Description
Dan Dan Noodles are an iconic Sichuan dish that perfectly balances bold, spicy chili oil, creamy sesame paste, tender noodles, and savory minced pork or mushrooms. This recipe offers a rich, satisfying texture with chewy noodles, crunchy peanuts, and fresh scallions. Quick and easy to make, Dan Dan Noodles are customizable and perfect for any meal, bringing authentic Asian flavors right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
Noodles
- Chinese wheat noodles (fresh or dried) – 200g
Protein
- Minced pork – 150g (or substitute with finely chopped shiitake mushrooms or tofu for vegetarian)
Sauce
- Chili oil – 3 tablespoons
- Sesame paste or tahini – 2 tablespoons
- Soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Black vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Garlic (minced) – 2 cloves
- Fresh ginger (grated) – 1 teaspoon
- Sichuan peppercorns (ground) – 1 teaspoon
Garnishes
- Scallions (finely chopped) – 2 tablespoons
- Roasted peanuts (crushed) – 2 tablespoons
- Fresh cilantro (optional) – a few sprigs
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: Combine chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, black vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground Sichuan peppercorns into a bowl. Whisk everything until smooth and creamy, creating a deeply flavored sauce base.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil, then cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and maintain a nice chew.
- Sauté the Minced Pork: Heat a little oil in a pan and brown the minced pork with some soy sauce and a pinch of sugar until it’s fragrant and caramelized, adding layers of savoriness to your dish.
- Assemble the Dish: Place the noodles in bowls, spoon the minced pork over them, then pour the spicy sesame sauce on top. Toss everything together to evenly coat the noodles with bold flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Finish with a sprinkle of chopped scallions, crushed roasted peanuts, and optional fresh cilantro to add freshness and crunch, making every bite exciting.
Notes
- Use fresh noodles if possible for better flavor absorption and texture.
- Making homemade chili oil with dried chilies and spices significantly enhances flavor.
- Do not omit Sichuan peppercorns as their numbing sensation is key to authenticity.
- Taste the sauce as you go to balance salty, spicy, and tangy flavors perfectly.
- Serve immediately to prevent noodles from becoming soggy.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Stovetop cooking
- Cuisine: Sichuan, Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 40 mg