Dan Dan Noodle

What are Dan Dan Noodles?

Traditional Dan Dan Noodles is a classic Sichuan street food known for its bold, spicy, and savory flavors. The dish features wheat noodles tossed in a rich, numbing chili oil sauce, flavored with Sichuan peppercorns, soy sauce, and black vinegar. It’s typically topped with stir-fried minced pork, pickled mustard greens, scallions, and crushed peanuts or sesame paste for extra depth. Originally served by street vendors carrying poles (or “dan dan”) over their shoulders, this dish has evolved from a simple broth-based snack into the thicker, sauce-coated version popular today.

My recipe is NOT the traditional method but it is delicious, all the same. The heat can literally be thrown out all together if you’re not really into that much of a kick.  In fact, this version is a perfect example of how I “dumb it down” for my family.  Mostly because the flavor still exists, I just remove the spice so that their little mouths won’t set on fire.  But if you want it in there for your self, feel free to throw in some chili flakes or some chili oil to pep it up a bit and you’ll love it.  Also, you need to decide if you want to use Ground Pork or Chicken.  In this recipe I’m using Pork but it can very easily be substituted and it won’t change the recipe at all what so ever.  In fact, I personally prefer Ground Chicken.

How to Serve a Dan Dan

Now, that we’ve covered the basics, all you have to decide now is whether you want the Dan Dan Noodle on a plate or in a bowl as a soup.  Just like deciding if you want it spicy or not, it’s just a simple additive of chicken stock if you want it to be a soup.  Nothing to it, it’s that simple.

On a side note, you can add some peanuts to this dish as well because it gives it a little crunch.  I only mention it because you’re going to find that ingredient in other versions of this recipe, if you’re doing some investigative research on the Dan Dan Noodle.  I think here in America, P.F. Chang’s is ultimately responsible for bringing this dish to light.  Other restaurants in the corporate chain like Typhoon’s and the like have added it to their menu as well because it’s a great gourmet Noodle dish.

More Related Recipes

Singapore Noodles, Braised Pork Belly with Noodles, Garlic Noodles, Spicy Noodles, Korean Shin Ramyun, Chicken Chow Mein, Chicken Lettuce Wraps, Mongolian Beef, Thai Cashew Chicken, Eastern Chicken Chow Mein, Hot & Sour Soup, Miso Soup, Egg Drop Soup, Wonton Soup, Salt & Pepper Shrimp, Asian Barbecue Spare Ribs, Northern-style BBQ Ribs, Barbecue Pork Medallion, Egg Rolls

Dan Dan Noodle Ingredients: 2 servings

• 1 lbs Noodles – (8 oz per serving) Chow Mein-style, Yakasoba or Canton noodles work best.
• 8 oz Ground Pork or Chicken – Ground pork adds richness, but chicken is a leaner alternative.
• 1 Green Onion, chopped – For freshness and a mild onion flavor.
• 2 tbsp Red Bell Pepper, chopped – Adds a subtle sweetness and color.
• 1/2 tsp Ginger, minced – Provides a warming, aromatic kick.
• 2 tbsp Black Bean Garlic Sauce – Adds a savory umami flavor.
• 1 tsp Hoisin Sauce – A sweet and salty sauce that balances the spiciness.
• 1/4 cup Brown Sugar – Balances the heat with sweetness.
• 1 cup Chicken Stock – Adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• 1/2 tsp Chili Flakes or Chili Oil (optional) – For extra heat and flavor.
• 1 tsp Corn Starch (diluted with 2 tbsp water) – Thickens the sauce for a glossy finish.

Instructions

1. Cook the noodles – In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the sauce – In a small bowl, mix the black bean garlic sauce, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, and chicken stock. Stir until the sugar dissolves and everything is combined. Set aside.
3. Cook the protein – In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork (or chicken) and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the minced ginger, chopped bell pepper and half of the green onion, and cook for another 30 seconds.
4. Combine the sauce – Add the sauce mixture to the skillet with the cooked meat. Stir in the chili flakes or chili oil (if using) and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Thicken the sauce – Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) to the skillet, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
6. Assemble the noodles – Divide the cooked noodles into bowls. Pour the sauce and meat mixture over the noodles.
7. Garnish – Top with chopped green onion and sliced cold cucumber for color and crunch.
8. Serve – Toss the noodles and enjoy the spicy, savory flavors of this authentic Dan Dan Noodles dish!
   

Notes: If you’re preparing a Dan Dan Noodle soup, just add 1 cup Chicken stock over the top. Be sure to watch the short video tutorial and I’ll show you exactly how to make this.