Hey there, lovely foodies! It’s Sarah Lee here, and my favorite recipe is here! It’s the Savory Chinese Rice Noodle Salad. This dish is so loved in our household that I make a lot of servings simply because we just can’t stop refilling our plates with them. There are no leftovers every time this is served, that’s how much we love this dish.
What Makes Savory Chinese Rice Noodle Salad So Special?
This isn’t like any other kind of noodle salad out there. This Chinese rice noodle salad will get their intense flavor from the authentic Shaanxi style chili oil, spice broth and mashed garlic. I can’t come up with the appropriate words to describe how this savory Chinese noodle salad will stimulate tour tastebuds that will convince you to make this dish. You really just got to try it for yourself because the flavor is beyond words to describe.
The mixture of the spice broth and the chili oil brings out this complex spiciness, complemented by the sourness from the red wine vinegar, and the freshness and crispiness of the cucumber and bean sprouts all combined together makes this noodle salad the most flavorful.
Behind The Perfect Recipe
The process of making rice noodles is quite complicated and time-consuming, but I found the perfect alternative with the store-bought gluten-free rice noodles. The texture of the noodles wouldn’t be the same from the popular rice noodles from Shaanxi Province of China but I was able to retain the deep flavor by using these two key ingredients: the spice broth and the Shaanxi style chili oil.
Chef’s Notes
- Enhancements – Consider adding chopped nuts or shredded chicken for extra texture and protein.
- Pairing – This salad complements grilled meats well or serves as a refreshing side with spicy dishes.
- Customization – Feel free to experiment with different vinegars or oils to adjust the flavor to your preference.
Savory Chinese Rice Noodle Salad
Dive into the flavors of Asia with this quick and easy Savory Chinese Rice Noodle Salad! Perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, this salad combines fresh cucumbers, tangy red wine vinegar, and spicy chili oil with soft rice noodles for a dish that's bursting with flavor. Ready in just 15 minutes, it's ideal for busy weeknights or a nutritious addition to your meal prep!
4
servings5
minutes10
minutes200
kcal15
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Noodles and Vegetables
6 oz uncooked rice noodles use gluten-free if preferred
3 oz fresh cucumber cut into thin strips
5 oz fresh bean sprouts
- Flavor Enhancers
1 clove garlic finely mashed
1 tsp canola oil or substitute with olive oil
1/2 tsp sesame oil
1 tsp soy sauce use gluten-free if preferred
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp chili oil
- Cooking Base
5 cups water
1/4 to 1/2 tsp salt adjust to taste
- Alternative Ingredients:
Olive oil can replace canola oil.
Tamari or coconut aminos can substitute for soy sauce for a soy-free option.
Directions
- Preparation of Ingredients – Gather all ingredients and prepare as listed in the ingredients section.
- Cooking Noodles – In a large saucepan, bring water to a boil. Add bean sprouts and blanch for about 5 seconds before quickly transferring them to a colander to rinse under cold water; set aside. Cook rice noodles in the same boiling water as per package instructions or until al dente, about 7 minutes; drain and rinse under cold water.
- Mixing Salad – In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with canola or olive oil. Mash the garlic and mix with salt and sesame oil in a small bowl; add to the noodles along with cucumber strips, red wine vinegar, soy sauce, and chili oil. Toss everything gently to combine.
- Serving – Serve the salad immediately or chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Equipment
- chef’s knife
- cutting board
- colander
- mixing bowls
- measuring spoons
Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 200kcal
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 4g
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 300mg
- Potassium: 150mg
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 1g
- Vitamin A: 50IU
- Vitamin C: 3mg
- Calcium: 20mg
- Iron: 0.7mg
Dive In For The Shaanxi Experience!
Every great and unforgettable dish is hard to make. But it is worth it. So why not treat yourself to a bowl of this Savory Chinese Rice Noodle Salad? Whether it’s for a quiet night in or a lively gathering with loved ones, let this recipe be your passport to a world of flavor, laughter, and love. You can bring this rice noodle salad to parties and potlucks because I know for a fact that this will become a hit. This is also a great choice as a side dish, or a snack, or a picnic treat.
What do you with the leftovers? I promise you, there will be none.
Until next time, happy cooking! With love and noodles!
