Sichuan Cold Noodles


 Cuisine: Chinese  Type: Entree  AKA: Liang Mian

Sichuan Cold Noodles | Liang Mian : Entree in Chinese cuisine - Recipe, Calorie Info, Healthy alternatives & more on EatM3
 Representative image. Recipe yield may differ

 Amounts


 Ingredient
 Amount (g)
Noodles
8 ounces (227)
Sesame Paste
1 tablespoon (16)
Soy Sauce
2 tablespoons (30)
Vinegar
1 tablespoon (15)
Sugar
1 teaspoon (4)
Garlic
2 cloves (6)
Scallions
2 stalks (30)
Sesame Oil
1 tablespoon (14)
Chili Oil
1 teaspoon (5)
Cucumber
1 medium (300)
Bean Sprouts
1 cup (100)
Cilantro
0.5 cup (8)
 Totals
27 oz (755 g)

 Calories 


 Ingredient
 Calories (kcal)
Noodles
300
Sesame Oil
100
Soy Sauce
50
Rice Vinegar
30
Sugar
20
Garlic
10
Ginger
5
Green Onions
5
Cilantro
5
Peanut Butter
150
Chili Oil
50
Cucumber
20
Carrot
15
Bean Sprouts
10
Peanuts
100
 Totals
870 kcal

 Steps 


1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and chili oil. Adjust the quantities of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences.

3. In a separate pan, heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add in minced garlic and minced ginger, and sauté until fragrant.

4. Add in the sauce mixture prepared in step 2 to the pan. Stir well and let it simmer for a minute or two.

5. Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool down to room temperature.

6. Once the sauce has cooled, pour it over the cooked and rinsed noodles. Toss the noodles gently to ensure they are well coated with the sauce.

7. Add in any desired toppings such as thinly sliced cucumbers, shredded carrots, chopped scallions, or bean sprouts. Mix everything together.

8. Place the prepared Sichuan cold noodles in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together and the noodles to chill.

9. Before serving, give the noodles a final toss to redistribute the sauce and toppings.

10. Serve the Sichuan cold noodles (Liang Mian) chilled and enjoy!

 Substitutions 


- For the noodles:
- Substitute with spaghetti or linguine pasta, cooked according to package instructions. No adjustments needed.

- For the sauce:
- Substitute Sichuan peppercorns with black peppercorns, ground. Use the same quantity.
- Substitute chili oil with a mixture of vegetable oil and hot sauce or red pepper flakes. Adjust the quantity based on desired spiciness.
- Substitute soy sauce with tamari or liquid aminos for a gluten-free option. Use the same quantity.
- Substitute Chinkiang vinegar with balsamic vinegar or rice vinegar. Adjust the quantity based on personal taste.

- For the toppings:
- Substitute cucumber with julienned carrots or bell peppers for a different crunch. Adjust the quantity as desired.
- Substitute scallions with thinly sliced red onions or shallots. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.
- Substitute roasted peanuts with roasted almonds or cashews. Adjust the quantity as desired.

- Optional additions:
- Add sesame seeds or toasted sesame oil for additional flavor. Adjust the quantity based on personal taste.
- Add minced garlic or garlic powder for extra aroma. Adjust the quantity based on personal preference.

Remember to adjust the quantities of the substitute ingredients according to your taste preferences and dietary restrictions.

 Pairings 


- Spicy Mapo Tofu
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Dan Dan Noodles
- Sichuan Hot Pot
- Gong Bao Ji Ding (Kung Pao Chicken)
- Ma Po Tofu (Spicy Tofu)
- Sichuan Shrimp
- Sichuan Beef
- Sichuan Cucumber Salad
- Sichuan Green Beans
- Sichuan Wontons
- Sichuan Dumplings
- Sichuan Pickled Vegetables
- Sichuan Hot and Sour Soup
- Sichuan Braised Pork Belly
- Sichuan Fried Rice
- Sichuan Chili Oil Chicken

 Upgrades 


1. Improve presentation:
- Garnish with thinly sliced cucumbers, carrots, and scallions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Top with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or crushed peanuts for added texture and visual appeal.
- Serve in individual bowls or on a chilled platter for an elegant presentation.

