Chinese Dan Dan Noodles ~ easy authentic recipe! (2024)

This is the easy 30 minute edition of Dan Dan Noodles ~ spicy Asian noodles in a rich creamy sauce, topped with crispy pork and barely wilted greens ~ your regular dinner just got bumped up to first class 🙂

My poor husband only got a bite of these amazing noodles…I commandeered the whole batch for myself and I feel a little sheepish about it, but, honestly, these dan dan noodles are one of the best things I’ve ever made. Like ever. The combination of flavors and textures in this dish is extraordinary. I’m ordering you to make them as soon as you possibly can. They only take 30 minutes. And you won’t be sorry.

dan dan noodles are a classic Chinese Sichuan street food

The name refers to long poles that street vendors carried across their shoulders, with a pot of noodles on one side, and sauce on the other. Because it comes from such humble roots, there is no one official recipe for dan dan noodles, and that makes it a fun dish to play around with. The basic idea is noodles served with crispy ground pork, wilted greens, and a chili oil based sauce.

I’ve simplified authentic dan dan noodles for everyday cooking

Authentic Chinese dan dan noodles are time consuming to make, and require hard to find ingredients. I’ve subbed in dried noodles for fresh, prepared chili oil for the homemade version, and left out the pickled veggies you can only find in Asian markets. My recipe maintains the essentials of the dish, and it’s absolutely delicious. Seriously you need to make them.

the flavors are there, and the process is straightforward and super quick

It’s all about the sauce: it’s creamy and spicy, the noodles: they have a wonderful firm texture, and the pork: it’s cooked until crisp and bacon-y. The final shower of scallions and crunchy peanuts is sheer perfection.

30 minute meals don’t have to be wimpy!

This one is proof you can get gutsy, authentic flavor in a short time.

• Ground pork cooks quickly in a hot skillet with some spices
• While the pork cooks, whisk together the sauce and set a pot of water to boil.
• The noodles cook in a a flash, then add the greens just before you drain the pot, they only need a dunk in the boiling water.
• Layer your bowls, toss, and eat!

grocery list for dan dan noodles

All of these ingredients should be available in your large grocery store, just head to the Asian food section for the sauces and noodles, then hit the spice aisle for a couple of spices. Once you’ve got the pantry staples you’re set not only for this meal, but for many more to come.

PANTRY INGREDIENTS

• Hoisin sauce ~ it’s a thick, dark umami sauce made from fermented soybeans, sometimes called Chinese barbecue sauce.
• Mirin, a Japanese rice wine
• Soy sauce, I like Tamari
• Five spice powder ~ a blend of cinnamon, cloves, fennel, star anise, and Szechwan peppercorns. Some blends will include ginger, nutmeg, and licorice.
• Sichuan peppercorns (these are sort of key, so if you can’t find them, you can order from Amazon, here.)
• Chili oil ~ a chili infused oil, used as a condiment. I have a FABULOUS recipe for homemade chili oil.
• Tahini ~ a sesame paste (you can substitute peanut butter)
• Asian noodles, dried (you can choose any style you like, I used Japanese ramen noodles)
• Peanuts

FRESH INGREDIENTS

• Ground pork, 8 ounces
• Ginger
• Garlic
• Scallions
• Baby bok choy (substitute spinach, watercress)

let’s talk noodles

• This dish is made with Chinese wheat and egg noodles. Fresh is traditional, but dried is more practical.
• Many types of Asian noodles can be used, depending on what you can find, so don’t stress over it.
• Look for straight, cylindrical noodles, sort of like a thin spaghetti. They’ll be in the Asian section of your store, right by the sauces and condiments.
• If you are eating gluten free, try rice noodles.
• Could you use thin spaghetti in a pinch? Sure (I did it in mySpicy Thai Spaghetti Salad) just don’t over cook them, you want an al dente texture.
• For everything you ever wanted to know about Asian noodles, check out my15 Lucky Noodle Bowl Recipes

good news ~ leftover dan dan noodles reheat beautifully, right in the microwave.

Noodles and pasta are notorious for not making good leftovers, but these Asian noodles are the exception. Is there anything better at the end of a long day than knowing there’s a completely cooked delicious dinner in the fridge just waiting to be nuked?

cooking tips

I don’t always say this, but this dish is perfect as is. I recommend you make it exactly as written before fiddling with the recipe.

• Cook the pork until truly crispy. You should have lots of browned bits sticking to the pan and it will taste almost like bacon.
• After removing the pork from the pan, add a good splash of noodle cooking water to the pan and scrape up all the flavor. You can mix the sauce right in the same pan to save extra dishes.
• As written this recipe isn’t overly spicy, trust me. It’s got just the right amount of heat to be exciting but not overwhelming. But when it comes to hot spices, always taste as you go and adjust if necessary.
• Don’s skip the Sichuan peppercorns!

more Chinese inspired recipes

• Homemade Chili Oil
• Quick Chili Oil Noodles
• Easy Chinese Scallion Pancakes (Congyoubing)
• Crunchy Chinese Coleslaw
• How to Make the Best Chinese Chicken Salad
• Easy Vegetable Chow Mein
• Weeknight Mapo Tofu