Description
Sichuan’s beloved Dan Dan Noodles deliver a spicy symphony of hand-pulled noodles dancing with savory pork, numbing Sichuan peppercorns, and zesty chili oil. Hearty flavors merge in this street-style classic that promises an authentic culinary journey through China’s bold regional cuisine.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- ½ pound ground chicken or pork
- 8 ounces Chinese style egg noodles, or rice noodles
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms, chopped
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or smashed
- 1 medium shallot, chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped
Sauces and Seasonings:
- ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce (GF if needed)
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or tahini
- 1 ½ tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Craft the chili oil by gently warming sesame oil (80 milliliters / ) with minced garlic and dried chili flakes in a large skillet over medium heat, allowing the aromatics to release their fragrant essence for approximately 5 minutes. Transfer the infused oil to a heat-resistant container.
- Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, peanut butter (or tahini), and water (80 milliliters / ) in a mixing bowl to create a harmonious sauce mixture.
- Cook noodles according to package instructions, then drain thoroughly. Return the pot to the stove, pour in broth, and incorporate half of the prepared sauce mixture. Gently simmer and fold in fresh spinach leaves until they wilt.
- In the same skillet used for chili oil, heat additional sesame oil (30 milliliters / ). Sear chicken pieces seasoned with freshly ground black pepper until golden brown, approximately 5 minutes. Introduce sliced mushrooms and diced shallots, continuing to cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Pour the remaining sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken, allowing it to simmer and thicken. Integrate 60-120 milliliters (2-) of the prepared chili oil for an extra layer of complexity.
- Assemble the dish by ladling the aromatic broth into serving bowls. Arrange the cooked noodles as a base, generously top with the spiced chicken mixture, and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Finish with an additional drizzle of chili oil for maximum flavor impact.
Notes
- Spice Level Control: Adjust chili flakes to match your heat tolerance, ensuring a personalized and comfortable dining experience.
- Sauce Flexibility: Substitute peanut butter with tahini for a different flavor profile or dietary preferences.
- Protein Variations: Easily swap chicken with tofu, beef, or pork to suit your dietary needs or taste preferences.
- Quick Cooking Tip: Use pre-chopped garlic and shallots to streamline the preparation process and save time.
- Leftover Magic: Store chili oil separately in an airtight container for up to a week, enhancing future meals with a spicy kick.
- Nutritional Boost: Add extra spinach or mix in other leafy greens for increased vegetable intake and added nutrition.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 482 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg