What Are Dan Dan Noodles?
Dan dan mian, or dan dan noodles, are one of Sichuan (sometimes spelled Szechuan) province’s most famous culinary exports. Sichuan cuisine is defined by its heat, and our spicy Szechuan noodle recipe is no exception! There are many, many versions of dan dan noodles out there—some are face-numbingly spicy, and others (like ours) have heat, but don’t completely set your mouth on fire. Our dan dan noodles recipe packs a flavorful punch thanks to a garlicky, gingery, brothy pork sauce with peanut butter and as for spice, you can easily adjust the heat factor to suit your own tastes.
Sichuan Peppercorns 101
Known for their uniquely spicy, numbing heat, Sichuan peppercorns are one of dan dan noodles ingredients that really makes it a memorable, one-of-a-kind dish. These pinky-red peppercorns are the dried fruits of a Sichuan pepper plant called zanthoxylum simulans. They’re a defining flavor of the famously heat-centric cuisine of China’s Sichuan province and, ground up, they are a classic component of Chinese five spice powder. We love their uniquely fruity flavor, and they can easily be found in Asian markets and online. To grind the Sichuan peppercorns, either use a mortar and pestle, a very clean coffee grinder or a pepper grinder.
What Can I Substitute for Sichuan Peppercorns?
If you’re looking for a slightly milder dan dan noodle recipe, simply substitute red pepper flakes for the Sichuan peppercorns. You’ll have a slightly different flavor profile, but the spiced, fragrant noodles will still be delicious.
Peanut Butter or Chinese Sesame Paste?
Some dan dan mian recipes call for Chinese sesame paste, which tastes nothing like (the much easier to find) tahini. So, to keep things simple, we’re calling for peanut butter as a sub instead. Not only does it perform similarly to traditional Chinese sesame paste, but our favorite local Chinese restaurant uses it in their crave-worthy dan dan noodles! And, if peanut butter doesn’t work for your family, you can just leave it out—it’ll still be wonderful dish.
How To Make Dan Dan Noodles
Our easy dan dan noodles come together quick—within minutes you’ll be tucking into the spicy Chinese noodles of your dreams. Gather your ingredients and get cooking! Here’s what to do:
- Cook your noodles! They’re going to get bathed in piping-hot dan dan sauce, so it’s OK if they cool a bit while you make the garlicky, spicy pork sauce.
- Fry the pork! When it’s nearly cooked, toss in fragrant fresh garlic and ginger.
- Dan dan sauce time! Mix the garlicky fried pork with soy sauce, sherry, stock, peanut butter, cinnamon, ground Sichuan peppercorns, sugar and chili paste. Simmer for five minutes to thicken the sauce and make your house smell AMAZING.
- Pour the brothy dan dan sauce all over your cooked noodles, garnish and slurp away!
Tools You’ll Need:
- Large skillet.
- Spice grinder. (not a must, but nice to have!).
- Large stock pot.
Other Asian Noodles We Love:
- Broccoli beef soba bowl.
- Easy chicken ramen.
- No noodle pad Thai. (OK, so it’s not technically noodles, but we think it counts!)
Dan Dan Mian For All!
If you try your hand at our easy dan dan noodles recipe, snap a photo of it and maybe even a video of the beautiful people you share your noodles with. Tag us on Instagram using @themodernproper and #themodernproper. Happy eating!