Chen's Spicy Sichuan Noodles

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fiery hand-pulled noodle dish with bold Sichuan peppercorn flavor and tender pork — a Sichuan Chinese classic celebrated for its mouth-numbing málà heat. This chinese-inspired asian ready in about 35 minutes pairs sichuan peppercorns, dried red chilies, thinly sliced pork shoulder for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Toast whole Sichuan peppercorns and dried chilies in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 2 minutes until fragrant, then grind to a fine powder using a mortar and pestle.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a wok over high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stir for 30 seconds until aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add sliced pork shoulder and cook for 3 minutes until no longer pink, then add soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until pork is coated and sauce reduces slightly.
  4. Step 4: Cook soba noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  5. Step 5: Add ground Sichuan pepper mixture to pork sauce and stir for 1 minute to distribute heat.
  6. Step 6: Toss cooked noodles with bok choy in the wok for 2 minutes until bok choy wilts and noodles are evenly coated. Add more sesame oil if needed for shine.
  7. Step 7: Transfer to serving plates, top with sliced green onions, and serve immediately while hot.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chen's Spicy Sichuan Noodles take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chen's Spicy Sichuan Noodles?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sichuan peppercorns from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chen's Spicy Sichuan Noodles?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chen's Spicy Sichuan Noodles for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chen's Spicy Sichuan Noodles?

Chinese asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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