Dan Dan Noodles
Dan dan noodles are a bold Sichuan dish of springy noodles in a spicy, nutty, savory sauce topped with crispy pork. The tingling chili oil and sesame paste create an addictive, complex flavor. This iconic street food comes together faster than you would expect.
- ⏱ 30 min
- 📊 easy
- 🍽 Family
Ingredients
- 300 g wheat noodles
- 300 g ground pork
- 3 tbsp sesame paste or tahini
- 3 tbsp chili oil
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, ground
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- to serve green onions
Instructions
- Cook the noodles until tender, then drain, reserving some cooking water.
- Fry the ground pork until crispy and browned, then season with a little soy sauce.
- Whisk the sesame paste, chili oil, soy sauce, ground Sichuan pepper, and garlic with a splash of noodle water into a sauce.
- Divide the sauce among bowls.
- Add the noodles and toss to coat.
- Top with the crispy pork and green onions and mix before eating.
💡 Chef's tip
Toss the noodles thoroughly to coat them in the sauce pooled at the bottom of the bowl; the sauce is meant to be mixed in, not layered on top.
The signature numbing heat comes from Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil, which give dan dan noodles their characteristic mala tingle that plain chili cannot replicate.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 520 kcal
- Protein: 24 g
- Carbs: 58 g
- Fat: 22 g
