Spicy potato noodles are a flavorful and comforting dish that features tender potato noodles coated in a spicy and savory sauce. Popular in various Asian cuisines, this dish is a perfect choice for those who love bold flavors and chewy textures. Whether enjoyed as a quick meal or a side dish, spicy potato noodles deliver a satisfying kick with every bite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The combination of spices, garlic, and chili creates an irresistible taste.
- Unique Texture: Potato noodles offer a chewy and hearty base.
- Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add vegetables and protein to suit your preferences.
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a weeknight meal.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Potato noodles (store-bought or homemade)
- Cooking oil
- Garlic, minced
- Ginger, grated
- Chili paste or chili oil
- Soy sauce
- Vinegar (rice vinegar or white vinegar)
- Sugar
- Green onions, sliced
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook the potato noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat and add cooking oil.
- Sauté minced garlic and grated ginger until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add chili paste or chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Toss the cooked potato noodles into the skillet and stir until evenly coated with the sauce.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: Serves 2-4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Vegetable Additions: Include shredded carrots, spinach, or bok choy for added nutrition.
- Protein Boost: Add tofu, chicken, shrimp, or beef to make it a heartier meal.
- Different Noodles: Substitute potato noodles with rice noodles or glass noodles.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or hoisin sauce for a hint of sweetness.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to loosen the sauce. Avoid microwaving, as it may alter the texture of the noodles.
FAQs
1. What are potato noodles made of?
Potato noodles are made from potato starch, water, and sometimes tapioca starch, giving them a chewy and elastic texture.
2. Can I make potato noodles at home?
Yes, you can mix potato starch with water to form a dough, roll it out, and cut it into strips for homemade noodles.
3. Are potato noodles gluten-free?
Yes, they are naturally gluten-free, but check the packaging for any added ingredients if buying store-bought noodles.
4. How do I control the spice level?
Reduce the amount of chili paste or oil for a milder version, or add more for extra heat.
5. Can I use sweet potato noodles?
Yes, sweet potato noodles are a great alternative and offer a slightly different flavor profile.
6. What oil works best for this recipe?
Neutral oils like vegetable oil, canola oil, or sesame oil work well.
7. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the sauce in advance and cook the noodles when ready to eat.
8. What can I serve with spicy potato noodles?
Pair them with dumplings, stir-fried vegetables, or a light soup for a complete meal.
9. Are potato noodles healthy?
Yes, they are low in fat and a good source of energy, though the sauce’s ingredients determine the dish’s overall healthiness.
10. Can I use a different starch for homemade noodles?
Yes, tapioca starch or cornstarch can be used as substitutes for potato starch.
Conclusion
Spicy potato noodles are a quick, flavorful dish that’s easy to make and packed with delicious heat. Whether you’re a fan of bold spices or looking for a gluten-free noodle option, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Experiment with variations, add your favorite toppings, and enjoy the irresistible chewiness of these noodles!
Print
Spicy Potato Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2–3 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Boiling and Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese-Inspired
Description
Spicy potato noodles, also known as Suan La Fen in Chinese cuisine, are a flavorful and comforting dish featuring chewy potato starch noodles in a spicy, tangy broth. This dish is quick to prepare and perfect for those who love bold, savory flavors with a hint of heat.
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Broth:
- 200 g potato starch noodles (or sweet potato noodles)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/2 cup mushrooms (shiitake or wood ear), sliced
- 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns (optional, for numbing heat)
- 1–2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Toppings (Optional):
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Green onions, sliced
- Crushed peanuts or toasted sesame seeds
- Blanched greens (bok choy, spinach, or Chinese broccoli)
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the potato starch noodles according to the package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes).
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
- Prepare the Broth:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
- Build the Flavor:
- Pour in the vegetable or chicken broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
- Stir in the soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and ground Sichuan peppercorns. Simmer for 5–7 minutes to combine flavors.
- Add the Spice:
- Stir in the chili oil and sesame oil. Adjust the chili oil quantity based on your heat preference. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or vinegar if needed.
- Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked potato noodles to the broth, tossing gently to coat them in the flavorful soup. Heat for 1–2 minutes.
- Divide the noodles and broth into serving bowls.
- Garnish and Enjoy:
- Top with your choice of cilantro, green onions, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, or blanched greens. Serve immediately.
Notes
- If you can’t find potato starch noodles, substitute with glass noodles or rice noodles for a similar texture.
- For added protein, include tofu cubes, poached eggs, or shredded chicken.
- Adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or less chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns.