Hunan Cold Sesame Noodles

2 min read

This spicy, delicious noodle dish is unusual in that it contains no soy sauce. Duo jiao, a fiery Hunan pepper sauce consisting of chopped red chilies pickled in brine, has a distinctive salty-and-sour taste; it is available in Asian markets. Chinese chili paste, a milder hot sauce flavored with garlic, can be substituted; it is available in most regular supermarkets. If using natural, unsweetened peanut butter, you may need to add a bit more sugar to the recipe.

MAKE 4 SERVINGS

8 ounces egg-free Chinese noodles, other thin Asian pasta, or vermicelli

2 tablespoons toasted (dark) sesame oil

1⁄2 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

1⁄4 cup creamy or crunchy peanut butter

2 teaspoons seasoned rice vinegar

1⁄2 tablespoon sugar

1 teaspoon Asian sesame paste or sesame tahini1 teaspoon Hunan pepper sauce (duo jiao) or Chinese chili paste, or to taste

1 teaspoon finely chopped and seeded green or red chili pepper (optional)

1 medium seedless cucumber (about 8 ounces), julienned or shredded

2 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced

1⁄4 cup chopped fresh cilantro and/or basil

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

In a large stockpot filled with boiling salted water, cook the noodles according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold running water until cool. Drain again and transfer to a large bowl. Add the sesame oil, tossing until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate a minimum of 1 hour, or overnight.

In a large bowl, stir together the broth, peanut butter, vinegar, sugar, sesame paste, pepper sauce, and chili (if using) until thoroughly blended. (At this point, sauce can be covered and refrigerated up to 1 day before continuing with recipe.) Add the cold noodles and toss well to thoroughly coat. Add the cucumbers, scallions, cilantro, salt, and black pepper; toss well again, and serve. Alternatively, cover and refrigerate a minimum of 1 hour or up to 1 day and serve chilled or return to room temperature, tossing well before serving.

{PER SERVING} Calories 396 • Protein 13g • Total Fat 17g • Sat Fat 3g • Cholesterol 0mg • Carbohydrate 50g • Dietary Fiber 4g • Sodium 149mg