Dan Dan Noodles
Equipment
- Large Pot
Ingredients
Noodles & Toppings
- 2 bundles fresh wheat noodles, see note 1
- ¼ cup steamed bok choy, optional
- 1 scallion, chopped (optional)
- 3 tablespoons crushed peanuts, optional
Pork Topping
- 12 ounces ground pork
- 1/4 cup pickled or preserved mustard greens
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 1/2 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons sesame paste, or tahini
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 4 tablespoons chili oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 inch piece ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon Sichuan chili powder
- ¼ cup reserved noodle water
Instructions
- Boil the noodles one minute before al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ¼ cup of noodle water before draining.
- In a bowl, mix ground pork, Shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, five-spice powder, and preserved mustard greens.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and brown the pork until crispy and fragrant. Set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together sesame paste, light soy sauce, chili oil, minced garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, Sichuan chili powder, and a splash of reserved noodle water until smooth.
- Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and toss until evenly coated.
- Place the noodles in a bowl, top with the pork mixture, and garnish with bok choy, scallions, crushed peanuts, and extra chili oil if desired. It’s your food, you eat it how you like!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I am not kidding when I say these Dan Dan Noodles taste just like the restaurant version, but for a fraction of the price! Chewy, spicy, and incredibly satisfying, Dan Dan Noodles is one of my favorite go-to recipes.
The Key to Authentic Dan Dan Noodles: Preserved Mustard Greens
Preserved mustard greens are an essential ingredient in traditional Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles, adding a savory, tangy depth that balances the rich sesame sauce and spicy chili oil. The slightly salty crunch brings texture and freshness, preventing the dish from feeling too heavy. Look for them at your nearest Asian grocery store. A jar (or even a pouch!) lasts a long time. They are preserved after all! It’s a staple ingredient in many Asian recipes and a great addition to any heavier dish. If you can’t find them, use pickled mustard greens or a splash of black vinegar for a similar pop of bright, umami-packed contrast.
The Ultimate Weeknight Noodle Dish
At the end of the day, it’s tempting to order take-out. However, these easy homemade Dan Dan Noodles come together fast, making them perfect for a quick, satisfying dinner. With just 30 minutes of prep and cooking time, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort. Delicious and flexible, you can adapt this recipe to your taste by using traditional wheat noodles, udon, or a low-carb alternative, Top it with crispy ground pork, fresh scallions, and crunchy peanuts for the perfect finishing touch.
What to Serve it With
Dan Dan Noodles is a complete meal on its own. To be honest, sometimes it’s the only dish I want to make after a long day (or week). However, if you have a party, a date, a dinner, you might want to include other dishes. I recommend Honey Garlic Chicken or Miso Glazed Chicken!
Another hit from my go to guy for recipes!!