Dan Dan Noodles is a popular Sichuan dish known for its bold and spicy flavors. Here’s a basic recipe to make this delicious Chinese noodle dish at home. Adjust the spice level to your preference.
Contents
Ingredients:
Noodles:
- 8 oz (about 225g) fresh or dried Chinese egg noodles (or any noodles of your choice)
- 1-2 green onions, finely chopped (for garnish)
Dan Dan Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons ground pork (optional, for a meaty version)
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- 1 tablespoon Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon black vinegar (or substitute with rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- Salt to taste
Toppings (Optional):
- Crushed peanuts
- Chopped green onions
- Chopped cilantro
- Julienned cucumber
- Soy sauce and black vinegar for extra seasoning
Instructions:
Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Fresh noodles may only need 2-3 minutes, while dried noodles might need 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Dan Dan Sauce:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large wok or skillet over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and ginger, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- If you’re using ground pork, add it now and cook until it’s no longer pink.
- Add the Sichuan chili bean paste (doubanjiang) and ground Sichuan peppercorns. Cook for a minute or two until the oil turns red and is aromatic.
- Stir in the soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and chicken or vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, sugar, or vinegar according to your preference. The sauce should be savory, slightly sweet, and spicy.
Assemble the Dan Dan Noodles:
- Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls.
- Ladle the Dan Dan sauce over the noodles. Use as much or as little as you like; it can be quite spicy.
- Top with crushed peanuts, chopped green onions, and any other toppings you prefer.
Enjoy your homemade Dan Dan Noodles! Remember that the spice level can be adjusted to suit your taste, so feel free to experiment and make it as fiery or mild as you like.
Also Read: China, Szechuan Chicken
