Chili Crisp Cucumber Noodle Bowls (Print Version)

Cold noodles meet crisp cucumbers in a spicy chili crisp dressing

# What You’ll Need:

→ Proteins

01 - 14 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or 14 oz cooked chicken breast, shredded

→ Noodles

02 - 10.5 oz dried wheat noodles (udon, soba, or rice noodles)

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 large cucumbers, julienned or spiralized
04 - 2 carrots, julienned
05 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
06 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped

→ Creamy Dressing

08 - 4 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or dairy-free yogurt
09 - 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
10 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
11 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
12 - 1 tablespoon honey or maple syrup
13 - 2 teaspoons freshly grated garlic
14 - 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger

→ Chili Crisp Sauce

15 - 4 tablespoons chili crisp, store-bought or homemade
16 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce
17 - 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
18 - 1 teaspoon sugar

→ Toppings

19 - 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts or cashews, chopped
20 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
21 - Lime wedges for serving

# How to Make It:

01 - Prepare noodles according to package instructions. Rinse thoroughly under cold water and drain completely.
02 - If using tofu, pan-fry cubes in a nonstick skillet over medium heat until golden on all sides, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. If using chicken, ensure it is fully cooked and shredded.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, rice vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, honey, garlic, and ginger until smooth and well combined.
04 - Add cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, and spring onions to the dressing bowl. Toss thoroughly until all vegetables are evenly coated.
05 - In a separate small bowl, combine chili crisp, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Stir until well incorporated.
06 - Divide cooked noodles among four serving bowls. Top each with dressed cucumber salad and your choice of tofu or chicken.
07 - Drizzle each bowl generously with chili crisp sauce. Garnish with peanuts, sesame seeds, cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • Incredible Texture: A mix of crunchy julienned vegetables and chewy wheat noodles.
  • Quick and Easy: A complete meal ready in just 30 minutes.
  • Customizable Heat: Easy to adjust the spice level with the chili crisp sauce.
  • Versatile Protein: Works beautifully with both pan-fried tofu and shredded chicken.
02 -
  • Spice Control: Start with a smaller amount of chili crisp and add more at the table to match each person's spice preference.
  • Make Ahead: You can prepare the dressings and julienne the vegetables in advance, but assemble just before serving to keep the cucumber crisp.
  • Check Labels: Always double-check labels for allergens, particularly for soy, peanuts, and sesame components in the chili crisp.
  • Herb Freshness: Only add the cilantro at the very last second to ensure it stays vibrant and aromatic.
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