir well to combine. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
Step Five
Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss well to ensure the noodles are fully coated in the sauce. Continue to cook for a few more minutes until the noodles are heated through.
Step Six
Remove the pan from the heat and stir in the sliced green onions, chopped cilantro, and diced fresh fruit of your choice. Toss well to combine, ensuring the fruit and herbs are well distributed throughout the dish.
Step Seven
Plate the noodles and serve hot. The Spicy Sichuan Noodles are now ready to be enjoyed!
