Best Easy Dan Dan Noodles Recipe

Thin noodles swim in a spicy, nutty sauce of chili oil, Sichuan peppercorn, and sesame paste topped with savory minced pork. This iconic Sichuan street food delivers bold protein-rich flavor in a small but intensely satisfying bowl.

Cook 35 min Difficulty NORMAL 565 kcal
#high protein #mediterranean
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Ingredients
Main ingredients
  • thin wheat noodles 12 oz
  • ground pork 8 oz
  • baby bok choy 8 oz
  • scallions 4 pieces
  • garlic cloves 3 cloves
  • Sichuan peppercorns 1 tsp
Seasonings/Sauce
  • chili oil 3 tbsp
  • Chinese sesame paste 3 tbsp
  • soy sauce 2 tbsp
  • chinkiang vinegar 1 tbsp
  • sugar 2 tsp
  • chicken broth 1 cup
  • neutral oil 1 tbsp
  • salt 0.5 tsp
Nutrition summary
Carbohydrates 60 g 43%
Protein 21 g 15%
Fat 28 g 42%
Serving size 320g
Cooking steps
  1. 1

    Toast Sichuan peppercorns in a dry skillet over medium-low heat for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly so they do not burn. Crush lightly and set aside.

  2. 2

    Heat neutral oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and cook, breaking up with a spoon, until browned and crisp, 5-7 minutes. Remove excess fat if needed.

  3. 3

    Finely chop garlic and white parts of scallions. Add to the pork along with half the peppercorns. Stir-fry on medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant. Remove pork mixture from pan and set aside.

  4. 4

    Whisk together chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, chinkiang vinegar, sugar, the remaining Sichuan peppercorns, and chicken broth in a bowl to create the dan dan sauce.

  5. 5

    Cook noodles in boiling water according to package instructions. Add bok choy for the last 45 seconds until just wilted, then drain thoroughly.

  6. 6

    Divide the sauce between serving bowls. Add hot noodles and toss well to coat. Top with pork mixture, bok choy, and sliced scallion greens. Serve immediately.

Personalized Q&A
Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?
The standout elements in Dan Dan Noodles are the spicy, nutty sauce made with chili oil, Sichuan peppercorn, and Chinese sesame paste. Combined with savory ground pork, these staples deliver the dish's iconic bold flavor and authentic Sichuan texture.
Q. How do I prevent overcooking the noodles and bok choy?
Boil the noodles just until al dente, following package instructions closely, and add baby bok choy for only the final 45 seconds. Immediately drain and assemble to preserve springy noodles and crisp-tender greens.
Q. How spicy is this dish, and can the heat be adjusted?
The heat comes mainly from chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns. For a milder experience, reduce the chili oil. Toasting peppercorns gently unlocks aroma without overwhelming heat, so adjust to taste before serving.
Q. How many calories and how much protein are in each serving?
Each generous serving of these Dan Dan Noodles contains approximately 565 kcal, with a protein content of 21g. That's a protein-to-carb ratio of about 1:2.8, making it a satisfying, protein-rich meal.
Q. Which ingredient adds the most umami to this recipe?
The ground pork, together with soy sauce and chicken broth, gives the dish its savory, umami depth. These are balanced by the sesame paste and vinegar for a multidimensional flavor profile typical of authentic Dan Dan Noodles.
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