Chinese cuisine

Introduction

Spicy cold noodles, also known as ma la liang mian in Chinese, are a delightful and refreshing dish that perfectly combines the tangy, spicy, and numbing flavors of Sichuan cuisine with the simplicity of a cold noodle dish. This dish is perfect for summer, as it provides a cool and refreshing meal that is both satisfying and light. In this article, we will guide you through the process of making spicy cold noodles from scratch, including the preparation of the sauce, cooking the noodles, and garnishing the dish.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

To make spicy cold noodles, you will need the following ingredients:

• 200 grams of dried or fresh noodles (ideally, thin and round like vermicelli)
• 2 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 inch of ginger, grated
• 2-3 dried red peppers (or to taste)
• 1 teaspoon of Sichuan peppercorns (ma la)
• 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar (preferably rice vinegar)
• 1 teaspoon of sugar
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 bunch of green onions (scallions), chopped
• 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1/2 a red bell pepper, julienned (optional)
• Peanuts or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, grated ginger, dried red peppers, Sichuan peppercorns, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all the ingredients. Set this sauce aside while you prepare the noodles.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions or until they are al dente. Do not overcook the noodles as they will continue to cook in the sauce later. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from sticking together. Transfer the noodles to a large bowl and set aside.

Step 4: Combine the Sauce with the Noodles

Pour the sauce over the cooked noodles and toss to combine well. Make sure that all the noodles are coated with the sauce. Let the noodles marinate in the sauce for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can also refrigerate the noodles for an hour or so if you have time to let the flavors develop further.

Step 5: Prepare the Garnishes

While the noodles are marinating, prepare the garnishes. Julienne the carrot, cucumber, and red bell pepper (if using) by cutting them into long thin strips using a knife or a vegetable peeler. Chop the green onions into small pieces. Set these aside until you are ready to serve the noodles.

Step 6: Assemble and Garnish the Noodles

Once the noodles have marinated for at least 10 minutes, transfer them to a large serving bowl. Top with the julienned vegetables and chopped green onions. Sprinkle with peanuts or sesame seeds if desired. You can also add some extra grated ginger or dried red peppers for extra flavor and spice.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy!

Your spicy cold noodles are now ready to serve! This dish is best served chilled, so make sure to serve it from the refrigerator if possible. You can also garnish with extra sesame seeds or peanuts before serving for an extra crunchy and flavorful touch. Enjoy your spicy cold noodles with a side of beer or soda for a perfect summer meal!

Variations and Tips:

• If you prefer a less spicy dish, you can reduce the amount of dried red peppers or omit them altogether.
• You can add other vegetables such as shredded cabbage or bean sprouts to add more texture and flavor to your dish.
• For an extra tangy flavor, you can add a few drops of chili oil or Sriracha sauce to the sauce mixture before combining it with the noodles.
• If you want to make this dish vegan, you can omit the use of eggs in your noodles or use a plant-based milk substitute instead of soy sauce. However, keep in mind that traditional soy sauce is not vegan.
• You can also add some cooked shredded chicken or beef to make this dish a main course instead of a side dish. Just make sure to cook the meat separately and add it at the end after combining it with the noodles and sauce.
• For an extra crunchy texture, you can add some crispy fried shallots or fried garlic to your dish before serving. These are commonly used in Chinese cuisine as a garnish for many dishes.
• If you have any leftover sauce, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. This makes it easy to prepare spicy cold noodles for future meals without having to make a new batch of sauce each time.