
Authentic Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles featuring a rich, spicy sauce made from sesame paste, chili oil, and savory ground pork, balanced by the salty and fermented flavors of preserved vegetables.
Prepare the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine sesame paste, soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, ground Sichuan peppercorns, minced garlic, and minced ginger. Whisk until smooth. If the sesame paste is too thick, add a little warm water to thin it out to a pourable consistency.
Cook the Pork: Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Add Shaoxing wine to deglaze the pan and cook for another minute. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook according to package directions until al dente (usually 5-7 minutes). Drain the noodles well.
Assemble the Noodles: Divide the sauce evenly among four bowls. Add the cooked noodles to each bowl. Top with the cooked ground pork, chopped Ya Cai, Sichuan chili oil (adjust to your spice preference), sliced scallions, and chopped roasted peanuts.
Mix and Serve: Mix everything well before serving, ensuring the noodles are thoroughly coated in the sauce. Serve immediately.
Nutrition per serving (250g)
Adjust the spice level to your liking by adding more or less Sichuan chili oil.
For a smoother sesame paste, you can soak it in a little warm water for a few minutes before mixing.
If you can't find Ya Cai, you can substitute with other preserved vegetables like pickled radish or mustard greens. Adjust the amount according to their saltiness.
Toasting the Sichuan peppercorns before grinding intensifies their aroma and flavor.
Don't overcook the noodles; they should be slightly firm to the bite.
For a vegetarian version, substitute the ground pork with fried tofu or mushrooms. Ensure the sauce is vegetarian-friendly (check the soy sauce).
Large pot
Wok or large skillet
Small bowls
No wine pairing suggestions available for this recipe.