Classic Dan Dan Mian (Sichuan Spicy Noodles)
This classic Sichuan dish is a mix of spicy, tangy and nutty. Chewy noodles, savory minced meat, and the tingly heat from Sichuan peppercorns.
Pantry bits
- Soy sauce: salty depth of flavour
- MSG: enhance the umami
- Shaoxing wine: gives a rich flavour
- Lao Gan Ma: popular chilli oil in China
Ingredients
For the noodles and toppings:
- 200g dried wheat noodles
- 1 spring onion, chopped
- 100g ground pork
For the sauce:
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine
- 2 teaspoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons sesame paste
- 1 tablespoon Lao Gan Ma (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon MSG (optional)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon Sichuan peppercorns
Instructions
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and fry until it's fully cooked.
- In the same pan, add the Sichuan peppercorns and garlic. Stir-fry until fragrant.
- In a separate bowl, combine soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, sugar, sesame paste, Lao Gan Ma, and MSG (if using). Stir well to make the sauce.
- Pour the sauce into the pan with the pork and stir well to combine.
- Divide the cooked noodles into bowls, top with the pork sauce, and garnish with chopped spring onions.
Cooking Tips:
- For an authentic taste, try to find Sichuan peppercorns. They add a unique numbing spice that's key to Sichuan cuisine.
- The sauce's flavor can be adjusted according to personal preference. Add more Lao Gan Ma for extra heat or more sesame paste for a creamier texture.
- Always cook noodles until they're just al dente to maintain a nice chewy texture.
Welcome to the vibrant and flavorful world of Chinese street food with our Classic Dan Dan Mian recipe. This dish, originally a cheap and filling snack sold by vendors on the bustling streets of Sichuan province, has become an iconic symbol of Chinese cuisine. Its name, "Dan Dan," refers to the pole that street vendors would carry over their shoulders, with baskets of noodles and sauce attached at each end. The harmonious blend of spicy, tangy, and nutty flavors in Dan Dan Mian mirrors the energy and diversity found in the street food scene. Our recipe brings this classic street food to your kitchen, allowing you to experience the rich, bold flavors that have captivated food lovers for generations.
