Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles with Szechuan Peppercorns

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A fiery noodle dish featuring bold Szechuan peppercorns and garlic, stir-fried to perfection with fresh vegetables and a savory sauce. This chinese-inspired game day (vegetarian) ready in about 35 minutes pairs dried rice noodles, vegetable oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

★ 4.3 (12 ratings) Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Chinese cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Soak 8 oz dried rice noodles in warm water for 20 minutes until pliable, then drain well.
  2. Step 2: Heat 3 tbsp vegetable oil in a large wok over high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger, and 1 tsp crushed Szechuan peppercorns, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant and aromatic.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 medium julienned red bell pepper and 1 medium julienned carrot to the wok, stir-frying for 2 minutes until they begin to soften but stay crisp.
  4. Step 4: Add the drained noodles to the wok, then pour in 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, and 2 tsp chili paste. Toss everything vigorously for 3-4 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 3 sliced green onions and 1 tsp sesame oil, cooking for an additional 30 seconds.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and garnish with 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles with Szechuan Peppercorns take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 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 Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles with Szechuan Peppercorns?

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 dried rice noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles with Szechuan Peppercorns?

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 Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles with Szechuan Peppercorns 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.

Is Spicy Garlic Stir-Fried Noodles with Szechuan Peppercorns vegetarian?

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

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