Pin These TikTok-Style Chili Crisp Cucumber Noodle Bowls are a refreshing and vibrant dish that perfectly balances crisp textures with a bold, spicy kick. This Asian-fusion inspired meal is ideal for those seeking a quick, satisfying dinner that doesn't skimp on flavor.
Pin The star of the show is the creamy chili dressing, which brings together the heat of chili crisp with the smoothness of mayonnaise and yogurt. It coats every strand of noodle and every slice of cucumber for a delightful taste in every bite.
Ingredients
- 250 g (9 oz) thin wheat noodles (soba, ramen, or rice noodles for gluten-free)
- 300 g (10 oz) firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or cooked chicken breast, shredded
- 2 large cucumbers, julienned or spiralized
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned (optional)
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tbsp chili crisp
- 3 tbsp mayonnaise (or vegan mayo)
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Fresh cilantro or mint leaves, extra chili crisp, and lime wedges for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
- Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Step 2: Prepare the Protein
- If using tofu, pan-fry the cubes in a nonstick skillet with a little oil over medium heat until golden on all sides, about 6–8 minutes. If using cooked chicken, shred and set aside.
- Step 3: Make the Dressing
- In a large bowl, whisk together all creamy chili dressing ingredients until smooth and creamy.
- Step 4: Toss the Vegetables
- Add the cucumbers, carrot (if using), and scallions to the bowl with dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
- Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the cooled noodles and protein. Toss gently until everything is well combined and coated.
- Step 6: Garnish and Plate
- Divide the noodle salad among bowls. Top with sesame seeds and garnish with cilantro or mint, extra chili crisp, and lime wedges.
- Step 7: Final Serve
- Serve immediately, or chill for 10–15 minutes for extra refreshment.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
To ensure your tofu is extra crispy, make sure to press it well to remove excess moisture before pan-frying. You can also adjust the amount of chili crisp in the dressing to perfectly match your preferred heat level.
Varianten und Anpassungen
This recipe is easily adaptable; swap the wheat noodles for rice noodles and use tamari to make it gluten-free. For a different protein profile, try using tempeh or edamame instead of tofu or chicken.
Serviervorschläge
Serve these bowls with an extra squeeze of lime to brighten the flavors. This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine like Riesling or a light, refreshing beer to contrast the spicy chili kick.
Pin Whether enjoyed as a light lunch or a vibrant dinner, these TikTok-Style Chili Crisp Cucumber Noodle Bowls bring restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen table with minimal effort.
Recipe Q&A
- → Can I make these noodle bowls ahead of time?
Yes, but it's best to dress the noodles just before serving. You can prepare all ingredients in advance—cook the noodles, prepare the protein, and whisk together the creamy chili dressing. Store everything separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, then toss and serve when ready.
- → What type of noodles work best?
Thin wheat noodles like soba or ramen are traditional choices, offering a nice chew that holds up well to the creamy dressing. Rice noodles make an excellent gluten-free alternative and have a lighter texture. Avoid thick or heavy pasta varieties, as they can overpower the delicate balance of flavors and textures.
- → How can I adjust the spice level?
The chili crisp provides the primary heat source. Start with 2 tablespoons and taste the dressing before adding more. If you prefer a milder version, reduce to 1 tablespoon. For those who love intense spice, add extra chili crisp as a garnish rather than cooking it into the dressing—this preserves the crispy texture and allows for customized heat levels.
- → What's the best way to get extra-crispy tofu?
Press your firm tofu for at least 15-20 minutes before cubing to remove excess moisture. Use a well-heated nonstick skillet with a thin layer of oil over medium-high heat. Don't overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Let the cubes develop a golden crust on each side before turning, about 2-3 minutes per side. This creates the perfect crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender.
- → Can I add other vegetables?
Absolutely. The base combination of cucumber and scallions provides refreshing crunch, but you can easily customize. Shredded cabbage, bell pepper strips, snow peas, or thinly sliced radishes all work beautifully. Just keep the total vegetable quantity balanced so the creamy dressing still coats everything evenly without getting lost.
- → Is there a vegan version?
Yes, simply choose tofu as your protein and use vegan mayonnaise in place of regular mayonnaise. Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free alternative or increase the mayonnaise slightly to maintain the creamy texture. Ensure your chili crisp is vegan-friendly, as some varieties contain dried shrimp or other seafood products.