This Dan Dan Noodles recipe offers a savory, spicy, and slightly tangy dish that is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a special occasion. Originating from Sichuan cuisine, these noodles are known for their rich, flavorful sauce made from a blend of soy sauce, sesame paste, and chili oil, combined with minced pork and preserved vegetables. This dish delivers a delightful balance of tastes and textures that will leave you craving more.
Appliances and Special Utensils
- Wok or large skillet
- Saucepan
- Mixing bowl
- Spatula
- Tongs
- Noodle strainer or colander
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh or dried wheat noodles
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 1/4 cup preserved mustard greens (optional)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Chinese sesame paste (or tahini)
- 1 tbsp black vinegar
- 1 tbsp chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, ground
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
- Crushed peanuts, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Prepare Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine soy sauce, Chinese sesame paste, black vinegar, chili oil, sugar, ground Sichuan peppercorns, and chicken broth. Mix well until smooth and set aside.
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Cook Pork: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
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Add Aromatics: Add minced garlic and ginger to the pork. Cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. If using preserved mustard greens, stir them in now and cook for another 2 minutes.
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Combine Sauce and Pork: Pour the prepared sauce into the wok with the pork mixture. Stir to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce is heated through.
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Toss Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the wok. Use tongs to toss the noodles in the sauce until they are evenly coated and heated through, about 2-3 minutes.
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Serve: Divide the noodles among serving bowls. Garnish with chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and crushed peanuts if desired. Enjoy your flavorful Dan Dan Noodles!
This Dan Dan Noodles recipe delivers a scrumptious and authentic taste of Sichuan cuisine, perfect for any noodle lover.