Thai-Inspired Spicy Sichuan Pork Noodles

Thai-Inspired Spicy Sichuan Pork Noodles

When East meets East and your taste buds throw a party.

Prep: 15 mins (includes noodle untangling time) Cook: 18 mins Serves: 6 (or 4 spice enthusiasts)

Fun Fact: Sichuan peppercorns aren't actually pepper - they're from citrus trees! They make your mouth tingle like you've licked a 9-volt battery, but tastier.

Toasting Sichuan peppercorns
Cooking the pork mixture
Tossing noodles with sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground pork (the other white meat)
  • 1 lb noodles (any kind, we're breaking rules today)
  • 4 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns (the tingly ones)
  • 6 cloves garlic (minimum)
  • 2-inch piece ginger (fresh, not that sad powder)
  • 4 green onions (the easiest thing you'll ever grow)
  • Soy sauce (the good stuff)
  • Black vinegar (worth the hunt)
  • Chili oil (to taste, or to prove something)
  • Handful of baby spinach (to make it "healthy")

Instructions

1

Toast Sichuan peppercorns until fragrant. Try not to sneeze – it's expensive stuff.

2

Cook noodles according to package. Set aside while you create magic.

3

Brown pork until it's actually brown, not that sad gray color.

4

Add aromatics, sauces, and prepare for your kitchen to smell amazing.

5

Toss with noodles, add spinach, watch it wilt like your plans to eat healthy.

6

Top with extra chili oil because you're brave like that.

Final spicy noodle dish

Serve With

  • 🌶️ Extra chili oil (for the brave)
  • 🥜 Chopped peanuts (for the crunch)
  • 🍺 Cold beer (for the heat)
  • 🧻 Tissues (no judgment)

Storage Tips

  • ❄️ Keeps 3 days in fridge
  • 🍜 Noodles might get clingy - add splash of water when reheating
  • 🌶️ Flavor gets better, spice gets stronger

Pro Tips

  • Don't skimp on the Sichuan peppercorns
  • Have drink ready before tasting
  • Start with less chili oil - you can always add more
  • Keep some plain noodles aside for the spice-adverse

Make-Ahead Tips

  • Sauce can be made day ahead
  • 🥩 Meat can be cooked ahead
  • 🍜 Final assembly should be fresh
  • ⚠️ Pre-warn guests about spice level