Dan Dan Mian (Chengdu Spicy Sesame-Chili Noodles with Crispy Minced Pork/Mushrooms) – Authentic China Recipe
Chengdu street-hawker legend coating warm noodles in a nutty, tingly sesame and chili-oil sauce.
- Country of Origin
- 🇨🇳 China (East Asia, Asia)
- Dietary Profile
- omnivore
- Prep Time
- 15 min
- Cook Time
- 20 min
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Signature Staples
- Springy wheat noodles, Savory crisped minced pork (or shiitake mushrooms), Blanched bok choy and crushed peanuts, Sesame paste/tahini, Sichuan chili oil
Ingredients for Dan Dan Mian (Chengdu Spicy Sesame-Chili Noodles with Crispy Minced Pork/Mushrooms) (4 Servings)
- 1.25 lbs (or 2.5 cups) springy wheat noodles, prepped into bite-sized pieces
- 1.5 cups savory crisped minced pork (or shiitake mushrooms), washed and trimmed
- 1 cup blanched bok choy and crushed peanuts
- 1 medium onion and 3 cloves garlic, finely minced with sesame paste/tahini
- 1.5 tbsp traditional China seasoning (Sichuan chili oil, Sichuan pepper, black vinegar, garlic)
- 2.5 tbsp traditional cooking oil, sea salt, cracked black pepper, and fresh citrus or herbs
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
- Cook or soften the noodles/pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, then drain while reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.
- Heat oil in a wide wok or deep skillet over high heat; flash-sauté garlic, sesame paste/tahini, and Sichuan chili oil, Sichuan pepper, black vinegar, garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add springy wheat noodles and savory crisped minced pork (or shiitake mushrooms), stir-frying briskly for 5–6 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Toss in the noodles along with a splash of reserved liquid so the China sauce clings glossily to every strand.
- Finish with blanched bok choy and crushed peanuts and serve piping hot.