**Dan Dan Mian: A Symphony of Flavors from Sichuan**
Dan Dan Mian, a beloved noodle dish from the Sichuan province of China, is a culinary masterpiece that tantalizes taste buds with its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Its name, which translates to "noodles carried on a pole," reflects its humble origins as a street food delicacy sold by vendors carrying their wares on bamboo poles. This iconic dish showcases the vibrant and bold flavors characteristic of Sichuan cuisine, with a symphony of spicy, numbing, savory, and aromatic notes that leave an unforgettable impression.
The foundation of Dan Dan Mian lies in its rich and flavorful sauce, crafted from a combination of fermented soybean paste, sesame paste, chili oil, and a variety of aromatic spices. This tantalizing sauce coats tender wheat noodles, which are then adorned with a medley of toppings that add layers of texture and flavor. Ground pork, a common protein choice, lends a savory and umami-rich dimension, while crunchy peanuts, crisp cucumber, and scallions provide contrasting textures and freshness. A drizzle of chili oil adds an extra kick of heat, while a sprinkling of Sichuan peppercorns imparts a numbing sensation that lingers on the palate.
In this comprehensive guide, we present three variations of Dan Dan Mian, each offering a unique culinary experience:
1. **Classic Dan Dan Mian:** This traditional recipe stays true to the authentic Sichuan flavors, featuring a fiery and aromatic sauce made with fermented soybean paste, sesame paste, and chili oil. The noodles are topped with ground pork, peanuts, cucumber, and scallions, creating a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.
2. **Vegetarian Dan Dan Mian:** For those seeking a plant-based option, this vegetarian version offers a delightful twist on the classic dish. The sauce is crafted with a combination of fermented soybean paste, sesame paste, and chili oil, but instead of ground pork, it features a medley of sautéed vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, and bok choy. The addition of tofu provides a satisfying protein source, while peanuts, cucumber, and scallions complete the flavorful ensemble.
3. **Spicy Dan Dan Mian:** This rendition of Dan Dan Mian is for those who crave an extra kick of heat. The sauce is amped up with additional chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns, creating an intense and fiery flavor profile. The noodles are topped with ground pork, peanuts, cucumber, and scallions, providing a balance to the heat with their savory and refreshing notes.
Embark on a culinary journey to Sichuan with these three Dan Dan Mian recipes. Experience the harmonious blend of flavors, textures, and aromas that make this dish a beloved favorite. Whether you prefer the classic, vegetarian, or spicy version, these recipes offer something for every palate, ensuring a tantalizing and unforgettable dining experience.
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
DAN DAN MIAN (DAN DAN NOODLES)
Provided by Food Network
Categories main-dish
Time 50m
Yield 10 to 12 servings
Number Of Ingredients 26
Steps:
- For the crushed chili oil: Scorch the spices in the oil by heating the oil to smoking, then adding the Sichuan peppercorns, star anise, cinnamon, ginger and scallions. Cook until burned black, then remove with a slotted spoon. Add the crushed red pepper to the oil and stir until aromatic. Let cool to room temperature before storing in an airtight container.
- For the noodles: Cook the noodles in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and reserve the cooking liquid.
- For the meat sauce: Coat a large, hot wok with oil, then add the ground pork. Cook, stirring, until medium-rare; remove from the wok and reserve.
- Swirl some more oil into the wok and add the garlic, chili bean sauce and 1 cup Chinese Chiu Chow Crushed Chili Oil. Cook until aromatic. Add back the pork and stir to combine. Season with Shaoxing wine, chicken base, hoisin and some black vinegar, and continue to cook until the meat is fully cooked and the wok has an aroma.
- Season with Sichuan chili oil, black pepper, soy sauce, sesame oil, and some of the noodle cooking liquid.
- For the peanut sauce: In a medium-hot wok, add the stock, peanut butter and vinegar, and mix until smooth. Taste and add more of each as desired.
- To finish: Dress the noodles with the peanut sauce and divide among 10 to 12 plates. Top with the meat sauce and garnish with the peanuts, sesame seeds and scallions. Serve immediately.
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
DAN DAN MIAN (DAN DAN NOODLES)
Dan dan noodles or dan dan mian are popular Sichuan street snack is named after the bamboo shoulder pole used to carry it.
Provided by Cecilia Chiang
Yield Serves 6-8 as part of a Chinese meal and 4-6 as a lunch, snack, or side dish
Number Of Ingredients 16
Steps:
- Heat a large wok over high heat until a bead of water dances on the surface and then evaporates. Add the peanut oil and swirl to coat the pan. Add the ginger, garlic, and green onions and cook, stirring, just until fragrant. Add the pork and the preserved vegetable and stir until the meat loses its raw color, about 1 minute. Add the wine and cook for a few seconds to evaporate the alcohol and then add ½ cup of the chicken broth, soy sauce, chile oil, and vinegar. Bring the liquid to a boil and remove from heat.
- Bring a large saucepan of water to a boil. Remove the noodles from their packaging and fluff the strands to separate. Add the noodles to the boiling water. Let the pot come back up to a boil, then add the 2 cups cold water. Bring to a boil again and immediately drain the noodles. Shake the colander to drain the noodles well and then divide the noodles between the individual serving bowls.
- Top each serving of noodles with some spicy pork mixture and ladle over a bit of the remaining hot chicken broth. Place some of the blanched spinach on one side of the noodles and sprinkle with the chopped nuts and a little ground Sichuan peppercorns. Serve immediately.
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
Tips:
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. This will make a big difference in the flavor of your dan dan mian.
- Don't be afraid to experiment with different flavors. Dan dan mian is a versatile dish that can be customized to your own taste.
- Make sure your noodles are cooked al dente. This will give them a nice chewiness.
- Use a good quality chili oil. This is essential for giving the dan dan mian its signature spicy flavor.
- Don't skimp on the toppings. The toppings are what really make dan dan mian special.
Conclusion:
Dan dan mian is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a quick and easy meal. With its bold flavors and customizable toppings, dan dan mian is sure to become a new favorite. So next time you're looking for something new to try, give dan dan mian a try. You won't be disappointed.
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