Stir-Fried Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork and Sichuan Pepper
A bold noodle dish featuring chewy wheat noodles tossed in a spicy, numbing sauce with ground pork, garlic, and toasted sesame for a classic Sichuan flavor. This chinese-inspired chinese ready in about 30 minutes pairs fresh wheat noodles, ground pork, vegetable oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 8 oz fresh wheat noodles
- 6 oz ground pork
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp ginger, minced
- 2 tbsp chili bean paste (doubanjiang)
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar
- 2 tbsp sesame paste or tahini
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 2 tbsp scallions, sliced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp crushed peanuts
Instructions
- Step 1: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add 8 oz fresh wheat noodles and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente. Drain and toss with 1 tsp vegetable oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1 tbsp minced ginger, stir-frying for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 6 oz ground pork and cook for 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned and cooked through.
- Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili bean paste, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and 2 tbsp sesame paste. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken.
- Step 5: Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Toss in the cooked noodles and 2 tbsp sliced scallions, stirring vigorously to coat noodles evenly until heated through.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tsp ground toasted Sichuan peppercorns, 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 2 tbsp crushed peanuts over the top for added texture and numbing spice.
- Step 7: Serve immediately, enjoying the complex layers of spicy, nutty, and tangy flavors in every bite.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Stir-Fried Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork and Sichuan Pepper take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Stir-Fried Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork and Sichuan Pepper?
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 fresh wheat noodles from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Stir-Fried Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork and Sichuan Pepper?
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 Stir-Fried Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork and Sichuan Pepper for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Stir-Fried Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Ground Pork and Sichuan Pepper?
Chinese chinese 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Loved it! So flavorful and easy to make. The Sichuan pepper really made it authentic.
- ★★★★★
My family went crazy for these! The spice level was perfect for us. I'll definitely make them again.
- ★★★★★
Authentic and flavorful—exactly how my grandmother used to make them. The pork was tender and the spice balanced perfectly.