TikTok-Style Chili Crisp Cucumber Noodle Bowls (Printable Version)

Vibrant noodle bowls featuring crisp cucumber, spicy chili crisp dressing, and protein of choice.

# What You'll Need:

→ Noodles

01 - 9 oz thin wheat noodles (soba, ramen, or rice noodles for gluten-free option)

→ Protein

02 - 10 oz firm tofu, pressed and cubed, or cooked chicken breast, shredded

→ Vegetables

03 - 2 large cucumbers, julienned or spiralized
04 - 2 scallions, thinly sliced
05 - 1 medium carrot, julienned (optional)
06 - 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

→ Creamy Chili Dressing

07 - 2 tablespoons chili crisp
08 - 3 tablespoons mayonnaise or vegan mayo
09 - 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
10 - 1 tablespoon soy sauce (use tamari for gluten-free)
11 - 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
12 - 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
13 - 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
14 - 1 garlic clove, minced

→ Garnishes

15 - Fresh cilantro or mint leaves
16 - Extra chili crisp to taste
17 - Lime wedges

# How to Make It:

01 - Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain thoroughly and rinse under cold water until chilled. Set aside.
02 - If using tofu, pan-fry the cubes in a nonstick skillet with a small amount of oil over medium heat until golden on all sides, approximately 6 to 8 minutes. If using cooked chicken, shred and set aside.
03 - In a large bowl, whisk together all creamy chili dressing ingredients until smooth and fully emulsified.
04 - Add the julienned cucumbers, carrot if using, and sliced scallions to the bowl with dressing. Toss to coat evenly.
05 - Add the cooled noodles and prepared protein to the vegetable mixture. Toss gently until everything is well combined and evenly coated with dressing.
06 - Divide the noodle mixture among individual bowls. Top with toasted sesame seeds and garnish with fresh cilantro or mint, additional chili crisp to taste, and lime wedges.
07 - Serve immediately for warm noodles, or refrigerate for 10 to 15 minutes for a chilled, refreshing presentation.

# Expert Tips:

01 -
  • It comes together faster than delivery arrives, and tastes like you spent way more effort than you actually did.
  • The creamy dressing with chili crisp creates this addictive sweet-spicy-tangy balance that keeps you coming back for another bite.
  • You can meal-prep it ahead or eat it immediately, making it perfect for chaotic weeknights or leisurely lunch breaks.
02 -
  • Don't skip rinsing your noodles cold, because warm noodles will wilt your vegetables and thin out your dressing with excess starch and heat.
  • The chili crisp quality actually matters here, so grab one you genuinely enjoy eating, not just the first jar you see at the store.
03 -
  • Pressing your tofu thoroughly is non-negotiable, so wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and weight it down for at least 30 minutes before cubing and cooking.
  • Add chopped roasted peanuts or cashews at the very end for textural contrast that makes every spoonful interesting.
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