Description
Addictive Dan Dan Noodles is a flavorful, spicy Sichuan dish that combines noodles with a savory, spicy sauce, minced pork, and a perfect balance of heat and umami. This dish is irresistibly delicious with its bold flavors from sesame paste, chili oil, and soy sauce. Once you try it, you won’t be able to stop at one bowl!
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz dried Chinese wheat noodles (or spaghetti if unavailable)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons chili paste or chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame paste (or peanut butter as a substitute)
- 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
- Additional chili oil (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste (or chili oil), crushed Sichuan peppercorns, sesame paste, sugar, and chicken broth. Mix well and set aside.
- Cook the pork: Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and ginger, and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine with the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce over the cooked pork and stir well to coat. Simmer for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to combine and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Toss the noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the pork and sauce mixture. Toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Serve the Dan Dan Noodles in bowls, garnished with chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and a drizzle of extra chili oil if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust the level of chili paste or chili oil to your preferred spice level.
- For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with minced mushrooms or tofu.
- For extra flavor, add a boiled egg on top for a traditional touch.
- If you prefer a creamier sauce, you can add more sesame paste or a splash of heavy cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Chinese, Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of the recipe
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 50mg