Print

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles is a classic Sichuan dish featuring chewy Chinese wheat noodles tossed in a rich, spicy sauce made with chili oil, ground pork, Sichuan peppercorns, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and Chinese black vinegar. Topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh green onions, it offers a perfect balance of heat, numbing spice, umami, and texture in a comforting, easy-to-make bowl, ideal for weeknight dinners or sharing with friends.

Ingredients

Noodles

  • Fresh or dried Chinese wheat noodles – 8 ounces

Protein

  • Ground pork (or tofu/mushrooms for vegetarian) – 8 ounces

Sauce

  • Chili oil – 3 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
  • Sichuan peppercorns, ground – 1 teaspoon
  • Minced garlic – 2 cloves
  • Grated fresh ginger – 1 teaspoon
  • Soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
  • Chinese black vinegar – 1 tablespoon

Toppings

  • Crushed roasted peanuts (or toasted sesame seeds for nut-free) – 1/4 cup
  • Chopped green onions – 2 tablespoons

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix chili oil, soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and ground Sichuan peppercorns until well combined. This sauce forms the flavorful base of the dish.
  2. Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles in salted water until al dente. Drain well, reserving a little pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, then set noodles aside.
  3. Brown the Meat: Heat a pan over medium-high heat, add ground pork and cook until crispy and caramelized. Season lightly with soy sauce to deepen the savory flavor.
  4. Combine Sauce and Meat: Pour the prepared sauce over the browned meat, stirring to coat all meat pieces evenly and allowing flavors to meld.
  5. Toss Noodles and Serve: Add the cooked noodles into the pan with the saucy meat mixture. Toss well until noodles are thoroughly coated. Plate the noodles and garnish with chopped green onions and crushed peanuts before serving.

Notes

  • Use fresh noodles if possible for the best silky texture.
  • Adjust chili oil gradually to customize the spice level.
  • Lightly toast Sichuan peppercorns before grinding to enhance aroma.
  • Add chicken or vegetable broth if you prefer a saucier consistency.
  • Use freshly grated garlic and ginger for brightest flavor.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freeze sauce and noodles separately to preserve texture.
  • Reheat gently with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dan Dan Noodles, Sichuan noodles, Spicy Asian noodles, Chili oil noodles, Ground pork noodles, Vegetarian Dan Dan, Nut-free Dan Dan, Authentic Chinese noodles