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Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles
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Dan Dan Noodles are a quick and flavorful Sichuan classic, featuring chewy noodles topped with a rich, spicy sauce made from minced pork, chili oil, sesame paste, and preserved vegetables. This recipe delivers bold, balanced flavors with nutty, tangy, and savory notes, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with authentic Chinese street food vibes.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles

  • 200g traditional wheat noodles or thin spaghetti

Meat and Protein

  • 150g minced pork (or ground chicken/beef as substitute)

Spices and Aromatics

  • 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, lightly toasted and ground
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, finely minced

Sauces and Condiments

  • 2 tbsp chili oil (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp sesame paste or tahini
  • 1 tsp sugar

Vegetables and Garnishes

  • 2 tbsp pickled mustard greens, chopped
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • 1–2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts (optional)

Liquids

  • 2–3 tbsp chicken or vegetable broth

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons sesame paste, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons chili oil, a splash (about 2 tablespoons) of broth, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir well until smooth and creamy. This rich, spicy-salty sauce is the heart of Dan Dan Noodles and sets the tone for the whole dish.
  2. Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles according to package directions until just tender but still springy. Drain and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Aromatics and Pork: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a pan over medium heat. Add minced garlic, ginger, and ground Sichuan peppercorns, sautéing until fragrant. Toss in minced pork and cook until browned and crispy on the edges for that irresistible texture.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Place noodles in serving bowls, spoon the warmed sauce over the noodles, then top with the cooked pork mixture and chopped pickled mustard greens. Drizzle any remaining chili oil or broth over the top for extra saucy goodness.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of sliced scallions and crushed peanuts if desired. Serve immediately to enjoy the perfect contrast of textures and flavors.

Notes

  • Lightly toast Sichuan peppercorns before grinding to release optimal aroma and flavor.
  • Use fresh homemade chili oil made with dried chilies for richer, fresher heat.
  • Resist overcooking noodles; they should remain firm to complement the sauce.
  • Adjust chili oil and peppercorn quantities gradually to suit your spice tolerance.
  • Allow the sauce to rest for a few minutes to meld flavors before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dan Dan Noodles, Sichuan noodles, spicy noodles, Chinese street food, sesame sauce noodles, quick Asian dinner

Find it online: https://dailydishez.com/dan-dan-noodles/