Sichuan-style Frog Eye Salad

Ingredients

In this Sichuan-style adaptation, we incorporate traditional Sichuan ingredients and flavors to transform the original Frog Eye Salad. The addition of Sichuan peppercorns brings a unique numbing sensation to the dish, while chili oil adds a fiery kick. We also replace the traditional mayonnaise-based dressing with a tangy blend of black vinegar, soy sauce, and sesame oil, which complements the Sichuan flavors perfectly. We alse have the original recipe for Frog Eye Salad, so you can check it out.

• 1 cup (200g) small pasta pearls 1 cup (200g) small pasta pearls
• 1 cucumber, julienned 1 cucumber, julienned
• 1 carrot, julienned 1 carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced 2 green onions, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup (60ml) black vinegar 1/4 cup (60ml) black vinegar
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili oil 1 tablespoon chili oil
• 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt, to taste Salt, to taste

Nutrition

• Calories (kcal / KJ): 180 kcal / 753 KJ
• Fat (total, saturated): 4g, 0.5g
• Carbohydrates (total, sugars): 32g, 5g
• Protein: 5g
• Fiber: 3g
• Salt: 1.5g

Preparation

1. 1.
   Cook the small pasta pearls according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
2. 2.
   In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta pearls, cucumber, carrot, red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and green onions.
3. 3.
   In a separate small bowl, whisk together the black vinegar, soy sauce, chili oil, ground Sichuan peppercorns, sesame oil, and salt.
4. 4.
   Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables, tossing gently to coat everything evenly.
5. 5.
   Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
6. 6.
   Serve chilled and enjoy the spicy and tangy Sichuan-style Frog Eye Salad.

Treat your ingredients with care...

• Sichuan peppercorns — Toast the peppercorns in a dry pan over medium heat until fragrant, then grind them using a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.

Tips & Tricks

• Adjust the amount of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns according to your spice tolerance.
• For an extra kick, add some minced garlic and ginger to the dressing.
• Feel free to add other vegetables such as bean sprouts or snow peas for additional crunch and flavor.
• If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of Sichuan peppercorns or omit them altogether.
• Make sure to toss the salad gently to avoid breaking the pasta pearls.

Serving advice

Serve the Sichuan-style Frog Eye Salad chilled as a refreshing side dish or light meal. It pairs well with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as part of a larger Sichuan feast.

Presentation advice

Garnish the salad with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and some fresh cilantro leaves to add a pop of color and enhance the visual appeal.