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Spicy Dan Dan Noodles

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Spicy Dan Dan Noodles are a bold Sichuan-inspired noodle dish featuring chewy noodles tossed in a rich chili-sesame sauce and topped with savory seasoned ground pork. Packed with heat, nuttiness, and umami, this restaurant-style favorite is easy to make at home.

Ingredients

  • 12 ounces Chinese wheat noodles, ramen noodles, or spaghetti
  • Water for cooking
  • 1/2 pound ground pork
  • 1 teaspoon vegetable oil
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
  • 3 tablespoons chili oil
  • 2 tablespoons sesame paste or tahini
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 to 4 tablespoons hot noodle cooking water
  • 3 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts, chopped
  • Sesame seeds, for garnish
  • Fresh cilantro, optional

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
  2. Cook the noodles according to package directions until tender.
  3. Reserve 1/2 cup of the noodle cooking water before draining.
  4. Heat the vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  5. Add the ground pork and cook until browned.
  6. Stir in the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and five-spice powder.
  7. Cook for 2–3 more minutes, then remove from the heat.
  8. In a large bowl, whisk together the chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.
  9. Add enough reserved noodle water to create a smooth, silky sauce.
  10. Add the cooked noodles and toss thoroughly to coat.
  11. Divide the noodles among serving bowls.
  12. Top with the seasoned pork.
  13. Garnish with green onions, peanuts, sesame seeds, and cilantro if desired.
  14. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Adjust the heat level by increasing or decreasing the chili oil.
  • Tahini is a convenient substitute for traditional sesame paste.
  • Add ground Sichuan peppercorns for a more authentic numbing spice effect.
  • Use mushrooms or tofu instead of pork for a vegetarian version.
  • The sauce can be prepared several days in advance and refrigerated.
  • Add a splash of water when reheating to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/spicy-dan-dan-noodles/