Spicy Soul-Warming Dan Dan Noodles Recipe for Flavor Fans

Sizzling woks and bustling street corners of Sichuan province whisper the spicy secrets of classic dan dan noodles recipe that dance with bold, fiery flavors.

Street vendors have perfected this culinary marvel over generations, blending numbing Sichuan peppercorns with rich, savory sauce.

Tender noodles swim in a complex blend of chili oil, ground pork, and aromatic seasonings that ignite taste buds.

Each twirl of noodles carries a story of tradition and passion from southwestern China’s vibrant food culture.

Nutty sesame notes and punchy garlic create a symphony of tastes that transport you directly to the heart of Chengdu’s bustling markets.

Grab your chopsticks and get ready to master a dish that brings restaurant-quality spice right to your kitchen.

Tools for Prepping Dan Dan Noodles

• Large Skillet: Essential for cooking chili oil, chicken, and mushrooms with precision.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: Crucial for accurately portioning ingredients like sesame oil, soy sauce, and honey.
• Mixing Bowl: Perfect for combining sauce ingredients and creating a smooth mixture.
• Cooking Pot: Necessary for boiling noodles and simmering broth with spinach.
• Heat-Proof Container: Ideal for storing and transferring homemade chili oil.
• Cutting Board: Used for chopping green onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Helps slice green onions and mushrooms with ease.
• Ladle: Helps serve broth and noodles into individual bowls.

Dan Dan Noodles Cooking Directions

• Chili Oil Base

Sizzling sesame oil transforms into a flavor-packed foundation by gently heating with fragrant garlic and fiery chili flakes, creating a rich aromatic essence that will elevate the entire dish.

• Sauce Harmony

Blend classic Asian condiments into a silky smooth mixture, combining salty, sweet, and tangy elements that will coat the noodles with complex flavors.

• Noodle Foundation

Boil noodles until perfectly tender, then marry them with a light broth and vibrant spinach, creating a comforting base for the bold toppings.

• Protein Magic

Sear chicken in a hot skillet until golden brown, then introduce earthy mushrooms and delicate shallots. Drench the mixture in the prepared sauce, allowing it to caramelize and develop deep, robust flavors.

• Delightful Presentation

Layer the steaming noodles with the spicy meat mixture, garnish with fresh green onions, and generously drizzle with the homemade chili oil for a stunning visual and flavor explosion.

Helpful Tricks for Dan Dan Noodles

• Adjust chili flakes and chili oil to match your spice tolerance, ranging from mild to fiery hot.
• Replace chicken with ground pork, beef, or tofu for different flavor profiles and dietary preferences.
• Experiment with additional vegetables like bok choy, bean sprouts, or julienned carrots to boost nutrition.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce and choose gluten-free noodles to make this recipe celiac-friendly.
• Prepare chili oil and sauce mixture in advance to cut down cooking time during busy evenings.

How to Serve Dan Dan Noodles

• Sprinkle Fresh Herbs: Top the Dan Dan Noodles with chopped green onions, cilantro, or Thai basil for a burst of freshness and color.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust the spiciness by adding extra chili oil or red pepper flakes for those who love a fiery kick.
• Pair with Sides: Serve alongside quick pickled cucumbers or a light Asian-inspired slaw to balance the rich, spicy noodles.
• Create Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken for crispy tofu or marinated tempeh to make the dish meat-free while maintaining the bold flavors.

Storage Tips for Dan Dan Noodles

• Smart Meal Prep: Slice and store ingredients separately in airtight containers for quick assembly during busy weekdays. Keep chili oil, sauce, and cooked meat refrigerated for up to 3 days.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Separate noodles from broth and meat to prevent soggy texture. Store components in sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent flavor mixing.
• Freezing Technique: Freeze meat mixture and chili oil in small portions for convenient future meals. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating gently to preserve original taste and texture.
• Reheating Method: Warm noodles and meat mixture separately in microwave or skillet. Add fresh broth and a drizzle of chili oil to revive original flavors and maintain optimal consistency.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 660 kcal

Servings: 5

Dan Dan Noodles – What You’ll Need

• Sesame Oil: Provides rich, nutty foundation for building deep flavor profiles.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic warmth and robust intensity to the oil's character.
• Chili Flakes: Delivers vibrant heat and sparkling spiciness throughout the dish.

