Sichuan Cuisine · tested Chinese home cooking
Dan Dan Noodles Recipe
担担面 Dàn Dàn Miàn
The legendary Sichuan street food – chewy noodles topped with a spicy, nutty sauce of ground pork, chili oil, sesame paste, and Sichuan peppercorns. The name comes from the pole (dan dan) street vendors used to carry their noodle pots. This version is written for Western home kitchens, with supermarket-friendly measurements, practical substitutions, and clear visual steps.
Why this recipe works
This recipe keeps the flavor profile recognizable while making the workflow realistic for American and European kitchens. The ingredient list prioritizes items you can buy at mainstream grocery stores, with Asian-market upgrades where they truly matter.
Shopping notes for Western cooks
Most ingredients are easy to find at major U.S. and European supermarkets. For pantry items like Shaoxing wine, Chinkiang black vinegar, doubanjiang, Sichuan peppercorns, dried chilies, oyster sauce, and dark soy sauce, check an Asian market or order online. Use dry sherry for Shaoxing wine, balsamic plus rice vinegar for black vinegar, and tamari for a gluten-aware soy sauce swap when needed.
Ingredients
- 200g fresh wheat noodles
- 5 oz ground pork
- 2 tbsp Shaoxing wine
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sesame paste
- 1 tbsp chili oil
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 scallions, sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken stock
- 2 tbsp crushed peanuts
- 2 tbsp ya cai (Sichuan preserved vegetable)
- 1 tbsp neutral high-heat oil such as avocado, canola, peanut, or grapeseed oil
Step-by-step instructions
Step 1
Mix sesame paste with chili oil, soy sauce, sugar,…
Mix sesame paste with chili oil, soy sauce, sugar, Sichuan pepper, garlic, and chicken stock to make the sauce base. Divide into serving bowls.
Step 2
Heat oil in a wok
Heat oil in a wok. Add ground pork and stir-fry until browned. Add ya cai and shaoxing wine. Cook for 2 minutes.
Step 3
Add a splash of soy sauce and cook until the pork is…
Add a splash of soy sauce and cook until the pork is dry and crumbled. Set aside.
Step 4
Cook noodles in boiling water until al dente
Cook noodles in boiling water until al dente. Drain well.
Step 5
Place hot noodles directly into the bowls with sauce
Place hot noodles directly into the bowls with sauce. Toss well to coat.
Step 6
Top with the pork mixture, crushed peanuts, and scallions
Top with the pork mixture, crushed peanuts, and scallions. Serve immediately, tossing again before eating.
Cook’s notes
- The sauce should be slightly loose – adjust with more stock if needed
- Ya cai is a Sichuan preserved vegetable essential for authentic flavor
- Mix the noodles thoroughly before eating to distribute the sauce evenly
- This dish is meant to be spicy – don't hold back on the chili oil
Common questions
Can I make Dan Dan Noodles less spicy?
Yes. Reduce dried chilies, chili paste, or Sichuan peppercorns first, then add heat back at the table with chili oil.
What should I serve with it?
Steamed jasmine rice, a crisp cucumber salad, or a simple green vegetable make the meal feel complete without extra work.