Addictive Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles, a beloved Sichuan street food, are truly addictive thanks to their bold and balanced flavors. This “addictive” version brings together chewy wheat noodles, savory ground meat, and a vibrant sauce crafted from chili oil, sesame paste, soy, vinegar, and Sichuan peppercorns for that signature numbing heat. It's a quick, satisfying meal perfect for weeknights or stirring up excitement at dinner parties. You can easily tailor the spice level, skip the meat for a vegetarian version, or add greens. In just about 25 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-worthy bowl of spicy, nutty delight. 

Ingredients (serves 2–3)

For the noodles & sauce

• 8 oz (225 g) Chinese wheat noodles (or spaghetti)

• 3 Tbsp chili oil (adjust to taste)

• 2 Tbsp sesame paste (or peanut butter/tahini)

• 2 Tbsp soy sauce

• 1 Tbsp rice vinegar (or black vinegar)

• 1 Tbsp dark soy sauce (optional, for deeper flavor)

• 1 Tbsp sugar

• ½ tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns (optional but recommended)

• 2 tsp hot water

For the meat topping (optional)

• ½ lb (225 g) ground pork or beef

• 1 Tbsp vegetable oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp ginger, minced

• 1 Tbsp soy sauce

• 1 tsp hoisin sauce

Garnishes

• Chopped green onions

• Roasted peanuts or sesame seeds

• Optional bok choy or spinach (blanched)

Directions

1. Cook noodles: Boil according to package until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop cooking, and set aside.

2. Prep the sauce: In a bowl, whisk chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauces, vinegar, sugar, peppercorns, and hot water until smooth. Adjust seasoning to taste.

3. Cook meat (optional): Heat oil in skillet over medium. Sauté garlic & ginger briefly, then add ground meat. Brown and crumble until cooked through. Stir in soy sauce and hoisin sauce.

4. Assemble: Divide sauce into serving bowls. Add noodles and toss well to coat. Top with meat (if using).

5. Garnish & serve: Sprinkle with green onions, peanuts or sesame seeds. Add blanched greens if desired. Serve immediately.
   
   

Nutritional Estimate (per serving)

(Without optional meat; add ~150 kcal and 10 g protein if meat is included)

• Calories: ~450 kcal

• Carbohydrates: ~60 g

• Protein: ~10 g

• Fat: ~18 g

• Fiber: ~3 g

• Sugar: ~8 g

• Sodium: ~1100 mg