Originally a Sichuan dish, dan-dan noodles are enjoyed in different parts of China, as well as Hong Kong. While many versions are “dry,” with noodles tossed in a spicy sweet sauce, this one features a garlic, ginger and chile oil-infused broth. Wheat noodles are traditional, but this recipe opts for egg noodles. Stir-fried pickles are another swap, taking the place of the preserved veggies you’d find in China.
| Level: | Easy |
| Total: | 36 min |
| Prep: | 30 min |
| Cook: | 6 min |
| Yield: | 6 to 8 servings |
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup sesame seeds, toasted
- 4 tablespoons toasted sesame oil, plus more for serving
- 1 tablespoon plus 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- Kosher salt
- 2 half-sour dill pickles
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon minced peeled ginger
- 4 scallions, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 1/4 cups low-sodium chicken broth or stock
- 8 ounces ground pork
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 to 4 teaspoons Chinese chili oil, plus more for serving
- 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar
- 9 ounces dried Chinese egg noodles
- 1 medium head bok choy, sliced crosswise
Instructions
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Pulse the sesame seeds in a mini food processor with 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon sugar and 1/4 teaspoon salt until powdery; set aside.
- Prepare the stir-fry: Quarter, seed and finely dice the pickles and put in a bowl. In another bowl, mix the garlic, ginger, scallions, 1/2 teaspoon salt and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon sugar. Mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce and the broth in a third bowl. Mix the pork with 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1/2 teaspoon salt in another bowl. Place the four bowls by the stove.
- Place a large skillet over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, then the pork, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until cooked but not dry, 4 minutes. Transfer the meat to a bowl and toss with the remaining 1 tablespoon soy sauce.
- Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the skillet; stir-fry the pickles for 1 minute. Add the garlic mixture and fry 30 seconds. Add the broth and boil until reduced by half, 4 minutes. Divide the broth among bowls and drizzle with the chili oil and vinegar.
- Meanwhile, add the noodles and bok choy to the boiling water and cook until just tender, 2 minutes. Drain and toss with the remaining 2 tablespoons sesame oil. Season with salt, then divide among the bowls. Top with pork and sprinkle with sesame powder. Serve with more sesame and chili oil.
Nutrition Facts
| Serving Size | 1 of 8 servings |
| Calories | 397 |
| Total Fat | 26 g |
| Saturated Fat | 5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 3 g |
| Protein | 13 g |
| Cholesterol | 47 mg |
| Sodium | 500 mg |
Reviews
It’s my family’s Friday night dinner. We like it so much!
Guests, family-everyone loves this dish!