Chinese cuisine frequently incorporates chilli bean paste (doubanjiang) and Sichuan pepper in its dishes for depth and heat, says Kwoklyn Wan.
“The dynamic layering of flavours – spicy, tangy and umami – is a method cherished across East Asia for its capacity to transform a simple noodle dish into a complex and satisfying meal,” he says.
“These noodles take inspiration from Korean flavours, being bathed in a spicy, tangy sauce featuring gochujang paste and Korean chilli powder, then tossed with crisp beansprouts, carrots and cucumber.
“An explosion of texture and flavour in every bite!”
Red chilli paste glass noodles
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 5 minutes
Ingredients:
(Serves 2)
100g glass noodles
150g beansprouts
60g carrots, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
80g cucumber, cut into thin matchsticks
3tbsp gochujang
1tbsp gochugaru
2tbsp rice vinegar
1tbsp sugar
2tbsp water
2tbsp fish sauce
2 garlic cloves, minced
1tbsp sesame oil
1tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Method:
1. Place the glass noodles in a bowl and cover with boiling water. After two minutes, drain and set the noodles to one side.
2. Place the beansprouts, carrots and cucumber into another bowl and pour over boiling water. Steep for two minutes, then drain.
3. Mix all the sauce ingredients together, except the sesame seeds, and stir thoroughly ensuring the sugar is dissolved. Now add the noodles and drained vegetables. Mix well, ensuring all the ingredients are covered in the sauce.
4. Transfer to serving bowls and sprinkle with the sesame seeds to serve.
Chinese Made Easy by Kwoklyn Wan is published by Quadrille, priced £22. Photography by Sam Folan. Available now