Description
Addictive Dan Dan Noodles is a classic Sichuan dish featuring spicy, savory ground meat over a bed of tender noodles, complemented by a rich, sesame-chili sauce and fresh bok choy or spinach. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of bold flavors and textures in just 25 minutes, making it an ideal quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Vegetables
- 8 oz (225 g) fresh or dried Chinese wheat noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
- 2 cups (150 g) bok choy or spinach, steamed or blanched
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons sesame paste or tahini
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar (or rice vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns, ground (optional for authentic flavor)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) hot water
Meat Topping
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb (225 g) ground pork or chicken
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon hoisin sauce
Garnishes
- Chopped green onions
- Crushed peanuts or sesame seeds
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Steam or blanch the greens: Quickly steam or blanch the bok choy or spinach in boiling water for 1-2 minutes until tender but still vibrant. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a bowl, combine chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sugar, ground Sichuan peppercorns, and hot water. Whisk until smooth and well blended.
- Prepare the meat topping: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork or chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
- Add aromatics: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, sautéing for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Season the meat mixture: Add soy sauce and hoisin sauce to the meat, stir well, and cook for an additional 2 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Assemble the noodles: Divide cooked noodles into serving bowls. Pour the prepared sauce over the noodles and toss gently to coat evenly.
- Add greens and meat topping: Top noodles with blanched bok choy or spinach and the cooked meat mixture.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped green onions and crushed peanuts or sesame seeds over the top. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti for Chinese wheat noodles if unavailable.
- Adjust chili oil amount according to your preferred spice level.
- Sichuan peppercorns add authentic flavor but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Use tahini as a substitute for sesame paste for a similar nutty flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the greens or add tofu.
