A common problem that most dan dan noodles lovers face while ordering online is never getting exactly what they want. Will the restaurant deliver the hardcore spicy Sichuan version with red hot chili oil and pickled zha chai? Or will you get a delicious mix of Chinese and American versions with a vinegary soy-based sauce, some greens, more pork, and peanuts?
All these doubts will not occur if you make your noodles at home. The first best thing about homemade Chinese dan dan sauce noodles is that you can customize it however you like. The second thing about these noodles is that they are super simple. So why not make some lip-smacking dan-dan noodles that are exceedingly easy and quick to make? Read along for the detailed recipe.
How To Make The Dan Dan Noodles
Ingredients
For the Toppings
- 2 tablespoon cooking oil
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 120-gram pork or beef mince
- 1 teaspoon chili flakes
- 2 teaspoons light soy sauce
- 2 teaspoon Shaoxing rice wine
- 2 tablespoons skinless raw peanuts
- 1 tablespoon minced Ya Cai
For Chilli Oil
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 cup oil
- ¼ cup crushed red pepper flakes
- 2-star anise
- 1-inch-long piece of Chiese cinnamon
For the Noodles
- 2 portions noodles
- 1 green leafy vegetable (spinach, bok choy, choy sum, etc.)
- Dan Dan Sauce
Recipe
Chili Oil – Recipe
- In a small pot over medium to low heat, add the Sichuan peppercorns, oil, star anise, and cinnamon stick. Slowly heat it to 325 degrees Fahrenheit and then turn off the heat.
- Wait 6-7 minutes, and remove the star anise, peppercorns, and cinnamon stick.
- Now add the chili flakes and allow them to heat in the hot oil. The oil will start smelling fragrant in some time.
- You may make more oil than needed. But don’t worry; you can store it for other dishes. Make sure you store it in a glass jar and keep it refrigerated.
Dan Dan Noodles – Recipe
- Season the Meat
- Put the minced meat in a bowl. Now, add rice wine and soy sauce. Mix well and loosen the meat as much as possible.
- For toppings, pour oil into a cold wok.
- Keep the flame low, add peanuts, and fry them until golden brown. Now, transfer the peanuts into a bowl and set them aside.
- Add minced meat, ginger, Ya Cai, chili flakes, and meat.
- Set the material aside once the meat is cooked fully.
- Boil water in a large pot.
- Cook the noodles as instructed.\
- Add your preferred vegetables at the very end of the process.
- When cooked, strain the excess water and starch from the noodles.
Assemble the Dish
- Pour your dan dan sauce into two serving bowls. Now add the cooked noodles and vegetables into the bowls.
- Top the noodles with prepared toppings and cooked meat. Garnish with scallions.
What Kind of Noodles To Use?
Wheat flour-based round and thin-shaped noodles are often used in Chinese food recipes. You can also opt for thin, store-bought noodles or homemade alkaline ones. However, if you want homemade noodles but don’t have a noodle maker, try making hand-rolled or hand-pulled noodles. If you want a gluten-free option, rice noodles would be perfect.
Wrapping Up
The combination of the fiery Sichuan flavors, the richness of the peanuts, and the umami of the dan dan sauce create a symphony of taste in every bite of Dan Dan Noodles. This recipe allows you to recreate the magic of this iconic dish in the comfort of your kitchen. So, grab your wok, assemble the ingredients, and begin a culinary journey that will leave your taste buds dancing with delight.
