Dan Dan Noodles (Dan Dan Mian)
Bold, spicy comfort with Sichuan soul
Time
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: ~30 minutes
Serves: 2–3
INGREDIENTS
Noodles
200 g wheat noodles (Chinese wheat noodles, ramen, or spaghetti)
Water + salt for boiling
Pork Topping (or Plant-Based)
100–150 g ground pork
(or minced mushrooms / soy mince / tofu crumbles)
1 tbsp neutral oil (vegetable or peanut)
2 garlic cloves, finely minced
1 tsp grated ginger (optional but authentic)
1 tbsp soy sauce (light)
½ tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
1 tsp sugar
½ tsp Sichuan peppercorns, crushed (optional but classic)
1 tbsp chili oil (from the jar, including flakes)
Signature Dan Dan Sauce (The Heart of the Dish)
2 tbsp chili oil (adjust to taste)
1½ tbsp sesame paste or smooth peanut butter
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
(or rice vinegar + tiny splash lemon)
1 tsp sugar
2–4 tbsp hot noodle cooking water (to loosen)
Optional extras:
½ tsp chili crisp
½ tsp garlic paste
Garnishes (Highly Recommended)
Chopped scallions (green onions)
Crushed roasted peanuts
Sesame seeds
Extra chili oil or chili crisp
Optional: blanched bok choy or spinach on the side
INSTRUCTIONS
1️⃣ Cook the Noodles
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook noodles according to package instructions until springy, not mushy.
Reserve ½ cup of noodle cooking water, then drain.
Toss noodles lightly with a few drops of oil to prevent sticking.
2️⃣ Make the Pork Topping
Heat oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
Add pork and cook until browned and slightly crispy.
Add garlic and ginger; sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, dark soy (if using), sugar, chili oil, and Sichuan pepper.
Cook 1–2 minutes until glossy and aromatic. Set aside.
3️⃣ Mix the Dan Dan Sauce
In a bowl, whisk together:
Chili oil
Sesame paste / peanut butter
Soy sauce
Vinegar
Sugar
Slowly add hot noodle water until the sauce is creamy, pourable, and silky.
4️⃣ Assemble Like a Pro
Add sauce to the bottom of each serving bowl.
Add noodles on top.
Toss noodles well until fully coated.
Spoon pork mixture over noodles.
Finish with scallions, peanuts, sesame seeds, and extra chili oil.
5️⃣ Serve & Enjoy
Serve immediately.
Mix well before eating.
Slurp loudly—it’s encouraged
FLAVOR VARIATIONS
Extra Spicy: Add chili crisp + more chili oil
Creamier: Add extra sesame paste
Vegetarian: Use mushrooms sautéed with soy & chili oil
Authentic Sichuan: Don’t skip Sichuan peppercorns
Protein Boost: Add a soft-boiled egg
WHY THIS DISH IS PURE MAGIC
Warming & energizing – Chili oil wakes up your senses
Protein-rich – Pork, tofu, or soy fuel your body
Healthy fats – Sesame & peanuts support focus
Mood-boosting – Spices = endorphins
Cultural classic – A true taste of Sichuan street food
