Craving a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine without leaving your kitchen? Look no further than these irresistible Copycat Dan Dan Noodles! This dish is a delightful explosion of flavors, combining spicy chili oil, savory ground pork, and nutty sesame paste, all tossed with perfectly cooked noodles. In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a restaurant-quality meal that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this easy-to-follow recipe that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Chinese
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz noodles
- 1/2 lb ground pork
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame paste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup green onions, chopped
- 1/4 cup peanuts, crushed
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 8 oz of noodles, 1/2 lb of ground pork, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of chili oil, 1 tablespoon of sesame paste, 2 cloves of garlic (minced), 1/4 cup of chopped green onions, 1/4 cup of crushed peanuts, and salt to taste.
- Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
- While the noodles are cooking, heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the ground pork. Cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until it is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally for even cooking.
- Once the pork is cooked, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Next, pour in the soy sauce and chili oil. Stir well to combine, allowing the flavors to meld together for another 2-3 minutes. Taste the mixture and add salt as needed.
- Once the noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process. This will help prevent them from becoming mushy.
- Add the drained noodles to the skillet with the pork mixture. Toss everything together gently, ensuring that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce and the pork.
- Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the sesame paste until well incorporated. This will add a rich, nutty flavor to the dish.
- To serve, divide the noodles among four bowls. Top each serving with chopped green onions and crushed peanuts for added texture and flavor.
- Enjoy your homemade Copycat Dan Dan Noodles! Adjust the chili oil according to your spice preference.
Tips
- Noodle Selection: For the best texture, use fresh Chinese noodles if available. If not, any thin egg noodles or even spaghetti can work in a pinch.
- Adjust the Spice: Feel free to modify the amount of chili oil based on your heat tolerance. Start with less and add more to taste as you mix the sauce.
- Pork Alternatives: Ground chicken or turkey can be substituted for the pork if you're looking for a lighter option. The flavor will still be delicious!
- Prep Ahead: To save time, you can prepare the sauce and chop your ingredients in advance. Just cook the noodles and combine everything when you're ready to eat.
- Garnish Generously: Don’t skimp on the green onions and crushed peanuts—they add a wonderful crunch and freshness that elevate the dish.
- Leftovers: This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 450kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 65mg
