**Dan dan mein**, a classic Sichuan noodle dish, tantalizes taste buds with its fiery and bold flavors. Originating from the streets of Chengdu, this dish features tender noodles coated in a rich and spicy sauce made from a harmonious blend of chili oil, fermented black beans, soy sauce, and vinegar. Topped with a symphony of ingredients such as minced pork, crunchy peanuts, and refreshing cucumber, dan dan mein delivers a multisensory experience that leaves you craving for more.
This article offers a comprehensive guide to creating this delectable dish at home, with three variations to suit your preferences. The **classic dan dan mein** recipe stays true to the traditional flavors of Sichuan cuisine, while the **vegetarian dan dan mein** caters to those who prefer a meatless option. For those seeking a milder heat level, the **mild dan dan mein** provides a gentler introduction to the fiery delights of Sichuan cooking.
Each recipe is meticulously explained with step-by-step instructions and a detailed ingredient list, ensuring success even for novice cooks. Dive into the world of Sichuan cuisine and embark on a culinary journey that will awaken your senses and leave you craving for more.
DAN DAN NOODLES
A Dan Dan Noodles recipe that's tried, true, and authentic. With this recipe, you can try out this spicy, numbing Sichuan classic at home!
Provided by Judy
Categories Noodles and Pasta
Time 1h30m
Number Of Ingredients 24
Steps:
- To make the chili oil: In a small pot, add the Sichuan peppercorns, cinnamon stick, star anise, and oil. Over medium low heat, slowly heat to 325 degrees, and then turn off the heat. Wait 6 - 7 minutes, then remove the peppercorns, cinnamon stick, and star anise with a slotted spoon. Add the crushed red pepper flakes and allow them to steep in the hot oil. It should start smelling fragrant, almost like popcorn. Allow the oil to cool. This makes more chili oil than you'll need, but you'll be glad to have it on hand for use in other dishes. Store in a glass jar and keep refrigerated.
- To make the meat mixture: In a wok, heat a teaspoon of oil over medium heat, and brown the ground pork. Add the sweet bean sauce, shaoxing wine, dark soy sauce, and five spice powder. Cook until all the liquid is evaporated. Set aside. Heat the other 2 teaspoons of oil in the wok over medium heat, and sautee the sui mi ya cai (pickled vegetables) for a few minutes. Set aside.
- To make the sauce: Mix together all the sauce ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning if you like. You can loosen it with more hot water, add more Sichuan peppercorn powder, etc.
- To prepare the noodles and veggies: Cook the noodles according to package directions and drain. Blanch the greens in the noodle water, and drain.
- Divide the sauce among six bowls (or four if you want larger servings), followed by the noodles and the leafy greens. Add the cooked pork and sui mi ya cai over the top. Sprinkle with chopped peanuts (optional) and scallions.
- Mix everything together and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 512 kcal, Carbohydrate 41 g, Protein 15 g, Fat 33 g, SaturatedFat 6 g, Cholesterol 27 mg, Sodium 936 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving
HOT AND SPICY SZECHUAN NOODLES (DAN DAN MIAN)
This recipe, from "Authentic Recipes from China", is just sensational! While I wouldn't classify it as hot, just gently warm, we didn't add any extra chili oil just because the flavours as written were so perfect. You know you're onto a winner when DH eats a portion for 3 people!
Provided by currybunny
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 35m
Yield 4 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Heat a wok over low heat and dry-fry the Szechuan peppercorns for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Add the peanut oil and cook over low heat for 10 minutes to infuse it with the flavour of the peppercorns.
- Cool, then strain the oil into a saucepan, discarding the peppercorns.
- Add the chicken stock, preserved radish, soy sauce, black vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, chili oil and white pepper to the peppercorn oil in the saucepan.
- Keep warm over medium heat.
- Meanwhile, either soak udon noodles for a few minutes in hot water, drain and add to stock mixture, or cook wheat noodles for 2 minutes in boiling water, drain and add to mixture.
