🥢 The Story of Dan Dan Noodles
It all began in 1841, in China’s Sichuan province. Chen Baobao, a villager, decided to try his luck and move to the city. Along the way, he discovered street vendors and joined their ranks by selling the fresh noodles he made so well.
His mode of transport? A bamboo pole on his shoulder with two buckets: one for ingredients and the other for utensils. That’s how the dish got its name: Dan Dan Mian (担担面), meaning “carried noodles.”
The success was immediate, and the recipe gradually spread to Chengdu, where ground pork and other spices were added. Today, Dan Dan Noodles are one of Sichuan’s signature dishes, loved all around the world.
📝 Ingredients (Serves 4)
🌶️ Spicy Chili Oil
• 2 tsp sesame seeds
• 1 tsp chili flakes
• ½ tsp five-spice powder
• ½ tsp crushed Sichuan pepper
• ½ dl peanut oil
🥩 Spiced Meat
• 250 g (9 oz) ground meat (pork or alternative)
• 2 garlic cloves, finely grated
• 1 tbsp finely grated ginger
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• ½ tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp sugar
• ½ tsp crushed Sichuan pepper
• ½ tsp five-spice powder
🥜 Creamy Sauce
• 2 tbsp tahini (sesame paste)
• 3 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tsp sugar
• 1 garlic clove, finely grated
🍜 Noodles & Toppings
• 250 g (9 oz) ramen noodles
• 1 bok choy (sliced lengthwise)
• Simmering salted water
• 1 scallion with greens, finely sliced
• 2 tbsp salted peanuts, roughly chopped
👩🍳 Preparation
1️⃣ Make the Chili Oil
• Heat the peanut oil.
• Add sesame seeds, chili flakes, Sichuan pepper, and five-spice powder.
• Let it infuse for 1 hour, then strain.
2️⃣ Cook the Spiced Meat
• In a hot pan, sauté the meat with garlic and ginger.
• Add soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, Sichuan pepper, and five-spice powder.
• Cook until the liquid has evaporated.
3️⃣ Prepare the Sauce
• In a bowl, mix tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and grated garlic.
• Add chili oil and whisk until smooth.
4️⃣ Cook the Noodles and Bok Choy
• Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
• Blanch the bok choy for 30 seconds, then transfer to ice water.
• Cook the noodles according to package instructions.
5️⃣ Assemble the Dan Dan Noodles
• Divide the sauce into the bottom of each bowl.
• Add the hot noodles and toss to coat.
• Top with spiced meat and bok choy.
• Garnish with peanuts and scallions.
😋 Enjoy immediately!
🌱 Variations & Flavor Tips
• No pork? Swap with ground chicken or beef.
• Vegan version? Use crumbled tofu or textured soy protein.
• Extra flavor tip: Add a splash of black vinegar or a touch of honey to the sauce.
👉 Traditionally, Dan Dan Noodles are served on their own, offering a perfect balance of noodles, creamy sesame sauce, and spiced meat.
🔹 For a heartier version, you can add a soft-boiled egg or serve with stir-fried veggies like bok choy or shiitake mushrooms.
🔗 Recommended Tools for the Perfect Prep
To master homemade Dan Dan Noodles, here are a few helpful accessories:
🥢 A non-stick wok for perfect, even cooking → Tefal Emotion 28 cm Wok
🌶 A marble mortar and pestle to crush Sichuan pepper and release its aroma → Ibili White Marble Mortar & Pestle
🧄 A mini electric chopper to easily grate garlic and ginger → 0.25L Rechargeable and Portable Mini Chopper – Innovagoods
✨ Craving something bold and flavorful? Try these Dan Dan Noodles and let us know what you think! 😍
