Spicy Chinese Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork (35 Minutes)

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Change up your dinnertime routine with these spicy Chinese Dan Dan noodles, a classic Sichuan dish known for its tantalizing blend of flavors. This version is served in a spicy, savory broth, topped with scallions for a refreshing crunch.

Perfect for those who love a good kick of spice with their meal, Dan Dan noodles offer a complex flavor profile that combines the heat of chili oil with the umami depth of soy sauce and sesame paste.

Whether you’re looking to spice up your dinner routine or introduce your palate to the rich traditions of Sichuan cuisine, this dish is sure to impress.

Ingredients

Units Scale
  • 8 oz. dried Dan Dan noodles (or any Chinese wheat noodles)
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 4 green onions, thinly sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Chinese rice wine (or dry sherry)
  • 2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
  • 2 tablespoons tahini or Chinese sesame paste
  • 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, crushed
  • 4 cups chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1/2 lb ground pork (optional for vegetarians, can be omitted)
  • Salt to taste
  • Bok choy or spinach (optional, for added greens)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Noodles (8-10 minutes): Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Cook the Pork (if using) and Aromatics (5-7 minutes): In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it into small pieces. Add the garlic and ginger, and sauté for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  3. Make the Broth (10 minutes): In a pot, combine the chicken or vegetable broth, soy sauce, rice wine, chili oil, tahini or sesame paste, and Sichuan peppercorns. Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring until all the ingredients are well combined.
  4. Combine Noodles and Broth (2 minutes): Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. If using greens like bok choy or spinach, blanch them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes, then drain and add to the bowls.
  5. Serve (1 minute): Ladle the hot broth over the noodles and greens. Top with the cooked ground pork (if using) and a generous sprinkling of sliced green onions. Serve immediately.

Notes

Dan Dan noodles are a quintessential example of the complexity and richness of Sichuan cuisine. This dish is a wonderful way to explore the balance of spicy, savory, and slightly nutty flavors that characterize this regional cooking.

For those new to Sichuan peppercorns, their unique numbing effect adds another layer of depth to the dish. Adjust the level of chili oil to suit your heat preference, and don’t hesitate to add more vegetables for a balanced meal.

Enjoy the process of cooking this traditional dish and the delicious, spicy rewards of your labor!

*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://www.heresyourdinner.com/spicy-chinese-dan-dan-noodles-35-minutes/