• Soy Sauce: Contributes savory umami depth with balanced saltiness.
• Hoisin Sauce: Introduces sweet-tangy complexity and glossy texture.
• Honey: Balances heat with smooth, gentle sweetness.
• Vinegar: Brightens overall flavor and adds subtle tangy note.
• Peanut Butter/Tahini: Creates creamy thickness and nutty undertone.
• Water: Helps blend and adjust sauce consistency.

• Chicken: Lean protein that absorbs surrounding flavors beautifully.
• Mushrooms: Adds earthy texture and meaty substance.
• Shallot: Provides delicate, refined aromatic sweetness.
• Spinach: Introduces fresh green vibrancy and nutritional boost.
• Green Onions: Offers crisp, sharp finishing garnish.
• Noodles: Serves as hearty, satisfying base for entire dish.
• Broth: Creates silky, comforting liquid foundation.

Spicy Dan Dan Noodles Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Sichuan province crafted dan dan noodles as a spicy street delicacy with complex layers of flavor. Numbing peppercorns and chili oil create an irresistible sauce that draws diners into a sensory experience of Chinese culinary tradition.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• ½ lb (226 g) ground chicken or pork
• 8 oz (226 g) Chinese style egg noodles, or rice noodles
• 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
• ⅓ cup + 2 tbsps sesame oil
• ½ cup low sodium soy sauce
• ¼ cup hoisin sauce (GF if needed)
• 2 tbsps rice vinegar
• 3 tbsps creamy peanut butter or tahini
• 1 ½ tbsps crushed red pepper flakes
• 1 tbsp honey
• 2 cups mixed mushrooms, chopped
• 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or smashed
• 1 medium shallot, chopped
• 4 green onions, chopped
• Black pepper, to taste

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Chili Oil Infusion: Gently warm sesame oil with minced garlic and dried chili flakes in a skillet over medium heat for 5 minutes, allowing aromatics to release their full flavor profile. Transfer the vibrant infusion to a heat-resistant container.
2. Sauce Composition: Whisk together soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, peanut butter, and water in a mixing bowl to create a harmonious and complex sauce base.
3. Noodle and Broth Preparation: Cook noodles until perfectly al dente, then drain. Return the pot to the stove, pour in broth, and incorporate half of the prepared sauce mixture. Gently simmer and fold in fresh spinach leaves until they delicately wilt.
4. Protein and Vegetable Sauté: In the same skillet, heat additional sesame oil and sear chicken pieces seasoned with black pepper until achieving a golden-brown crust. Introduce sliced mushrooms and diced shallots, continuing to cook and develop deep, layered flavors.
5. Flavor Intensification: Pour the remaining sauce mixture into the skillet with the chicken, allowing it to simmer and thicken. Integrate chili oil to elevate the dish’s complexity and heat.
6. Culinary Assembly: Ladle the aromatic broth into serving bowls, creating a foundation of cooked noodles. Crown with the spiced chicken mixture and garnish with thinly sliced green onions. Finish with a provocative drizzle of chili oil to maximize flavor intensity and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize Chili Heat: Adjust dried chili flakes quantity to match personal spice tolerance, creating a personalized heat level that suits your palate.
• Oil Infusion Technique: Allow sesame oil to gently warm with aromatics, releasing deep, complex flavors that elevate the entire dish’s taste profile.
• Sauce Balance Matters: Whisk sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure smooth consistency and harmonious blend of sweet, tangy, and savory notes.
• Mushroom Selection Tip: Choose fresh, firm mushrooms like shiitake or cremini for robust texture and enhanced umami character in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Chinese

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 660
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 28 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg