Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles are a popular Sichuan street food with a distinctive flavor. The name comes from the traditional method of street vendors carrying a pole (dan dan) to sell their noodles. These noodles are known for their vibrant red color and a unique taste that is spicy, numbing, and tangy. They are flavorful but not greasy, spicy without being overwhelming, making them one of the best Sichuan noodle dishes. The main ingredients include red chili oil, minced meat, Sichuan pickled vegetables, sprouts, Sichuan pepper powder, soy sauce, minced garlic, pea shoots, and green onions. The rich and spicy flavor is perfect for those who enjoy bold tastes.

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POSTED:06/06/2024

Level:Easy

Yield:1 servings

Total:40 min

(includes chilling time)

Active:20 min

1、What type of noodles are used in Dan Dan Noodles?

Dan Dan Noodles are made from wheat flour. The specific preparation method can vary by region, but traditionally, they are made by mixing wheat flour (often high-gluten flour) with water to form a dough, which is then kneaded, rolled out, and cut into thin noodles. These noodles are not made from cornmeal but from traditional wheat flour. The noodles are characterized by being thin and flexible, perfectly complementing the special sauce and toppings that give Dan Dan Noodles their unique flavor and taste.

2.What is the difference between Dan Dan Noodles and regular noodles?

①Dan Dan Noodles must be made with thin noodles because they cook faster in boiling water, reducing preparation time. In contrast, the texture of regular noodles may vary depending on the region and preparation method.

②Dan Dan Noodles include noodles, green vegetables, minced pork, and seasonings. Among them, minced pork is one of the specialties of Dan Dan Noodles. It is made by finely chopping pork leg meat, a method that preserves the meat's fibers, resulting in a smooth texture. On the other hand, regular noodles may include various vegetables and meats, but they may not necessarily feature the distinctive minced pork characteristic of Dan Dan Noodles.

③The production process of Dan Dan Noodles reflects its uniqueness. Traditionally, Dan Dan Noodles were made and sold on-site by street vendors who carried a shoulder pole, and this process of preparation and selling is part of the culture surrounding Dan Dan Noodles. In contrast, the production process of regular noodles may be more diversified, including methods such as hand-rolling and machine pressing.

3、The secrets to making delicious Dan Dan Noodles include?

①Chili Oil: High-quality chili oil not only boasts a vibrant red color but also emits a tantalizing aroma. It serves as the perfect companion to Dan Dan Noodles.

②Minced Pork: Minced pork offers a crispy exterior and a tender interior upon consumption, delivering a rich and multi-layered flavor experience. It's an essential ingredient that complements Dan Dan Noodles perfectly.

③Dan Dan Noodle Sauce: A blend of soy sauce, sprouts, pork fat, sesame paste, and a third aromatic component, this sauce enhances the flavor profile of Dan Dan Noodles, adding depth and richness to the dish.

INGREDIENTS

MAIN INGREDIENTS

2 cups of flour
1 bowl of minced meat

ACCESSORIES

1 egg

SEASONINGS

5 cloves of garlic
1 piece of ginger
Some green onions
1 tablespoon of soy sauce
1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
Some dried chili peppers
Some water
Some sesame seeds

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Mix the egg, flour, and water to form a dough. Cover it with a lid and let it rest for 20 minutes. After that, knead the dough evenly, roll it out into a sheet, and then cut it into thin noodles.

Tips:

If time is limited, you can opt for thin egg noodles. Cooking these noodles will still result in a satisfying texture.

STEP 2

Finely chop the green onions, and grind the garlic and ginger into a paste. Transfer them to a plate and set aside for later use.

STEP 3

Heat a pan over medium-low heat and toast the dried chili peppers, continuously flipping them. Once they become fragrant and slightly change color, turn off the heat and let them cool. Then, crush them into smaller pieces.

STEP 4

Heat oil in a pan. Once the oil is hot, lower the temperature slightly. Add 2/3 of the crushed chili peppers into the oil in the bowl, then let it sit for a moment before adding the remaining portion. Finally, sprinkle some sesame seeds on top.

Tips:

Adding sesame seeds enhances the richness of the flavor. This method of frying chili peppers produces chili oil that is aromatic and flavorful, perfectly complementing the Dan Dan Noodles. It's spicy yet fragrant, making each bowl irresistible.

STEP 5

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Once boiling, cook the noodles for 3-6 minutes. Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as you want to preserve their firm texture.

STEP 6

In the pan, stir-fry the minced meat. Add the ginger and garlic paste. Once the meat is cooked, add salt, soy sauce, and a small amount of oyster sauce.

Tips:

Making the minced meat requires patience and skill. Gradually add the seasonings step by step to ensure a rich and layered flavor profile.

STEP 7

After cooking the minced meat, place it on top of the noodles. Sprinkle with chopped green onions and other garnishes for decoration.

Tips:

You can customize the dish according to personal taste by adding vegetables such as greens. You can also add spicy elements like chili oil or Sichuan peppercorn powder to enhance the spiciness and numbing sensation.