#1 Drunken Shrimp & Asparagus Chinese Chilled Noodles
a moment of summer peace
On a hot summer night, this chilled noodle dish, full of traditional Chinese flavors, might just offer you a peaceful moment to unwind.
Hello, dear readers. It’s Master Lotus here, your guide to the world of Chinese noodles and the allure of traditional Chinese liquors. I’m here to bring a touch of culinary magic into your kitchen, sharing recipes that are not only effortless to make but also invite creative twists and fun experimentation.
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When people think of China, cities like Beijing and Shanghai often come to mind. While Beijing is famous for its historical depth and the Great Wall; Shanghai, known as the "Paris of the East," has gained recognition for its cosmopolitan flair. People here are trendsetters, constantly blending global influences with local culture to spark new ideas, and the food scene is no exception.
Well, when it comes to Shanghai cuisine, especially during summer, "cold noodles" are a must-try. As the name suggests, these noodles are best served chilled. The simplicity of preparing cold noodles — steaming, boiling, cooling them with a fan, and tossing with bright, fresh toppings — feels almost meditative, a cool pause in the heat of summer.
Today, I’m inviting you to try a version that might just become your new favorite: Drunken Shrimp & Asparagus Chinese Chilled Noodles.
> Let’s start with a bit of prep (Feel free to follow these steps or adapt them to your kitchen style!)
First up, Chinese cold noodles. This is the backbone of the dish and the only must-have :)
Fresh asparagus — crisp, green, and so refreshing. Rinse them well, trim off the tough ends, and chop into even pieces.
For the shrimp, I prefer the convenience of peeled shrimp. Marinate them with a splash of rice wine and a sprinkle of white pepper (I used Chinese yellow wine, but if that’s hard to find, a light white wine will do). Let them rest for 5 minutes — it helps take away any fishiness. Frozen shrimp works too — just thaw and peel, or if you're feeling up for it, fresh shrimp are always a treat.
Scallions — just slice them into long, elegant strips.
Sounds simple enough, right? Now, onto the noodles!
> Cooking the noodles:
Steam the noodles for about 5 minutes, then immediately transfer them to a pot of boiling water to cook through. When they’re ready, drain them.
Here’s the trick: lay the noodles out, drizzle a bit of sesame oil (or olive oil if you prefer), and gently shake them apart with chopsticks. This helps prevent them from sticking together. Let them cool naturally — no rush, just let the air do its thing.
> Now for the toppings and sauce:
Heat some oil in a pan, toss in the shrimp, and once they start to curl and turn pink, add the asparagus. Stir everything together, and season with a pinch of sugar and salt. Two minutes, and the toppings are done — beautifully cooked but still crisp. Set them aside on the noodles.
In another pan, heat a bit more oil — enough to really draw out the flavor from the scallions. Let them cook on low heat until they turn golden and release their lovely fragrance. Now comes the magic: pour in some light soy sauce. The pan will sizzle and the air will fill with a savory aroma. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, then drizzle it over the noodles.
And there you have it — simple, yet satisfying. But wait, let’s not forget a drink to complete this culinary experience.
> Now for a final touch — Mix drinks to create a quick cocktail of Chinese flavor!
For a light, refreshing drink, I’m choosing Chinese rice wine — a traditional brew made from fermented rice. It’s slightly sweet with a hint of tang, like a distant cousin to beer but far smoother and more fragrant. The real beauty? It sneaks up on you, so sip slowly!
Here’s what I like to do: fill a glass with ice, pour in about 1/3 rice wine, and give it a stir. Then, top it off with a milk-based drink — something creamy but not overpowering. The result? A light, sweet, and tangy drink, almost like a gentler version of Baileys. It’s the perfect companion for a bowl of chilled noodles, both refreshing and indulgent.
Enjoy — one bite of cool, savory noodles, followed by a sip of crisp, sweet rice wine. With every bite, the heat of the day seems to melt away, leaving you calm, refreshed, and relaxed. Why not give it a try? Let me know how it turns out — and maybe you’ll discover your own little moment of summer peace.
I also shared the cooking video for this dish in the previous post. Feel free to check it out!