Authentic Dan Dan Noodles (Video)

Dan Dan noodles in a bowl with bok choy and chopsticks.

5 from 44 votes

Authentic Dan Dan Noodles (Video)

Dan Dan Noodles are one of my favorite noodle dishes. I love how the mouth numbing Sichuan peppercorns and spicy chili oil pair perfectly with the chewy noodles and fatty ground pork! I top my noodles off with peanuts, freshly chopped scallions, and one last drizzle of chili oil and for the perfect meal in under 30 minutes!

Prep Time5

Cook Time10

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Chinese

Servings:

Author: Chris Joe

Ingredients

Pork

Sauce

1/4 cup chili oil
2 tbsp light soy sauce
2 tbsp sesame paste sub tahini
2 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns
1/2 tsp five spice powder
1/2 tsp sugar
1/4 tsp msg optional
4 cloves garlic chopped

Noodles + Garnish

1 lb noodles fresh or dried
1/4 cup noodle water add more to loosen sauce, if needed
scallions chopped, optional garnish
crushed peanuts optional garnish
bok choy blanched

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Marinate the ground pork with Shaoxing wine, light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, white pepper, salt, and five spice powder for 15 minutes.
In a large bowl, mix together the chili oil, light soy sauce, sesame paste, ground Sichuan peppercorns, five spice powder, sugar, MSG if using, and garlic.
Fry the marinated ground pork in 1 tbsp of neutral oil over high heat, or until the pork fat has rendered and crisped in it's own fat, about 4-5 minutes. Set aside.
Cook noodles in boiling water until al dente and transfer immediately to your sauce along with 1/4 cup of starchy noodle water. Add more water if needed to loosen up the sauce.
Top with reserved pork, freshly chopped scallions, blanched bok choy, crushed peanuts and enjoy!

Notes

KEY TIPS:

Don't Skip the Chili Oil: Even if you don't like chili oil, adding a small amount will infuse the Dan Dan Noodles with so many flavors. I would not skip this step!

Stir Your Sesame Paste: Sesame paste can sometimes separate (similar to almond butter); it is normal to open the jar and see a layer of oil on top. Give it a good stir to incorporate the oil and paste before adding it to your Dan Dan Noodles sauce.

Use Fresh Wheat Noodles: I use fresh wheat noodles (found in the refrigerated section of 99 Ranch) for the most authentic version of Dan Dan Noodles.

Overcook Your Pork: Cvercook the pork so the fat completely renders and becomes extra crispy - this will add a layer of texture to your Dan Dan Noodles.

Reserve Your Noodle Cooking Water: You will need to reserve some of the water after you cook your noodles; this water will be used to help loosen up your sauce when putting the dish together. The starch in the water will create the most beautiful, creamy texture!

Optional Garnishes: I like to top my Dan Dan Noodles with reserved pork, crushed peanuts, freshly chopped scallions, and one last drizzle of chili oil. I have also seen Dan Dan Noodles topped with bok choy, choy sum, or preserved mustard greens. Top with the garnishes you prefer!

Nutrition