- Heat the extra oil in wok over high heat and stir fry the pork til brown and crispy, about 3-5 minutes.
- Divide noodle/broth mixture into four soup bowls, top with the pork and garnish with spring onion.
- Eat, slurp and make appreciative noises at will!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 692.2, Fat 22.9, SaturatedFat 6.4, Cholesterol 44.5, Sodium 3309.2, Carbohydrate 91.6, Fiber 5.5, Sugar 2.6, Protein 27.9
EASY SZECHUAN DAN DAN NOODLES
Steps:
- Gather the ingredients.
- In a small mixing bowl, add the sesame paste, sesame oil, and black rice vinegar. Whisk to combine.
- Continue whisking as you add the remaining sauce ingredients. Taste and add sugar if needed.
- Cook the dried noodles according to the package directions. Drain in a colander. (Do not rinse unless the package directions say to do so.)
- Place the noodles in a large (preferably warm) bowl. Whisk the sauce again and then stir it into the noodles.
- Dish the noodles into individual bowls and garnish with the chopped peanuts and spring onions.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 910 kcal, Carbohydrate 144 g, Cholesterol 0 mg, Fiber 8 g, Protein 30 g, SaturatedFat 3 g, Sodium 1139 mg, Sugar 6 g, Fat 23 g, ServingSize 4 to 6 servings, UnsaturatedFat 0 g
DAN DAN NOODLES
Recipe video above. The iconic spicy Sichuan Dan Dan Noodles, made at home! Am intensely flavoured spicy sesame chilli oil sauce tossed with noodles and pork. Don't be daunted by the list and steps, there's no need to rush. Cook and prepare all the parts except the noodles. Cook the noodles just before serving so they're piping hot because the idea is to toss hot noodles with the pork and sauce so the heat warms everything else up. That's the Dan Dan way!
Provided by Nagi
Categories Mains
Number Of Ingredients 21
Steps:
- Mix all ingredients except oil and chicken stock. Then gently stir in oil and stock - oil should be sitting on surface. Set aside.
- Mix together hoisin, soy, Chinese wine and five spice ("Sauce").
- Heat oil in a skillet or wok over high heat. Add pork and cook, breaking it up as you, until it changes from pink to white. Add Sauce and cook for 1 minute, then transfer into a bowl.
- Return skillet to stove, reduce to medium heat. Add oil into middle of skillet.
- Add Sui mi ya cai and stir for 30 seconds, just to warm through. Set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to the boil. Cook noodles per packet directions.
- Add choi sum for last 1 minute of cooking.
- Drain.
- Ladle 1/4 of Dan Dan Sauce into a bowl. Pile in noodles, top with pork and Sui mi ya cai. Place choi sum on side.
- Sprinkle with peanuts and green onions and serve.
- To eat, mix it all up to coat the noodles well with Sauce, then devour!
Nutrition Facts : Calories 604 kcal, Carbohydrate 56 g, Protein 21 g, Fat 34 g, SaturatedFat 10 g, Cholesterol 41 mg, Sodium 1364 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving
SPICY SZECHUAN NOODLES (DAN DAN MIAN)
Make and share this Spicy Szechuan Noodles (Dan Dan Mian) recipe from Food.com.
Provided by kathiejacgmail.com
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 40m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 18
Steps:
- Combine meat mixture ingredients in small bowl.
- Work together well and let rest while preparing other ingredients.
- Whisk together sauce ingredients except broth until smooth.
- Add broth and whisk well.
- Boil 4 quarts of water.
- Heat 12 inch skillet over high heat until hot, about 2 minutes.
- Add peanut oil and swirl.
- Add meat mixture and cook, breaking up into small pieces until pork is well browned, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in ginger, garlic and red pepper flakes, cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add sauce mixture; whisk to combine and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to medium low and simmer while noodles are cooking.
- Just before serving stir in sesame oil.
- Drain noodles; divide into individual bowls, top with sauce.
