Spicy Sesame Noodles with Sichuan Peppercorns

A classic sesame noodle dish elevated with the numbing spiciness of Sichuan peppercorns and a balanced sauce of chili oil, soy sauce, and vinegar.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Total Time

30 minutes

Calories

650 kcal

Difficulty

Easy

Equipment

3 items

Cost

£1.16/serving

Season:

☀️ Summer

Meal Type:

Lunch•Dinner

Cuisine:

Asian

Mood:

Spicy

Ingredients

Servings

1poundDried noodles(Lo mein, spaghetti, or udon noodles work well.)

£1.20

2tablespoonsSichuan peppercorns(Toast for enhanced flavor.)

£0.75

2tablespoonsNeutral oil(Vegetable or canola oil.)

£0.10

3clovesGarlic(Minced.)

£0.15

1teaspoonGinger(Minced.)

£0.10

2tablespoonsChili oil(Adjust to your spice preference.)

£0.60

4tablespoonsSoy sauce(Low sodium preferred.)

£0.20

2tablespoonsChinese black vinegar (Chinkiang vinegar)(Rice vinegar can be substituted, but the flavor will be different.)

£0.30

2tablespoonsSesame paste (tahini)(Or sesame butter.)

£0.40

1teaspoonSugar(Optional, to balance the flavors.)

£0.01

2tablespoonsToasted sesame seeds(For garnish.)

£0.25

2stalksScallions(Thinly sliced, for garnish.)

£0.50

1tablespoonPeanut butter (smooth)(Optional, adds richness.)

£0.10

2tablespoonsWater(To thin out the sauce if needed.)

Total Cost

£4.66

£1.16 per serving

Instructions

1.
Toast Sichuan Peppercorns: In a small saucepan over medium heat, toast the Sichuan peppercorns for 2-3 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and let cool. Grind the toasted peppercorns using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
2.
Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3.
Prepare Sichuan Pepper Oil: Heat the neutral oil in the same small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the ground Sichuan peppercorns.
4.
Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the chili oil, soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sesame paste, sugar (if using), and peanut butter (if using). Whisk until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
5.
Combine: Add the cooked noodles to the mixing bowl with the sauce. Toss well to coat. Add the Sichuan pepper oil and mix again.
6.
Garnish: Divide the noodles among serving bowls. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and sliced scallions. Serve immediately.

Buy ingredients on Loop

My Notes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition per serving (250g)

650 kcal / 2720 kJ

Carbs

70g

27% of RDA

Fat

32g

46% of RDA

Protein

24g

48% of RDA

Detailed Breakdown

Fibre

5 g

17% of RDA

Sugar

8 g

9% of RDA

Sodium

1200 mg

52% of RDA

Saturated Fat

5 g

25% of RDA

Chef's Tips

Adjust the amount of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns to suit your spice preference.

If you don't have sesame paste, you can use tahini. If you have sesame butter, that's also a good substitute.

For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce.

Add vegetables such as blanched bok choy or cucumbers for a heartier meal.

The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

Cooking Equipment

Large pot

Small saucepan

Mixing bowl

Wine Pairings

No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.

Share recipe

Loading recipe...

Chef's Tips

Adjust the amount of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns to suit your spice preference.

If you don't have sesame paste, you can use tahini. If you have sesame butter, that's also a good substitute.

For a richer flavor, add a tablespoon of peanut butter to the sauce.

Add vegetables such as blanched bok choy or cucumbers for a heartier meal.

The sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.

Spicy Sesame Noodles with Sichuan Peppercorns

Ingredients

Instructions