Spicy, tangy, and utterly satisfying, these Szechuan Noodles are a must-try for anyone who loves spicy Asian recipes. This vegetarian version is filled with colorful vegetables and aromatic spices. Pair it with your protein of choice to make it a complete meal.
Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
Toss the noodles with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame paste, rice vinegar, chili oil, sugar, and ground Szechuan peppercorns.
Whisk together until well incorporated. Set aside.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat.
Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, and julienned carrots. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables begin to soften.
Add minced garlic and ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Continue to stir-fry for another 1-2 minutes.
Combine and Cook
If using optional protein, add it to the wok now and stir well.
Add the cooked noodles to the wok.
Pour the prepared sauce over the noodle and vegetable mixture.
Toss everything together to combine, ensuring the sauce evenly coats the noodles and vegetables.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds and the green parts of the green onions.
Serve immediately, either as a stand-alone dish or with additional protein options.
Notes
Noodle Choices: You can use a variety of noodles such as Chinese wheat noodles, linguini, or even rice noodles. Cooking times may vary.
Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili oil to suit your heat preference.
Szechuan Peppercorns: These provide a unique numbing sensation and are a key ingredient in Szechuan cuisine. They can be found in Asian grocery stores or specialty shops.
Optional Protein: If using chicken, pork, or tofu, cook separately with a bit of soy sauce and set aside before adding it to the stir-fry.
Sauce Thickness: If you find the sauce too thick, you can add a splash of water or vegetable broth to thin it out.
Meal Prep: This dish is great for meal prep. Simply prepare the sauce and vegetables ahead of time, and combine them when ready to eat.