Dan Dan Noodles

🧂 Ingredients

• 400 g Thin wheat noodles(Fresh or dried, such as ramen or lo mein noodles.)
• 200 g Ground pork
• 60 g Ya cai (preserved mustard greens)(Finely chopped. This is a key ingredient for authentic flavor.)
• 4 tbsp Chili oil(Use a good quality Sichuan chili oil with sediment for best flavor and heat.)
• 2 tbsp Sesame paste(Tahini can be substituted, but Chinese sesame paste is preferred for its distinct nutty flavor.)
• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns(Whole peppercorns, toasted and ground for maximum numbing effect.)
• 2 tbsp Soy sauce(Light soy sauce is recommended.)
• 1 tbsp Black vinegar(Chinkiang vinegar (Chinese black vinegar) is ideal.)
• 4 Scallions(White and green parts, finely chopped, for garnish.)
• 2 cloves Garlic(Minced (optional, for added flavor).)
• 1 tsp Ginger(Minced (optional, for added flavor).)
• 1 tbsp Cooking oil(Neutral oil like vegetable or canola.)

👨‍🍳 Instructions

1. 1

   Prepare the sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together the chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, black vinegar, and ground Sichuan peppercorns. If using, add minced garlic and ginger. Set aside.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
2. 2

   Toast and grind Sichuan peppercorns: If using whole Sichuan peppercorns, toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Let cool slightly, then grind them into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes
3. 3

   Cook the minced pork: Heat the cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Add the ground pork and break it up with a spoon. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pork is browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess fat.

   ⏱️ 7 minutes
4. 4

   Add preserved vegetables: Add the finely chopped ya cai to the skillet with the cooked pork. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant and well combined. Remove from heat and set aside.

   ⏱️ 3 minutes
5. 5

   Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the thin wheat noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 3-5 minutes for fresh, 7-10 minutes for dried). Reserve about 1/2 cup of the noodle cooking water before draining.

   ⏱️ 5 minutes
6. 6

   Assemble the noodles: Divide the prepared sauce among four serving bowls. Add a ladleful of hot noodle cooking water to each bowl and stir to loosen the sauce into a smooth consistency. Add the drained noodles to the bowls.

   ⏱️ 2 minutes
7. 7

   Serve: Top each bowl generously with the pork and ya cai mixture. Garnish with chopped scallions. Toss thoroughly before eating to ensure the noodles are well coated with the sauce.

   ⏱️ 1 minute

💡 Pro Tips

• ✓Ya cai (preserved mustard greens) adds a crucial savory, slightly fermented depth that is characteristic of Dan Dan noodles. Look for it in Asian grocery stores.
• ✓Adjust the heat level to your preference by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili oil. For extra numbing, you can lightly toast and grind more Sichuan peppercorns.
• ✓Toss the noodles thoroughly with the sauce in the bowl before eating to ensure every strand is coated with the rich, spicy, and numbing flavor.

🔄 Variations

• Vegetarian: Substitute the ground pork with finely chopped shiitake mushrooms, sautéed until browned. Ensure the mushrooms are well-seasoned.
• Extra Numbing: Increase the amount of ground Sichuan peppercorns in the sauce or add a pinch of ground peppercorns directly to the finished dish.

🥗 Nutrition

Per serving