Chili Crisp Cucumber Noodles (Print)

Cold noodles with crisp cucumber salad, fresh veggies, tofu or chicken, and spicy chili crisp sauce.

# Ingredients:

→ 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 medium carrots, julienned
05 - 2 spring onions, thinly sliced
06 - 1 small red bell pepper, thinly sliced
07 - 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

→ 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

# Instructions:

01 - Prepare the noodles according to package instructions. Rinse under cold water, drain thoroughly, and set aside.
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 all creamy dressing ingredients until smooth and well combined.
04 - Add the cucumber, carrots, bell pepper, and spring onions to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Toss thoroughly to combine.
05 - In a separate small bowl, mix chili crisp, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until well combined.
06 - Divide the noodles among serving bowls. Top each with the dressed cucumber salad and your choice of tofu or chicken.
07 - Drizzle generously with chili crisp sauce.
08 - Garnish with peanuts or cashews, sesame seeds, cilantro, and lime wedges. Serve immediately.

# Pro Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together in 30 minutes flat, making it perfect for those nights when you want restaurant-quality food without the wait.
  • The creamy-spicy-cool contrast is genuinely addictive, and everyone will ask for the dressing recipe.
  • You can meal prep the components separately and assemble fresh whenever hunger strikes.
  • Whether you're vegetarian, vegan, or a meat lover, this bowl bends to your preferences without fussing.
02 -
  • Tofu must be pressed—if you skip this, it steams instead of fries and you'll end up with soft, bland cubes rather than crispy, golden ones.
  • Don't dress the noodles themselves; they'll get soggy and clumpy within minutes, so keep them separate until you're ready to eat.
03 -
  • Toast your own sesame seeds in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes until fragrant—store-bought sometimes taste stale by comparison.
  • Make a double batch of the creamy dressing and keep it in a jar for regular salads, grain bowls, or as a dip throughout the week.
Back