Cold Spicy Mung Bean Noodles with Cilantro and Chili Oil

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

A refreshing Tibetan-inspired cold noodle dish made from mung bean starch noodles tossed in a vibrant spicy chili oil and fresh herbs. This asian-inspired pasta (vegan, gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs mung bean starch noodles, soy sauce, black vinegar for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 calories and feeds 2, 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: 15 min Cook: 5 min Serves 2 Asian cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Add 200 g mung bean starch noodles and cook for 3 minutes until translucent and tender. Drain and immediately rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool noodles.
  2. Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp black vinegar, 2 tbsp chili oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 tsp sugar. Stir until sugar dissolves and sauce is well blended.
  3. Step 3: Add the cooled noodles to the sauce mixture and toss gently to coat evenly.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, and 2 thinly sliced scallions over the noodles. Toss once more lightly and serve chilled.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cold Spicy Mung Bean Noodles with Cilantro and Chili Oil take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (15 min prep + 5 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 Cold Spicy Mung Bean Noodles with Cilantro and Chili Oil?

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 mung bean starch noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cold Spicy Mung Bean Noodles with Cilantro and Chili Oil?

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 Cold Spicy Mung Bean Noodles with Cilantro and Chili Oil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

Is Cold Spicy Mung Bean Noodles with Cilantro and Chili Oil vegan?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegan, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.