She Strengthens

Spicy Peanut Dan Dan Noodles: A Flavorful Twist on a Classic

A Dish Born from Experimentation

Meet my take on dan dan noodles, a recipe two years in the making. While it may not be traditional, it’s a game-changer for flavor and convenience. This spicy, peanutty, and savory dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and healthy-ish.

The Magic Ingredients

Some of the ingredients, like tahini, chili oil, and Szechuan peppercorn, might not be staples in your pantry. But trust me, they’re worth the investment. Once you have them, a world of new recipes opens up. Don’t skip out on the peppercorns – they make a huge difference!

Chelsea’s Famous Dan Dan Noodles Recipe

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4-6

* Ingredients:*

• 1 lb ground pork (80/20 lean/fat)
• 5 baby bok choy, roughly chopped and blanched
• 2 Tbsp vegetable oil
• 5 large cloves garlic, minced
• 3 Tbsp fresh ginger, minced
• 1/2 tsp sesame oil
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp Szechuan peppercorn, fresh ground
• 1 Tbsp tahini
• 1 Tbsp chili oil (plus extra for serving)
• 1.5 Tbsp brown sugar
• 2 Tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 3 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
• Several cracks black pepper
• 1 9.5 oz package somen or soba noodles, per your preference
• Roasted peanuts, chopped
• 4 large scallions, chopped

Let’s Cook!

Combine garlic, ginger, sesame oil, soy sauce, peppercorn, tahini, chili oil, brown sugar, chili garlic sauce, and black pepper in a mixing bowl. In a pan, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add pork and cook, breaking it up into small bits, for about a minute. Add the sauce mixture and cook until aromatic and well-browned, about 10 minutes. Deglaze the pan with rice wine vinegar, then add chicken stock and simmer for 15 minutes or until the sauce has a rich, soupy texture.

Finishing Touches

Halfway through the simmering, cook noodles according to package instructions and set aside. About two minutes from the end of the simmering, add bok choy and stir to combine. Taste the sauce and adjust as needed. To serve, place a base of noodles in your bowl, top with the soupy sauce mixture, and finish with chili oil, peanuts, and scallions. Stir everything together just before eating and enjoy!