- Sprinkle with scallions and bean sprouts as desired while eating.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 362.7, Fat 27.6, SaturatedFat 7.4, Cholesterol 40.9, Sodium 1345, Carbohydrate 11.3, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 4.5, Protein 18.8
DAN DAN MIAN - SICHUAN SPICY NOODLES
I wouldn't classify it as burning, but it was pretty tasty! The original recipe from here: http://appetiteforchina.com/recipes/dan-dan-mian-sichuan-spicy-noodles calls for waaaay too much salt. On top of the salt in the soy sauce and chicken stock, it says to add 3 whole teaspoons. I only added 2 and if I make it again, I'll only put in 1/2tsp. The recipe below reflects this.
Provided by Andrew Mollmann
Categories One Dish Meal
Time 25m
Yield 5 bowls, 5 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Combine pork and soy sauce in a small bowl and mix well.
- Heat a wok or large skillet until hot. Stir-fry, stirring with a spatula to break it into small pieces. When the pork is lightly browned, about 3 minutes, remove and set aside.
- Bring a large pot of water to boil. (This will be for the noodles.) While the water is heating, go to the next step.
- Reheat the wok (add oil if needed) and stir-fry the garlic, ginger, and onions until aromatic, about 1 minute.
- Add peanut butter, soy sauce, chilli oil, sesame oil, Sichuan pepper, salt, and chicken stock and simmer for 5 to 7 minutes.
- Meanwhile, when the pot of water has come to boil, toss in noodles and cook according to package directions. Drain well.
- To serve, divide noodles into individual bowls or put them all into a large bowl for sharing. Ladle the sauce on top, top with pork and chopped peanuts, and serve while hot.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 509.1, Fat 17, SaturatedFat 3.6, Cholesterol 40.4, Sodium 2219.8, Carbohydrate 60.5, Fiber 5.1, Sugar 2.5, Protein 29.3
SZECHUAN DAN DAN NOODLES
I love Asian noodle dishes, especially the spicy ones! This one's just hot enough; add more heat if you like. I also like the flavor of both the sesame oil and sesame seeds in this dish, and I toast the seeds until they're nearly brown. This makes a nice and quick side dish for dinner, or a tasty light lunch.
Provided by EdsGirlAngie
Categories Lunch/Snacks
Time 20m
Yield 4-6 serving(s)
Number Of Ingredients 14
Steps:
- Cook the noodles until al dente, then drain and rinse with cold water; drain again and toss with the sesame oil and peanut oil.
- Combine the sauce ingredients and correct seasoning, adding more heat if you wish.
- Toss with the noodles and garnish with green onion and cilantro.
- This is traditionally served cold or at room temperature.
Nutrition Facts : Calories 282.6, Fat 8.1, SaturatedFat 1.5, Cholesterol 47.9, Sodium 516.8, Carbohydrate 43.1, Fiber 2.6, Sugar 1.8, Protein 9.7
Tips:
- Use fresh ingredients: The fresher the ingredients, the better your dan dan mein will taste. This is especially important for the vegetables and herbs.
- Don't be afraid to adjust the spice level: The amount of chili oil and Szechuan peppercorns you use can be adjusted to your own taste. If you like it spicy, add more; if you prefer a milder dish, use less.
- Make sure your noodles are cooked al dente: Overcooked noodles will be mushy and unpleasant to eat. Cook them according to the package directions, or until they are just tender.
- Use a good quality soy sauce: The soy sauce you use will make a big difference in the flavor of your dan dan mein. Look for a soy sauce that is dark and flavorful.
- Serve immediately: Dan dan mein is best served hot and fresh. If you need to store it, you can make the sauce ahead of time and reheat it before serving. However, the noodles should be cooked and added to the sauce just before serving.
Conclusion:
Dan dan mein is a delicious and versatile dish that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a great way to use up leftover vegetables and meat, and it can be easily adapted to your own taste preferences. Whether you like it spicy or mild, vegetarian or with meat, there is a dan dan mein recipe out there for you. So next time you are looking for a quick and easy meal that is sure to please everyone, give dan dan mein a try.
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