Dan Dan Noodles with Sichuan Peppercorns and Pork

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Wok-tossed egg noodles coated in a fiery, aromatic sauce with ground pork and roasted sesame paste. This sichuan-inspired asian ready in about 45 minutes pairs thin egg noodles, ground pork, doubanjiang for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Sichuan cuisine 400 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Cook 12 oz thin egg noodles according to package directions until al dente, drain, and rinse under cold water.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 6 oz ground pork and cook for 4-5 minutes until browned, breaking apart with a spoon.
  3. Step 3: Add 2 tbsp doubanjiang, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 inch minced fresh ginger, stirring for 1 minute until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp sesame paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp rice vinegar, 1/2 tsp granulated sugar, and 1 tsp ground Sichuan peppercorns, then add 1/2 cup water and simmer for 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Toss drained noodles into skillet, adding 1 tbsp chili oil and 1 tsp sesame oil, then stir to coat evenly.
  6. Step 6: Top with 2 chopped green onions and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Dan Dan Noodles with Sichuan Peppercorns and Pork take to make?

Total time is about 45 minutes (25 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Dan Dan Noodles with Sichuan Peppercorns and Pork?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep thin egg noodles from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Dan Dan Noodles with Sichuan Peppercorns and Pork?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Dan Dan Noodles with Sichuan Peppercorns and Pork for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Dan Dan Noodles with Sichuan Peppercorns and Pork?

Sichuan asian like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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