This classic Dan Dan Noodles recipe is a harmonious medley of spicy, sweet, and savory flavors. From the robust ground pork to the fiery sauce and fresh, crunchy greens, every bite is a celebration. Warm, comforting, and utterly satisfying, this dish is a testament to the rich complexity of Chinese cuisine.
Course Main Dish Recipes
Cuisine Chinese
Keyword asian noodles, chinese noodles, chinese sesame noodles
Prep Time 10 minutesminutes
Cook Time 13 minutesminutes
Servings 4servings
Calories 398kcal
Author Robin Donovan
Ingredients
1teaspoonoil
1/2poundground pork
2teaspoonsHoisin sauce
2teaspoonsShaoxing wine
1teaspoonsoy sauce
1/2teaspoonfive-spice powder
1/4teaspoonkosher salt
18-ounce package ramen noodles
2cupsspinach
4stalks bok choy
4green onionstrimmed and sliced through the length
For the sauce:
1/3cupchili oil
2tablespoonschinese sesame paste
3tablespoonssoy sauce
2teaspoonssugar
2clovesgarlicminced
1teaspoongrated fresh ginger
1/2teaspoonfive spice powder
¼teaspoonground szechuan peppercorns
1/2teaspoonfreshly ground black pepper
1/2teaspoonground coriander
Instructions
In a heavy skillet over medium-high heat, heat the oil. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking up the meat with a spatula, until the meat is well browned. Add the hoisin sauce, wine, soy sauce, five-spice powder, and salt. Stir to mix well and then remove from the heat.
Meanwhile, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions. In the last minute of cooking, add the bok choy. When the cooking is complete, remove the bok choy. Save 1 cup of the cooking water. Drain the noodles and rinse under warm water.
In a small bowl, make the sauce. Mix together the chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, five-spice powder, ground Szechuan peppercorns, black pepper, and ground coriander. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved noodle cooking water.
Divide the noodles among 4 bowls. Add one piece of bok choy to each bowl. Spoon the sauce over the noodles and top with the pork. Garnish with the green onions and serve.
Notes
You can substitute dry sherry, dry white wine, or sake for the Shaoxing wine.
You can substitute a combo of tahini and sesame oil for the Chinese sesame paste. Or substitute no-sugar-added peanut butter.