Experience the bold, captivating flavors of Sichuan cuisine without the intimidation factor in our approachable take on Dan Dan Noodles. This beloved Chinese street food classic is known for its complex ma la flavor profile – that magical combination of numbing and spicy that makes Sichuan cuisine so addictive. But traditional versions can be too fiery for many palates. That's where our Mild Hot Sauce works its magic, delivering all the savory depth and subtle heat that makes this dish legendary, while keeping it accessible enough for everyone at your table to enjoy. Imagine slurpable wheat noodles coated in a rich, nutty sauce, topped with savory ground pork and crunchy vegetables – it's a flavor adventure that brings the excitement of authentic Chinese cooking right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- Fresh wheat noodles: 12 oz (or 8 oz dried noodles)
- Ground pork: 1/2 lb (can substitute chicken or turkey)
- Scorpion Gourmet Mild Hot Sauce: 1/4 cup
- Sichuan peppercorns: 1 tbsp (whole, for toasting)
- Soy sauce: 3 tbsp (divided)
- Chinese black vinegar: 2 tbsp (or balsamic vinegar)
- Sesame paste or smooth peanut butter: 2 tbsp
- Shaoxing wine: 1 tbsp (or dry sherry)
- Garlic: 4 cloves (minced)
- Fresh ginger: 1 tbsp (grated)
- Sugar: 1 tsp
- Neutral oil: 2 tbsp (for cooking)
- Baby bok choy: 2 heads (or spinach leaves)
- Scallions: 4 (thinly sliced)
- Crushed peanuts: 1/4 cup (for garnish)
- Cilantro: 1/4 cup (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
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Toast the Sichuan peppercorns: Heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add whole Sichuan peppercorns and toast for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, shaking the pan constantly. Be careful not to burn them. Transfer to a spice grinder or mortar and pestle, grind coarsely, and set aside.
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Prepare the pork topping: Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up, until browned (5-6 minutes). Add half the minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and Shaoxing wine, cook for 1 minute more. Remove from pan and set aside.
Proper browning creates the savory foundation that makes this traditional topping so irresistible. -
Make the signature sauce: In a medium bowl, whisk together Scorpion Gourmet Mild Hot Sauce, remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, sesame paste, sugar, and 1 teaspoon of the ground Sichuan peppercorns. The sauce should be thick but pourable.
The heart of the dish - our Mild Hot Sauce creates the perfect ma la balance without overwhelming heat. -
Cook noodles and vegetables: Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook noodles according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add bok choy to blanch. Reserve 1/2 cup of noodle cooking water before draining.
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Assemble the dish: Thin the sauce with 1/4 cup of the reserved noodle water to achieve a creamy consistency that will coat the noodles. Divide noodles and bok choy among bowls. Top with pork mixture, then pour sauce over everything. Garnish generously with scallions, crushed peanuts, cilantro, and remaining Sichuan peppercorn powder.
The visual feast before mixing - each component adds texture and flavor complexity. -
Serve and enjoy: Encourage everyone to mix their noodles thoroughly before eating to combine all the flavors. The traditional way is to mix at the table for maximum freshness and texture contrast!
Pro Tips
- Toast whole peppercorns: Always toast whole Sichuan peppercorns before grinding – this activates their unique numbing quality (ma la) much better than pre-ground powder.
- Control sauce consistency: The reserved noodle water is gold! Use it to thin your sauce to the perfect consistency that will cling beautifully to the noodles.
- Customize the heat: Serve with additional Scorpion Gourmet sauces on the side – our Original and Extra Hot versions let each diner adjust the spice level to their preference.
Variations
- Vegetarian delight: Replace ground pork with crumbled firm tofu or textured vegetable protein – cook the same way for equally satisfying results.
- Chicken alternative: Use ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version that still delivers all the authentic flavors.
- Noodle options: Try with udon noodles, rice noodles, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
Serving Suggestions
Serve these vibrant noodles family-style with small bowls of additional garnishes for everyone to customize their meal. Perfect with a simple cucumber salad or steamed dumplings as starters. For beverages, traditional Chinese tea, light lager beer, or a crisp Riesling wine complement the flavors beautifully. This dish makes an impressive weeknight dinner but is special enough for weekend entertaining – the colorful presentation is guaranteed to wow your guests!
Conclusion
These Sichuan-Inspired Dan Dan Noodles showcase the incredible versatility of our Mild Hot Sauce in global cuisine applications. They prove that you don't need overwhelming heat to experience the complex, addictive flavors that make Sichuan cuisine so beloved worldwide. Whether you're introducing friends to Chinese flavors for the first time or looking to expand your weeknight dinner repertoire, this dish brings restaurant-quality excitement right to your home kitchen. It's the perfect demonstration of how our mildest sauce can be the star ingredient in authentically inspired dishes that delight everyone at the table. Share your noodle masterpieces with us by tagging @ScorpionGourmet – we can't wait to see your creations!
