Description
A flavorful and spicy Dan Dan Noodles recipe featuring tender ground pork, a savory sesame and chili sauce, and perfectly cooked wheat noodles. This dish is a classic Sichuan street food favorite with a delicious balance of spicy, salty, and slightly sweet flavors, garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh green onions.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 8 oz dried Chinese wheat noodles (or spaghetti if unavailable)
Sauce
- 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)
Protein and Aromatics
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
Oils and Garnishes
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (for garnish)
- Crushed peanuts (for garnish)
- Additional chili oil (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried Chinese wheat noodles (or spaghetti) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili paste or chili oil, crushed Sichuan peppercorns, sesame paste, sugar, and chicken broth until smooth and well combined. Set this flavorful sauce mixture aside.
- Cook the pork: Heat sesame oil and vegetable oil together in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and ginger, cooking another 1 to 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine with the sauce: Pour the prepared sauce mixture over the cooked pork in the skillet. Stir well to coat the pork evenly. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Toss the noodles: Add the cooked noodles into the skillet with the pork and sauce. Toss everything together carefully to ensure the noodles are fully coated with the spicy and savory sauce.
- Garnish and serve: Divide the Dan Dan Noodles into bowls. Garnish generously with chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and a drizzle of extra chili oil if desired. Serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Substitute spaghetti if Chinese wheat noodles are unavailable.
- Adjust chili paste or chili oil quantity to control spiciness.
- Sichuan peppercorns add authentic numbing heat but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
- Peanut butter can replace sesame paste if necessary.
- Use chicken broth or water in the sauce; broth adds more depth of flavor.
- Garnishes add texture and contrast, so don’t skip the peanuts and green onions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Sichuan Chinese
