Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles

8 servings
This version of Dan Dan Noodles is a nutty noodle dish made with easy-to-find linguine noodles, sesame sauce, and ground pork.

Ingredients

  • chicken stock
    1 c
  • sesame paste
    ½ c
  • soy sauce
    ⅓ c
  • balsamic vinegar
    1 tbsp
  • granulated sugar
    1 tbsp
  • ground cinnamon

    such as cassia

    1 ¾ tsp
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • roasted unsalted peanuts

    finely chopped, plus more for garnish

    ⅓ c
  • ground pork

    preferably coarsely ground

    1 lb
  • cornstarch
    2 tbsp
  • shaoxing wine
    2 tbsp
  • worcestershire sauce
    2 tsp
  • soy sauce

    divided

    6 tbsp
  • olive oil
    2 tbsp
  • yellow onion

    finely chopped

    1 large
  • garlic cloves

    minced

    4
  • can diced tomatoes

    undrained

    1
  • chicken stock
    1 c
  • granulated sugar
    1 tbsp
  • chinese five-spice powder
    1 ½ tsp
  • ground cinnamon

    such as cassia

    ¼ tsp
  • scallions

    thinly sliced, plus more for garnish

    3
  • baby bok choy

    halved lengthwise, about 3 inches long

    8 heads
  • fresh linguine or 12 ounces dried linguine
    1 lb

Directions

  1. 1

    Make the sesame sauce Whisk together chicken stock and sesame paste in a medium bowl until smooth. Whisk in soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, and cinnamon.

  2. 2

    Heat oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium. Add sesame paste mixture. Bring to a simmer, stirring often. Simmer, stirring constantly, until mixture is smooth and thickened, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer sesame sauce to a large bowl; stir in peanuts. Wash and dry wok or skillet.

  3. 3

    Make the spiced pork Stir together pork, cornstarch, Shaoxing wine, Worcestershire sauce, and 1/4 cup soy sauce in a medium bowl until well combined.

  4. 4

    Heat oil in a wok or large nonstick skillet over medium-high. Add onion and garlic; cook, stirring often, until softened, 4 to 6 minutes. Add pork mixture; cook, stirring constantly to crumble into small pieces, until browned, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in tomatoes, stock, sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, cinnamon, and remaining 2 tablespoons soy sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low; simmer, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until liquid is mostly reduced, 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat, and stir in scallions.

  5. 5

    Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high. Fill a large bowl with ice water; set aside. Cook bok choy until bright green and tender, 1 to 2 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer bok choy to bowl of ice water to cool for 2 minutes; drain well, and set aside. Return pot of water to a boil over medium-high. Cook linguine according to package directions for al dente. Drain well.

  6. 6

    Add hot linguine to bowl with sesame sauce; toss until well coated. Divide linguine evenly among serving bowls. Top with evenly divided spiced pork and bok choy. Garnish with peanuts and scallions. Serve immediately.

    Step 6
Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles

70 min8 servings536 cal

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About this Recipe

Craving a deeply flavorful, nutty noodle dish that feels special but comes together without fuss? This Dan Dan Noodles recipe delivers on all fronts, bringing a beloved dinner right to your table with its rich, savory profile.

This version of Dan Dan Noodles streamlines the classic, featuring easy-to-find linguine noodles as a comforting base. The star is a creamy sesame sauce, perfectly complemented by a robust ground pork topping, seasoned generously with Shaoxing wine and warming Chinese five-spice powder. It's a combination designed for maximum flavor impact.

You'll experience a symphony of textures and tastes with these Dan Dan Noodles. Imagine tender linguine coated in a creamy, savory sesame paste sauce, beautifully balanced by the sweet and tangy notes from soy sauce and balsamic vinegar. The hearty ground pork mixture, infused with aromatic garlic, onion, and a hint of cinnamon, offers a satisfying counterpoint. Fresh scallions and crisp baby bok choy add brightness and a touch of freshness, while finely chopped peanuts contribute a delightful crunch, making each bite an adventure.

Customization & Variations

Feel free to adjust the ground pork for a leaner option like ground chicken or turkey. For a vegetarian twist, sauté firm tofu or mushrooms with similar seasonings. If Shaoxing wine is unavailable, a dry sherry can be a suitable substitute. Don't have cassia cinnamon? Standard ground cinnamon works perfectly.

These Dan Dan Noodles make a fantastic hearty dinner, perfect for a family meal or when you're looking to impress guests. Garnish generously with extra chopped peanuts and fresh scallions for an appealing presentation.

Frequently Asked Questions