Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan noodles are defined by the contrast between a numbing, spicy sesame sauce at the bottom of the bowl and a crispy, salt-cured pork topping. You mix the sauce ingredients directly in the serving bowl before boiling the noodles, ensuring the hot pasta begins to emulsify the paste and oil as soon as it hits the base.
The numbing heat relies on fresh spice.
Sourcing high-quality Sichuan peppercorns is non-negotiable; if they don't make your tongue vibrate slightly, they are too old. Prep all your sauce components into the serving bowls while your water for the noodles comes to a boil.
- wok or heavy skillet
- two serving bowls
- mesh strainer or spider
- mortar and pestle
What goes in.
- 1/2 lbground pork
- 2 tbspsui mi ya cai (preserved mustard greens), finely chopped
- 2 tspSichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
- 4 tbspChinese sesame paste or smooth peanut butter
- 2 tbspchili oil with sediment
- 1 tbsplight soy sauce
- 1 tspChinkiang black vinegar
- 8 ozfresh wheat noodles
- 1/2 cupbaby bok choy
- 2 tbspscallions, thinly sliced
Layering the foundation
Do not mix the sauce in the pan. The sauce base is built directly in the serving bowl so the heat of the noodles can melt the sesame paste into a creamy consistency upon contact.
The method.
Toast the pork
Heat a wok over high heat. Add the pork and cook until it turns dark brown and becomes crispy, rendering out its own fat. Stir in the ya cai and half the ground peppercorns, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Prepare the bowls
In each serving bowl, combine the sesame paste, chili oil, soy sauce, vinegar, and remaining ground peppercorns. Whisk with a spoon until smooth.
Cook the noodles
Boil noodles according to package instructions, adding the bok choy during the last 30 seconds. Drain, but reserve a tablespoon of starchy cooking water.
Assemble
Add a splash of the reserved pasta water to each bowl to loosen the sauce. Toss the noodles into the bowls, top with the crispy pork mixture and bok choy. Garnish heavily with scallions.
Other turns to take.
Extra Numbing
Increase the toasted Sichuan peppercorns to 3 teaspoons and add a drizzle of Sichuan peppercorn oil right before serving.
Vegetarian
Replace the ground pork with finely diced firm tofu or shiitake mushrooms sautéed until very dry.
When it doesn't go to plan.
If your sesame paste is thick, warm it in the microwave for 10 seconds before mixing the sauce.
Do not overcook the noodles; they should have a firm bite, as they will continue to soften in the hot sauce.
The sediment in the bottom of the chili oil jar holds the most heat; scoop from the bottom.
The ones that keep coming up.
Can I use spaghetti if I cannot find fresh wheat noodles?
You can, but the texture will be different. Look for fresh egg or ramen noodles in the refrigerated section of an Asian grocer for the best result.
What if I cannot find ya cai?
Ya cai provides a distinct crunch and fermented saltiness. While nothing replaces it exactly, finely chopped pickled mustard greens are the closest substitute.
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