Get ready to embark on a culinary adventure with Dan Dan Noodles, the iconic dish that brings the fiery flavors of Sichuan cuisine right to your kitchen! This tantalizing recipe combines spicy ground pork, silky noodles, and a rich sesame sauce, making it the ultimate comfort food for spice lovers. With just 35 minutes of your time, you can whip up a plate of these mouthwatering noodles that will have your taste buds dancing and your friends begging for seconds. Are you ready to impress your dinner guests with a dish that packs a punch? Let’s dive into the delicious world of Dan Dan Noodles!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Sichuan
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles
- 2 tbsp sesame paste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp Sichuan peppercorns
Instructions
- Toast Sichuan peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Grind the toasted peppercorns into a fine powder using a spice grinder or mortar and pestle.
- In a mixing bowl, combine sesame paste, soy sauce, chili oil, and half of the ground Sichuan peppercorns. Whisk until smooth and set aside.
- Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook, breaking it into small crumbles, until fully browned and crispy, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and ginger to the pork. Sauté for an additional 1-2 minutes until aromatic, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente, typically 3-4 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining.
- Pour chicken broth into the pork mixture and simmer for 2-3 minutes to develop flavor. Season with additional ground Sichuan peppercorns if desired.
- Drain noodles and transfer to a serving bowl. Pour the prepared sesame sauce over the noodles, then top with the spicy pork mixture.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and a drizzle of additional chili oil. Toss the noodles before serving to ensure even coating with sauce.
Tips
- Perfectly Toasted Peppercorns: Don’t skip the step of toasting the Sichuan peppercorns! This enhances their flavor and aroma, adding depth to your dish. Just a minute or two over medium heat will do the trick.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the amount of chili oil to suit your spice tolerance. If you prefer a milder dish, start with less and add more to your serving for an extra kick.
- Noodle Cooking Time: Make sure to cook the noodles until they are al dente. This ensures they hold up well when tossed with the sauce and pork mixture.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Always reserve some pasta water before draining the noodles. This starchy water can help adjust the consistency of your sauce if it’s too thick.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh green onions not only add a pop of color but also a refreshing crunch that complements the rich flavors of the dish. Don’t be shy with the garnish!
- Meal Prep Friendly: The components of Dan Dan Noodles can be prepared in advance. Cook the pork and sauce ahead of time, and simply boil the noodles when you’re ready to eat for a quick meal.
- Experiment with Proteins: Feel free to substitute the ground pork with ground chicken, turkey, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. The flavors will still shine through!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