2. Improve the texture/flavor profile:
- Add julienned bell peppers or pickled vegetables for a crunchy texture and tangy flavor.
- Mix in some shredded chicken, cooked shrimp, or tofu for added protein and depth of flavor.
- Incorporate toasted sesame oil or chili oil to enhance the overall taste and add a hint of spiciness.

3. Elevate with luxurious/premium ingredients:
- Substitute regular noodles with high-quality, handmade wheat or egg noodles for a richer taste and chewier texture.
- Include premium ingredients like king crab meat, lobster chunks, or thinly sliced wagyu beef for an indulgent twist.
- Drizzle with truffle oil or sprinkle with edible flower petals to add a touch of luxury and sophistication.

Remember to adjust the seasoning and balance of flavors accordingly to maintain the authentic taste of Sichuan Cold Noodles. Enjoy your next-level dining experience!

 Diet Restrictions 


1. Replace regular wheat noodles with gluten-free noodles for individuals with gluten intolerance or celiac disease.
2. Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce to reduce sodium content for those on a low-sodium diet.
3. Opt for a reduced-sugar or sugar-free chili oil to decrease the overall sugar intake for individuals with diabetes or those watching their sugar consumption.
4. Substitute peanut butter with almond or sunflower seed butter for individuals with peanut allergies or sensitivities.
5. Increase the vegetable content by adding more sliced cucumbers, carrots, or bell peppers for added nutrients and fiber.
6. Use lean protein sources like grilled chicken or tofu instead of fatty meats to reduce saturated fat content for individuals with heart health concerns.
7. Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for added flavor and texture, but omit them for individuals with sesame allergies.
8. Replace regular vinegar with apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar for individuals with acid reflux or those who prefer a milder taste.
9. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for added freshness, but skip them for individuals with herb allergies.
10. Serve the noodles with a side of steamed vegetables or a small salad to make it a more balanced meal for those looking to increase their vegetable intake.

 Healthy Choices 


1. Use whole wheat noodles instead of regular white noodles to increase fiber content.
2. Swap traditional Sichuan peppercorn oil with a lighter oil, like sesame or olive oil, to reduce saturated fat.
3. Increase the vegetable content by adding more colorful and crunchy options like bell peppers, cucumber, and shredded carrots.
4. Opt for lean protein sources like grilled chicken or tofu instead of fatty meats like pork belly.
5. Replace traditional sugar with a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup in the sauce.
6. Reduce sodium by using low-sodium soy sauce or tamari.
7. Add a variety of fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for added flavor and antioxidants.
8. Include a small amount of nuts or seeds, such as peanuts or sesame seeds, for a healthy dose of healthy fats.
9. Garnish with sliced green onions or chives for added freshness and a pop of color.
10. Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a light salad to increase the overall nutritional value of the meal.

 Shortcuts 


1. Opt for pre-cooked noodles: Use store-bought pre-cooked noodles instead of making them from scratch to save time and effort.
2. Simplify the sauce: Instead of making a complex sauce, use a combination of soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil for a quick and flavorful dressing.
3. Use ready-made chili oil: Save time by using store-bought chili oil instead of making it from scratch.
4. Skip the marinating step: Instead of marinating the vegetables, simply toss them with the sauce before serving for a similar taste.
5. Use pre-chopped vegetables: Save time by using pre-chopped vegetables, such as shredded carrots and cucumbers, available at most grocery stores.
6. Substitute with local ingredients: If certain ingredients are expensive or hard to find, substitute them with local alternatives that provide a similar flavor and texture.
7. Make a larger batch: Prepare a larger quantity and store leftovers in the refrigerator for a quick and convenient meal later on.
8. Garnish with readily available herbs: Instead of using traditional Chinese herbs, garnish the noodles with easily accessible herbs like cilantro or green onions.
9. Skip the homemade peanut sauce: Use store-bought peanut butter as a substitute for homemade peanut sauce to save time and cost.
10. Experiment with different proteins: Instead of using expensive or hard-to-find proteins like shredded chicken or beef, try using affordable options like tofu or boiled eggs for a budget-friendly alternative.