Dan Dan Noodles are one of the most iconic dishes from Sichuan cuisine, famous for their irresistible balance of spicy, savory, nutty, and slightly sweet flavors. Traditionally sold by street vendors who carried noodles on poles (“dan dan”), this dish has evolved into a global favorite. What makes Dan Dan Noodles truly addictive is the creamy sesame base combined with chili oil heat, umami-rich soy sauce, aromatic garlic and ginger, and savory ground meat, all clinging to perfectly cooked noodles. This version is rich, comforting, and packed with flavor, yet easy enough to make at home.
Ingredients
For the noodles and sauce
- 8 oz dried Chinese noodles or spaghetti noodles
- 2 tbsp tahini (sesame paste)
- 1 tbsp chili oil, plus more to taste
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp sugar
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
For the meat topping
- 8 oz ground beef
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp grated fresh ginger
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced (white and green parts separated)
For serving
- Extra chili oil
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions until just tender. Drain well and set aside, reserving a small amount of the cooking water if needed later.
In a bowl, prepare the sauce by whisking together tahini, chili oil, soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sugar, and chicken broth. Mix until smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the spice, saltiness, or sweetness to your preference.
Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Add 1 tablespoon soy sauce and stir to coat the beef evenly.
Add the prepared sauce to the pan with the beef and stir gently. Let it simmer for 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of reserved noodle water or extra chicken broth to loosen it.
Add the cooked noodles directly into the sauce and toss until every strand is well coated. Cook for another 30 seconds to allow the noodles to absorb the sauce.
Serving Method
Divide the noodles into bowls. Spoon extra sauce and beef over the top if needed. Finish with sliced green onion greens and a generous drizzle of chili oil. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.
Tips for Maximum Flavor
- Use high-quality chili oil for the best aroma and heat.
- Tahini can be replaced with Chinese sesame paste for a more authentic flavor.
- Don’t overcook the noodles; they should be springy, not soft.
- Let the sauce simmer briefly with the beef to deepen the flavor.
Variations
- Substitute ground pork or chicken for beef.
- Add sautéed mushrooms or bok choy for extra texture and nutrition.
- Increase chili oil or add Sichuan peppercorns for a numbing, authentic kick.
- Make it vegetarian by replacing beef with crumbled tofu or plant-based mince and using vegetable broth.
Nutritional Highlights
Dan Dan Noodles provide a satisfying balance of protein from the beef, energy from noodles, and healthy fats from sesame paste and chili oil. Garlic and ginger add digestive and anti-inflammatory benefits, while sesame contributes calcium and antioxidants.
Conclusion
This Addictive Dan Dan Noodles recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home with minimal effort. Creamy, spicy, savory, and deeply comforting, it’s the kind of dish you’ll crave again and again. Perfect for weeknight dinners, late-night cravings, or impressing anyone who loves bold Asian flavors, these noodles truly live up to their name.