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Flavorful Dan Dan Noodles Recipe Easy Spicy Creamy Sauce Guide

Flavorful Dan Dan Noodles - featured image

A quick and easy recipe for Dan Dan noodles featuring a creamy, spicy, and savory sauce with ground pork or tofu, perfect for busy weeknights and family gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz (225 g) Chinese wheat noodles or spaghetti
  • Water for boiling
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
  • 1 tbsp chili oil with sediment
  • 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter or tahini
  • 1 tbsp sesame paste or additional peanut butter
  • 1 tbsp sugar
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder (optional)
  • 6 oz (170 g) ground pork or crumbled tofu
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, minced
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz (225 g) of noodles and cook according to package instructions—usually about 4-5 minutes for fresh noodles and 7-8 minutes for dried. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch. Set aside. Toss noodles lightly with a teaspoon of oil to prevent clumping.
  2. In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp Chinese black vinegar, 1 tbsp chili oil, 2 tbsp peanut butter, 1 tbsp sesame paste, 1 tbsp sugar, and 1/2 cup (120 ml) broth. Whisk vigorously until smooth and creamy. Add 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder if using. Taste and adjust seasoning by adding more chili oil for heat or sugar for balance. If sauce feels too thick, whisk in a bit more broth.
  3. Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and ginger, sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not burnt. Add 6 oz (170 g) ground pork or tofu and cook, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes. Season lightly with a pinch of salt and the white parts of sliced scallions. Remove from heat.
  4. Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Pour the spicy creamy sauce over the noodles evenly. Top each bowl with the cooked pork mixture. Garnish with chopped roasted peanuts, green parts of scallions, and fresh cilantro leaves if desired. Toss everything just before eating to coat noodles in the sauce.
  5. Serve immediately while warm. Store noodles and sauce separately if preparing ahead to avoid soggy noodles.

Notes

Toss noodles with a teaspoon of oil after rinsing to prevent clumping. Whisk peanut butter and sesame paste thoroughly to avoid clumps. Do not overcrowd the pan when browning pork to ensure proper caramelization. Adjust chili oil to taste for desired heat level. Store noodles and sauce separately if making ahead to prevent sogginess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dan Dan noodles, spicy noodles, creamy sauce, Sichuan recipe, easy dinner, ground pork noodles, vegetarian Dan Dan noodles, peanut butter sauce