If you love bold, spicy, and complex flavors, then Dan Dan Noodles (Dan Dan Mian) should be at the top of your culinary bucket list. Hailing from Sichuan cuisine, this iconic dish features chewy noodles drenched in a fragrant chili oil sauce, topped with savory minced pork, and garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh scallions. It’s a dish that delivers heat, umami, and texture in every bite.
🌶️ What Are Dan Dan Noodles?
Originally a street food in Sichuan, China, Dan Dan Noodles were once carried around by vendors on bamboo poles—”dan dan” refers to the carrying pole used. Traditionally, the dish is spicy, salty, and slightly sweet with a strong aroma of sesame and Sichuan peppercorns. Though recipes vary across regions and households, the dish remains a staple of authentic Chinese comfort food.
🍜 Key Elements of Dan Dan Noodles
- Noodles: Fresh wheat noodles with a chewy texture work best.
- Sauce: A potent mix of soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sesame paste, garlic, chili oil, and Sichuan peppercorn.
- Topping: Ground pork stir-fried with soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and aromatics.
- Garnish: Chopped peanuts, scallions, and sometimes pickled vegetables for crunch and brightness.
🧄 Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Noodles and Topping:
- 8 oz Chinese wheat noodles (or spaghetti as a substitute)
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon oil
For the Sauce:
- 2 tablespoons Chinese sesame paste (or tahini)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
- 2–3 tablespoons homemade or store-bought chili oil (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorns (or more for extra numbing flavor)
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped garlic
- 2–3 tablespoons noodle cooking water to loosen sauce
Garnishes:
- 2 tablespoons roasted peanuts, chopped
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
- Optional: pickled mustard greens (ya cai) for authenticity
🔥 How to Make Dan Dan Noodles
✅ 1. Make the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine sesame paste, soy sauce, black vinegar, chili oil, sugar, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns.
- Mix until smooth and set aside.
✅ 2. Cook the Pork Topping
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add garlic and ginger; sauté briefly.
- Add ground pork, Shaoxing wine, and soy sauce.
- Cook until browned and crispy. Set aside.
✅ 3. Boil the Noodles
- Cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Reserve a few tablespoons of cooking water.
- Drain noodles and toss with a little oil to prevent sticking.
✅ 4. Assemble
- Divide sauce between serving bowls.
- Add hot noodles and a splash of noodle water. Toss to coat.
- Top with cooked pork, peanuts, and scallions.
- Add pickled vegetables if using.
💡 Tips for Perfect Dan Dan Noodles
- Adjust the heat: Use more or less chili oil depending on your spice tolerance.
- Sichuan peppercorns add a distinct numbing effect—grind them fresh for best flavor.
- Sesame paste provides richness; don’t skip it.
- Balance the sauce: A good Dan Dan sauce hits salty, spicy, tangy, and nutty notes.
🥢 Variations to Try
- Vegetarian version: Swap pork for finely chopped mushrooms or tofu.
- Cold Dan Dan Noodles: Chill the cooked noodles and sauce for a summer-ready meal.
- Add broth: Some regional versions include a small amount of broth for a soupier style.
🧊 Make Ahead and Storage
- Make ahead: Sauce and pork can be prepared up to 3 days in advance.
- Store: Keep components separate in the fridge; assemble just before eating.
- Freeze: Ground pork topping freezes well for quick future meals.
❤️ Why We Love Dan Dan Noodles
- It’s quick to make and packed with flavor
- Perfect for spice lovers and adventurous eaters
- Highly customizable to suit dietary needs
- A fantastic way to explore authentic Chinese cuisine at home
🇨🇳 Bring the Heat and Flavor of Sichuan to Your Table
Dan Dan Noodles are more than just a spicy noodle dish—they’re an experience. From the warming aroma of chili oil to the satisfying crunch of peanuts and the silky texture of sesame-coated noodles, every bite is a journey through Sichuan’s culinary soul. Whether you’re recreating your favorite takeout dish or exploring Chinese cooking for the first time, Dan Dan Noodles are a must-try.