Sour Spicy Cold Noodles (“Suan La Liang Mian”; Sichuan Province, China)

Enjoy a bold and refreshing bowl of Chinese Sour Spicy Cold Noodles, with a tangy, spicy sauce perfect for customizing with your favorite veggies.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 20

Chill Time 30

Total Time 55

Course Appetizer, Main Course, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 Servings

Equipment

Normal Kitchen Utensils

Ingredients

8 Oz. Wheat noodles, Rice noodles, Soba Noodles or Spaghetti
1 Cucumber Julienned
1 Carrot Julienned
1 C Bean Sprouts Blanched (Optional)
2-3 Green Onions (Scallions) Finely Chopped
2-3 Cloves Garlic Minced
1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
1 Tbsp Black Vinegar or Rice Vinegar
1 Tbsp Sesame Oil
1 Tbsp Chili Oil
1 tsp Sugar
1 tsp Ground Sichuan Peppercorn (Optional)
Cilantro for Garnish (Optional)

Instructions

Boil the noodles per package directions. Once boiled, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to cool them down.
8 Oz. Wheat noodles, Rice noodles, Soba Noodles or Spaghetti
While the noodles boil, you can prepare the sauce. Mix the soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, chili oil, sugar, garlic and (optional) Sichuan pepper together.
2-3 Cloves Garlic, 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce, 1 Tbsp Black Vinegar or Rice Vinegar, 1 Tbsp Sesame Oil, 1 tsp Sugar, 1 tsp Ground Sichuan Peppercorn, 1 Tbsp Chili Oil
Combine the cucumber, carrot, and (optional) bean sprouts with the cold noodles and mix everything together with the sauce.
1 Cucumber, 1 Carrot, 1 C Bean Sprouts
You can either serve this right away at room temperature, or let it chill in the refrigerator for 15-30 minutes, or until it is nice and cold (my preference).
If you choose to let it chill (or if you have leftovers), the sauce may tighten up when the noodles absorb some of the water. If so, mix in cold water, 1 Tbsp at a time, until the sauce comes back.
Serve topped with the chopped scallions, sesame seeds and (optional) cilantro.
1 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds, Cilantro for Garnish, 2-3 Green Onions (Scallions)

Keyword Carrots, Chili, Cold, Cucumber, Green Onion, Noodles, Scallion, Sesame, Sour, Soy, Spicy

Why I Love Chinese Sour Spicy Cold Noodles

Chinese Sour Spicy Cold Noodles are one of my go-to dishes when I want something refreshing yet bold. The mix of tangy vinegar and fiery chili oil gives the noodles an addictive kick. I also love how easy it is to customize with my favorite vegetables. Personally, I always add thinly sliced white onion and a little extra soy sauce for that savory depth.

A Dish With a Rich History

This dish, like many cold noodle dishes, has its roots in northern China, where the summers can get incredibly hot. People often turn to cold noodles for a satisfying meal that doesn’t involve standing over a stove. The combination of sour, spicy, and savory elements creates a perfect balance. While there’s no exact record of when the dish originated, cold noodle salads have been enjoyed for centuries across China, especially in regions with hot climates. It’s a simple, yet effective way to cool down without sacrificing flavor.

The Cooling Effect of Cucumber

One of the key ingredients I love to include in this recipe is cucumber. Not only does it add a refreshing crunch, but it also has a natural cooling effect. Cucumbers are great at balancing the heat of the chili oil, making each bite a perfect mix of cool and spicy. When combined with the cold temperature of the dish itself, cucumber makes this noodle bowl especially refreshing during hot weather.

Easy to Personalize

What makes Chinese Sour Spicy Cold Noodles so appealing is how easy it is to personalize. You can add a mix of vegetables to suit your taste. Try carrots, bell peppers, or whatever you have on hand. The noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, giving you endless options to make it your own. Whether you like it more spicy, more sour, or a little sweeter, it’s up to you!

Peanut Butter Variation

While this particular recipe doesn’t include it, some variations of Chinese Sour Spicy Cold Noodles add a bit of peanut butter for extra creaminess. This version is quite similar to Chinese Cold Sesame Noodles, which also blend the rich nuttiness of peanut butter with the refreshing cold noodles. You could easily try that twist if you’re looking for something a little richer!

_{Some content generated with the help of ChatGPT | OpenAI: https://www.openai.com/}

Sour Spicy Cold Noodles (Sichuan Province, China)