Addictive Dan Dan Noodles are a classic Sichuan dish known for their bold, spicy, and savory flavors. This noodle recipe features a rich, fragrant sauce made from chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, and garlic, tossed with tender noodles and topped with minced pork or your preferred protein. The combination of spicy, nutty, and umami flavors makes this dish irresistibly delicious and perfect for any noodle lover.

Ingredients:

• 8 ounces fresh or dried Chinese wheat noodles
  
  

• 1/2 pound ground pork (or substitute with chicken or tofu)
  
  

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
  
  

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
  
  

• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
  
  

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
  
  

• 2 tablespoons Chinese sesame paste or peanut butter
  
  

• 2 tablespoons chili oil (adjust to taste)
  
  

• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  
  

• 1 teaspoon sugar
  
  

• 2 green onions, chopped
  
  

• 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped (optional)
  
  

• Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
  
  

Directions:

1. Cook noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
   
   

2. In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add garlic and ginger; sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
   
   

3. Add ground pork and cook until browned and cooked through, breaking it up with a spoon. Stir in soy sauce and remove from heat.
   
   

4. In a bowl, whisk together sesame paste, chili oil, rice vinegar, sugar, and a splash of hot water to create a smooth sauce.
   
   

5. Toss cooked noodles with the sauce until evenly coated.
   
   

6. Top noodles with cooked pork, chopped green onions, roasted peanuts, and fresh cilantro if desired.
   
   

7. Serve immediately, enjoying the bold and spicy flavors.
   
   

Nutritional Information (per serving, approx., serves 4):

• Calories: 520 kcal
  
  

• Total Fat: 25 g
  
  

• Saturated Fat: 6 g
  
  

• Cholesterol: 70 mg
  
  

• Sodium: 950 mg
  
  

• Total Carbohydrates: 50 g
  
  

• Dietary Fiber: 4 g
  
  

• Sugars: 5 g
  
  

• Protein: 28 g