Szechuan Noodles

Szechuan Noodles Recipe - Authentic Chinese Dish With Chicken and Shrimp

Region / culture: China | Servings: 4

Introduction

Szechuan Noodles is a popular Chinese dish known for its bold and spicy flavors. This dish typically consists of noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables, meats, and a spicy sauce. It is a delicious and satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

History

Szechuan Noodles originated in the Szechuan province of China, known for its bold and spicy cuisine. The dish is a combination of traditional Chinese stir-fry techniques with the bold flavors of Szechuan peppercorns and hot bean sauce. Over time, the recipe has evolved to include a variety of ingredients such as chicken, shrimp, and a mix of colorful vegetables.

Ingredients

1 lb (454 g) fresh noodles (Shanghai thin noodles are good)
0.5 lb (227 g) chicken breast, cut into strips
4 oz (113 g) shrimp, shelled and cleaned
0.5 bok choy, cut into bite-size pieces
0.5 cup carrot, cut on the diagonal
0.5 cup broccoli or cauliflower, trimmed, cut on the diagonal into 1 inch pieces
1 onion, shredded
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp hot bean sauce
0.5 tsp salt
5 tbsp cooking oil for stir-frying

Marinade

1 tsp wine
1 tsp light soy sauce
1 tsp cornstarch

Sauce

0.5 cup stock
1 tsp light soy sauce
1 tbsp chili oil
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp cornstarch

How to prepare

Mix together the marinade ingredients.
Marinate the chicken for at least twenty minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, mix together the sauce ingredients and set aside.
Also while the chicken is marinating, parboil the noodles in a pot of boiling water for three minutes.
Loosen up the noodles with chopsticks as they are boiling.
Drain the noodles.
Heat the wok.
When the wok is heated, add 1 tbsp of oil.
Add garlic and chicken and stir-fry.
When the chicken is nearly done, push it up to the side of the wok and add the shrimp in the middle of the wok.
Stir-fry the shrimp.
When the shrimp are done, mix the chicken and shrimp and remove from the wok to a platter.
Reheat the wok and add 1 tbsp of oil.
Add onions, bok choy, carrot, and broccoli and stir-fry until tender and crisp.
Sprinkle 0.5 tsp of salt over the vegetables and mix it in.
Remove the vegetables to a platter.
Clean out the wok with a paper towel.
Heat the wok again and add 3 tbsp of oil.
Place the noodles in the wok, using chopsticks to break them up.
Add 2 tbsp of hot bean sauce and 1 tbsp of light soy sauce.
Stir-fry until the noodles are heated through.
Add the cooked chicken, shrimp, and all the vegetables.
Re-stir the sauce mixture and add it to the wok.
When it comes to a boil, test and adjust the seasoning if desired, then remove and serve.

Variations

Vegetarian option: Omit the chicken and shrimp and add tofu or tempeh for a plant-based protein alternative.
Spicy variation: Increase the amount of hot bean sauce or add chili flakes for an extra kick of heat.
Gluten-free option: Use gluten-free noodles or rice noodles instead of traditional wheat noodles.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Make sure to marinate the chicken for at least twenty minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.

- Parboil the noodles before stir-frying to ensure they are cooked evenly and have a nice texture.

- Stir-fry the ingredients in batches to prevent overcrowding the wok and ensure even cooking.

- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less hot bean sauce according to your preference.

Serving Suggestions

Szechuan Noodles can be served as a main dish on its own or paired with a side of steamed rice or a fresh salad. Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added flavor.

Cooking Techniques

Stir-frying is the primary cooking technique used in this recipe. It involves cooking ingredients quickly over high heat in a wok, resulting in a flavorful and crispy dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

Substitute chicken with beef, pork, or tofu for a different protein option.

- Use any combination of vegetables such as bell peppers, snow peas, or mushrooms based on personal preference.

- Replace hot bean sauce with chili paste or sriracha for a different level of spiciness.

Make Ahead Tips

Prepare the marinade, sauce, and chop the vegetables in advance to save time when cooking. Store the ingredients separately in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Presentation Ideas

Serve Szechuan Noodles in a large bowl or on a platter garnished with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Add a sprinkle of crushed peanuts or cashews for extra crunch.

