I’m not going to lie, this is not THE recipe for Dan Dan Noodles 担担面…this is A recipe for the famous Sichuan noodle dish that has gained popularity across much of the world.
Even in its place of origin, there are many variations. Every restaurant you go to seem to have a different rendition. Some are soupy, others have just enough sauce to coat the noodles… some add crunchy peanuts, others include starchy soy beans.
However, there are a few elements that need to be present in an authentic Dan Dan Noodle
1. A mince meat topping - the addition of pickled veggies provides a real depth of flavour that is used in many Sichuan dishes. However it is not entirely required. Some mince topping use only cooked down fatty meat.
2. Fresh noodles - dry noodles are ok in a pinch but if you can get your hands on fresh Chinese wheat noodles, you are half way there! Just don’t over cook them, it takes only couple of minutes.
3. Sesame paste - the ingredient that sets Dan Dan noodles apart from other Sichuan “干拌面 / Gān bàn miàn” aka dry mixed noodles.
4. A crunchy element - this can be in the form of fried soy beans or peanuts. In my case, in the form of pickled string beans.
5. A balance of flavours - the ma la 麻辣 (spicy & numbing) flavour has to be pronounced, as well as a bit of sourness. In short, there are quite a few seasonings to include in an authentic bowl of Dan Dan Mian.
Too hard to make at home?
Yes, I know…all this sounds too complicated if you are not already familiar with Sichuan cooking. And yes, there are quite a few elements involved. But the speciality ingredients are only a couple. Once you get them, a satisfying, flavour-packed bowl of Dan Dan Noodles will be just minutes away.
You Will Need
Instructions
Stir fry pork mince in oil in a hot pan for couple of minutes, add a splash of Chinese cooking wine. Followed by ginger, garlic and pickled string bean and stir fry for a couple more minutes.
Then add light and dark soy sauce, white pepper and sugar. Stir fry for few more minutes. Take it out of the pan and reserve for later.
In a serving bowl, mix together all the dressing ingredients.
Cook noodles according to package instructions, cook greens along side the noodles.
Add 1 or 2 tbsp of cooking water to the dressing in the bowl before putting in all the cooked noodles.
Top with mince meat and cooked veggies and/or any other topping like crushed peanuts. And toss the noodles with all the dressing and toppings immediately. Making sure it's thoroughly mixed up. Serve right away.
Ingredients
Directions
Stir fry pork mince in oil in a hot pan for couple of minutes, add a splash of Chinese cooking wine. Followed by ginger, garlic and pickled string bean and stir fry for a couple more minutes.
Then add light and dark soy sauce, white pepper and sugar. Stir fry for few more minutes. Take it out of the pan and reserve for later.
In a serving bowl, mix together all the dressing ingredients.
Cook noodles according to package instructions, cook greens along side the noodles.
Add 1 or 2 tbsp of cooking water to the dressing in the bowl before putting in all the cooked noodles.
Top with mince meat and cooked veggies and/or any other topping like crushed peanuts. And toss the noodles with all the dressing and toppings immediately. Making sure it's thoroughly mixed up. Serve right away.