Dan Dan Noodles
Spicy Sichuan-style noodles with seasoned minced pork, sesame paste, and chilli oil. A bold, flavourful noodle dish.
Prep: 10 minutes. Cook: 15 minutes. Difficulty: Easy. Serves 2.
Ingredients
- 200g dried wheat noodles or egg noodles
- 200g minced pork
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame paste or tahini
- 1 tablespoon chilli oil (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon preserved vegetables (ya cai) — optional
- 2 spring onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon cooking oil
- Roasted peanuts, crushed, for topping
Instructions
- Cook noodles according to packet instructions. Drain and divide into bowls.
- Mix soy sauce, sesame paste, chilli oil, sugar, and rice vinegar in a small bowl.
- Heat oil in a pan. Add minced pork and cook for 4–5 minutes until browned and crispy.
- Add garlic and preserved vegetables. Stir for 1 minute.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles in each bowl.
- Top with the crispy minced pork.
- Garnish with spring onions and crushed peanuts.
- Mix everything together before eating.
Tips for Helpers
- The pork should be browned and slightly crispy — do not remove it too early.
- Start with less chilli oil and add more at the table.
- Sesame paste and tahini are interchangeable.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Use tahini if sesame paste is unavailable.
- Use chicken mince for a lighter version.
- Skip the chilli oil for a non-spicy version.