Szechuan Cold Noodles Recipes

COLD NOODLES WITH SICHUAN DRESSING (LIANG MIAN, 凉面)

Steps:

• Put minced garlic, Sichuan pepper & star anise into a small bowl. Add hot water. Leave to infuse.
• Option 1: Put the chicken on a plate. Steam for 15 mins over medium heat. Transfer to another plate to cool.
• Option 2: Place the chicken in a roasting tray. Cover the tray with tin foil. Cook for 20 mins in a preheated oven at 390°F/200°C/Fan 180°C. Transfer to a plate to cool.
• Bring a pot of water to a full boil. Add noodles. Boil until they are just cooked or a little undercooked. Be attentive to avoid boiling over.
• Drain the noodles. Rinse under tap water to cool.
• Transfer to a large bowl. Add sesame oil. Toss well.
• Shred the chicken either by hand or with a knife. Add to the noodles along with cucumber, scallions and fresh chilli.
• Drain the aromatic water through a sieve. Discard the garlic & spices. Pour the water over the noodles. Add all the ingredients for the dressing and mix well.
• Transfer the noodles to 2 serving bowls. Top each one with coriander, peanuts (if using).

SZECHUAN NOODLES

Steps:

• Place the garlic and ginger in a food processor fitted with a steel blade. Add the vegetable oil, tahini, peanut butter, soy sauce, sherry, sherry vinegar, honey, chili oil, sesame oil, and ground peppers. Puree the sauce.
• Add a splash of oil to a large pot of boiling salted water and cook the spaghetti al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander, place it in a large bowl, and while still warm, toss with 3/4 of the sauce. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and scallions; toss well. Serve warm or at room temperature. The remaining sauce may be added, as needed, to moisten the pasta.