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Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles is a classic Sichuan dish that’s known for its bold flavors, spicy sauce, and perfectly cooked noodles. This dish features a savory sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, and sesame paste, combined with ground pork and garnished with green onions and peanuts. It’s an easy and incredibly flavorful meal that can be made in under 30 minutes. Let’s dive into this iconic recipe!

Table of Contents

Ingredients

For the Sauce

  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame paste (or peanut butter)
  • 1 tablespoon chili oil (more or less to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, ground

For the Noodles

  • 8 oz dried wheat noodles (such as Chinese noodles or spaghetti)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1/2 lb ground pork
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  • 2 green onions, sliced (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1/4 cup chopped roasted peanuts (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Noodles: Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sesame paste, chili oil, sugar, and ground Sichuan peppercorns until well combined. Set aside.
  3. Cook the Pork: In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
  4. Add Garlic and Ginger: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the pork and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. Stir in the soy sauce and Shaoxing wine, and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
  5. Combine with Sauce and Noodles: Reduce the heat to medium and add the prepared sauce to the skillet, stirring to coat the pork. Add the cooked noodles and sliced green onions, tossing everything together until the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce and heated through.
  6. Serve: Divide the noodles into bowls and garnish with additional green onions and chopped peanuts, if desired. Serve warm.

Cook’s Notes and Tips

  • Adjust the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns to suit your spice preference. For a milder version, reduce both ingredients.
  • Noodle Type: Authentic Dan Dan noodles are made with Chinese wheat noodles, but you can use spaghetti or any long pasta in a pinch.
  • Sesame Paste Substitute: If you don’t have Chinese sesame paste, you can use tahini or even creamy peanut butter as a substitute.

Variations

  • Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles: Substitute the ground pork with crumbled firm tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
  • Extra Vegetables: Add bok choy, spinach, or bell peppers to the dish for extra nutrition and texture.
  • Chicken Dan Dan Noodles: Replace the ground pork with ground chicken for a lighter version.

Serving Suggestions

  • Side Dishes: Serve with a side of steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete Chinese-inspired meal.
  • Toppings: Top with a drizzle of extra chili oil, chopped cilantro, or a sprinkle of sesame seeds for added flavor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I Make This Dish Ahead of Time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the pork ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When ready to serve, reheat the pork, cook the noodles, and toss everything together.

How Do I Store Leftovers?

Store leftover Dan Dan noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.

Can I Freeze Dan Dan Noodles?

While the pork and sauce can be frozen, the noodles may become mushy upon reheating. If you choose to freeze, store the pork and sauce separately, and cook fresh noodles when ready to serve.

What Can I Use Instead of Sichuan Peppercorns?

Sichuan peppercorns have a unique, numbing flavor that is hard to replicate, but you can use black pepper for a similar spice, though it won’t have the same numbing effect.

How Do I Make the Dish Less Salty?

If you prefer a less salty dish, reduce the amount of soy sauce and use low-sodium soy sauce instead.

Dan Dan Noodles is a flavorful, spicy dish that’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a weekend treat. With its bold sauce, tender pork, and chewy noodles, it’s a dish that will satisfy your craving for Chinese takeout—right in your own kitchen. Adjust the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, and enjoy the authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine with this easy recipe!

Happy Cooking!

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