Chinese
Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles
A famous Sichuan street food dish consisting of noodles served in a spicy sauce containing preserved vegetables, chili oil, Sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions.
Watch it madeThe Food Ranger · 16:40
Ingredients
- Wheat Noodles300g
- Ground Pork200g
- Sui Mi Ya Cai (Preserved Mustard Greens)3 tbsp
- Chili Oil4 tbsp
- Chinese Sesame Paste2 tbsp
- Sichuan Peppercorns1 tsp, ground
- Peanuts2 tbsp, crushed
Method
- Stir-fry the minced pork with a little oil until crispy and browned.
- Add the preserved mustard greens (Sui Mi Ya Cai) and a splash of Shaoxing wine to the pork. Cook for 2 minutes and set aside.
- In a serving bowl, combine chili oil, soy sauce, sesame paste, Sichuan peppercorn powder, garlic, and sugar.
- Boil the wheat noodles until al dente. Add some blanching water to the sauce bowl.
- Drain noodles and place them in the bowl with the sauce. Top with the crispy pork mixture, scallions, and crushed peanuts.
Common questions
What can I use instead of Sui Mi Ya Cai if I can’t find it?
Use finely chopped pickled mustard greens, zha cai, or even well-rinsed kimchi in a pinch. Keep the amount small and taste first, since substitutes can be saltier, tangier, or more acidic than true Sui Mi Ya Cai.
How spicy should the sauce be, and can I adjust it?
Yes. Start with less chili oil and Sichuan peppercorn powder, then increase after tasting. Dan dan noodles should be spicy and numbing, but the sesame paste and sugar should still balance the heat.
What’s the most common mistake when making Dan Dan noodles?
Overcooking the noodles and making the sauce too thick or too dry. Also, under-browning the pork misses the savory crunch. Use some hot noodle water to loosen the sauce so it coats everything evenly.
Can I make the pork and sauce ahead of time, and how do I store leftovers?
Yes. Store the pork topping and sauce separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days in the fridge. Reheat the pork gently, then toss with freshly cooked noodles so they stay springy and don’t absorb too much sauce.
What should I serve with Dan Dan noodles, and can I make it more filling?
Serve it as a main dish with simple greens like bok choy or cucumber salad. To make it more filling, add extra pork, a jammy egg, or serve with a side of steamed vegetables.