My Chinese friend showed me this recipe, and we've been addicted to it since!

Dan Dan Noodles is a delicious and flavorful dish that hails from the Sichuan region of China. It's a perfect balance of spicy, savory, and slightly tangy flavors, all coming together in a warm, comforting bowl of noodles. I love making this dish because it's not only incredibly satisfying, but it also brings a touch of authentic Chinese cuisine right into my Midwest kitchen. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner that's easy to whip up or trying to impress friends with your culinary skills, Dan Dan Noodles is a go-to dish that's sure to please.

Dan Dan Noodles is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides. I often like to serve it with steamed or stir-fried vegetables like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli to add a healthy, crunchy contrast. A simple cucumber salad with a light sesame dressing also makes a refreshing accompaniment. If you're really feeling the Sichuan vibes, try serving it with some spicy pickled vegetables or dumplings on the side for a more elaborate meal.

Servings: 4

8 ounces spaghetti or Chinese wheat noodles
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/2 pound ground pork
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, minced
2 green onions, chopped
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons Chinese black vinegar or rice vinegar
2 tablespoons spicy chili oil
1 tablespoon tahini or Chinese sesame paste
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup chopped peanuts
Handful of fresh cilantro, chopped

Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.

In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground pork and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.

Add the garlic, ginger, and green onions to the skillet and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, black vinegar, chili oil, tahini, sugar, and chicken broth.

Pour the sauce into the skillet with the pork mixture. Bring to a simmer and let it cook for a couple of minutes until slightly thickened.

Toss the cooked noodles in the skillet with the sauce, ensuring they are well coated.

Serve the noodles in bowls, topped with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro.

You can easily swap out the ground pork for ground chicken, beef, or even tofu if you prefer a vegetarian option. For a milder version, reduce the amount of chili oil or use a sweet chili sauce instead. Feel free to add more vegetables directly into the noodles, like shredded carrots or bell peppers, to make it a more balanced meal. And if you’re short on time, prepping the sauce ingredients ahead of time can make this dish come together in just minutes!