Print

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles
Print Recipe

Dan Dan Noodles are a bold, spicy, and savory Sichuan street food dish featuring chewy Chinese wheat noodles topped with a flavorful meat sauce infused with Sichuan peppercorns, chili oil, sesame paste, garlic, and ginger. This quick and satisfying recipe delivers a restaurant-quality, nutty, and spicy flavor punch in under 20 minutes using simple pantry staples and fresh ingredients, perfect for any meal or snack.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 200g ground pork or beef
  • 200g Chinese wheat noodles
  • 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
  • 2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sesame paste or tahini
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, grated
  • 2 green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil (to toss noodles)

Optional Toppings and Variations

  • Crushed peanuts for garnish
  • Chili flakes for extra heat
  • Pickled vegetables
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Crumbled tofu or mushrooms (for vegetarian/vegan option)
  • Peanut butter as substitute for sesame paste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, grated ginger, chili oil, soy sauce, sesame paste, and chicken broth. Whisk together until smooth and set aside. This sauce forms the bold and savory heart of the dish.
  2. Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the Chinese wheat noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and toss with a teaspoon of sesame oil to prevent sticking.
  3. Brown the Meat: Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground pork or beef along with a pinch of salt and the toasted ground Sichuan peppercorns. Cook until the meat is browned and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
  4. Combine and Heat Through: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the browned meat. Stir well and simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  5. Plate and Garnish: Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Ladle the spicy meat sauce over the noodles. Finish with chopped green onions and optional crushed peanuts or chili flakes for added texture and heat.

Notes

  • Use fresh Sichuan peppercorns for the authentic numbing spice flavor.
  • Do not overcook noodles; aim for al dente texture to hold up under the sauce.
  • Adjust the sauce by adding a splash of black vinegar or a pinch of sugar to balance flavors if desired.
  • Choose a good quality chili oil for a more vibrant and flavorful sauce.
  • Warm the sesame paste gently before mixing to enhance its nutty aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dan Dan Noodles, Sichuan noodles, spicy noodles, Chinese recipe, quick noodles, sesame paste noodles

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/dan-dan-noodles/