Pairing Recommendations

Pair Szechuan Noodles with a refreshing cucumber salad or a side of steamed dumplings for a complete Chinese meal. Serve with a cup of hot tea or a cold beer for a satisfying dining experience.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftover Szechuan Noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in a microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

A serving of Szechuan Noodles typically contains around 400-500 calories, depending on the portion size and ingredients used. It is a satisfying meal that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats.

Carbohydrates

The carbohydrates in Szechuan Noodles primarily come from the noodles and vegetables used in the dish. The noodles provide a good source of energy, while the vegetables add fiber and essential nutrients.

Fats

The fats in Szechuan Noodles come from the cooking oil used for stir-frying the ingredients. It is important to use a moderate amount of oil to keep the dish light and healthy.

Proteins

Proteins in Szechuan Noodles come from the chicken and shrimp used in the recipe. These proteins are essential for muscle growth and repair.

Vitamins and minerals

Szechuan Noodles are packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables used in the dish. Bok choy, carrots, and cauliflower are rich in vitamins A, C, and K, as well as minerals like potassium and calcium.

Alergens

Szechuan Noodles may contain allergens such as gluten from the noodles, shellfish from the shrimp, and soy from the soy sauce. It is important to check for allergens and make substitutions as needed.

Summary

Szechuan Noodles are a nutritious and flavorful dish that provides a good balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. It is a satisfying meal that is perfect for lunch or dinner.

Summary

Szechuan Noodles is a delicious and flavorful Chinese dish that combines noodles, chicken, shrimp, and vegetables in a spicy sauce. With a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, it is a satisfying meal that can be customized with different ingredients and spice levels. Enjoy this dish for a tasty and fulfilling dining experience.

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the joy I felt when I first stumbled upon this recipe for Szechuan Noodles. It was a warm summer day, and I had been browsing through a quaint little bookstore in Chinatown. As I perused the shelves, a small, worn-out cookbook caught my eye. Intrigued, I picked it up and leafed through its pages, my fingers tracing the faded words and smudged illustrations.

And there it was, tucked away in a corner of the cookbook like a hidden treasure - the recipe for Szechuan Noodles. The ingredients were simple enough - noodles, vegetables, and a spicy, tangy sauce made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, and a generous amount of Szechuan peppercorns. But it was the combination of flavors and textures that intrigued me. The chewy noodles, the crunchy vegetables, and the fiery heat of the sauce all coming together in perfect harmony.

I knew I had to try making it myself. So, armed with the cookbook and a newfound sense of excitement, I headed home to my tiny kitchen. I gathered all the ingredients I needed and set to work, following the recipe step by step. As the noodles cooked and the sauce simmered, the aroma that filled my kitchen was intoxicating. I couldn't wait to taste the finished dish.

And when I finally took my first bite of the Szechuan Noodles, I knew I had discovered something truly special. The flavors exploded in my mouth - spicy, savory, and slightly sweet all at once. I savored each mouthful, feeling a sense of accomplishment and satisfaction washing over me. This was a recipe that I knew would become a staple in my kitchen for years to come.

But my journey with Szechuan Noodles didn't end there. Over the years, I continued to tweak and perfect the recipe, adding my own little twists and variations to make it truly my own. I experimented with different types of noodles - from thick, chewy udon noodles to delicate, slippery rice noodles. I played around with the vegetables, adding in whatever fresh produce I had on hand - bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli, and more.

And as I cooked and shared this dish with my friends and family, it became a beloved favorite among them as well. I would often host dinner parties and gatherings, where the star of the show would always be my homemade Szechuan Noodles. The oohs and aahs that greeted each bite only fueled my passion for cooking even more.

But what truly made this recipe special to me were the memories attached to it. I would always think back to that sunny day in the bookstore, when I first stumbled upon the recipe that would bring so much joy and flavor into my life. I remembered the countless hours spent in the kitchen, perfecting my technique and experimenting with new ingredients. And most of all, I cherished the moments shared with loved ones, gathered around the table, enjoying a steaming bowl of Szechuan Noodles together.

As I sit here now, reflecting on my culinary journey with this beloved recipe, I can't help but feel grateful for the serendipitous moment that brought it into my life. It's amazing how a simple recipe can hold so much meaning and nostalgia, tying together past and present in a delicious, comforting bowl of noodles. And I know that as long as I have this recipe in my repertoire, I will always have a piece of my heart and soul in every dish I create.