Print

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles are a flavorful and comforting Sichuan dish featuring chewy wheat noodles tossed in a spicy, savory, and nutty sauce made with sesame paste, chili oil, and ground Sichuan peppercorns. Topped with savory ground pork and garnished with scallions and crushed peanuts, this quick and authentic recipe can be prepared in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknight dinners. Customize the spice level and protein to suit your preferences while enjoying a classic street-food favorite at home.

Ingredients

Scale

Noodles and Protein

  • 200g traditional Chinese wheat noodles
  • 200g ground pork (or substitute with tofu or mushrooms for vegetarian option)

Sauce Base

  • 3 tbsp sesame paste
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp chili oil (adjust to taste)
  • 1/2 cup chicken stock or water
  • 1 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns (freshly toasted and ground if possible)

Aromatics and Seasonings

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 inch ginger, minced
  • 1 tsp soy sauce (for pork seasoning)

Garnishes

  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • 2 tbsp crushed peanuts
  • Optional: chopped cilantro or toasted sesame seeds for extra garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a bowl, whisk together the sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil, chicken stock (or water), and ground Sichuan peppercorns until smooth and creamy, creating the flavorful foundation for the noodles.
  2. Cook the Noodles: Boil the wheat noodles according to package instructions until just tender (al dente). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  3. Cook the Pork Topping: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Sauté minced garlic and ginger until fragrant. Add ground pork and cook, breaking up clumps, until browned and crispy. Season with a touch of soy sauce for added flavor.
  4. Assemble the Noodles: Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles, add the pork topping, and toss gently to coat each strand evenly with the sauce and toppings.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped scallions and crushed peanuts on top for freshness and crunch. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the full flavor and aroma.

Notes

  • Toast and grind Sichuan peppercorns fresh for the best numbing aroma.
  • Use high-quality chili oil to enhance depth and vibrant color.
  • Avoid overcooking noodles—slightly undercook them for better texture after mixing with sauce.
  • Taste the sauce before assembling; adjust with soy sauce or a pinch of sugar if needed.
  • Chicken stock enriches the sauce, but water can be substituted for a lighter dish.
  • Leftover noodles, sauce, and toppings should be stored separately in airtight containers and refrigerated up to 2 days.
  • Freeze pork topping alone for best results; avoid freezing noodles to prevent mushiness.
  • Reheat toppings gently and refresh noodles briefly in hot water before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dan Dan Noodles, Sichuan noodles, spicy noodles, Chinese noodles, sesame paste noodles, ground pork noodles, quick noodle recipe, authentic Dan Dan