Name: Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
Ingredients: 2 tbsp Chinese sesame paste (substitute tahini); 1.5 tbsp Chinese chili paste in oil (adjust spiciness as desired); 4 tbsp light soy sauce; 2 garlic cloves, minced; 3 tsp white sugar; 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice powder; 1 tsp Sichuan pepper powder (preferably freshly ground); 3 tbsp (or more) chili oil (preferably Chinese style); 3/4 cup (185ml) hot low-sodium chicken broth/stock; 2 tsp hoisin sauce; 1 tsp dark soy sauce; 1 tbsp Chinese cooking wine (substitute 2 tbsp extra chicken stock if unavailable); 1 tbsp vegetable oil; 250g (8oz) pork mince (ground pork); 1 tsp vegetable oil; 30g (1/4 cup) Sui Mi Ya Cai (preserved mustard greens), finely chopped; 16 choy sum stems, cut into 15cm pieces; 2 green onions, finely sliced; 500g (1lb) fresh white noodles, medium thickness; 1 tbsp peanuts, finely chopped (optional)

If you’re craving something bold, flavorful, and downright addictive, you’ve got to try this Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork Recipe. It’s like a flavor explosion in your mouth, combining spicy, savory, and nutty notes all in one bowl. When I first made this at home, I couldn’t believe how restaurant-quality it tasted with simple, accessible ingredients. Stick with me, and I’ll share exactly how to nail it so you can impress your family and friends (or just treat yourself!).

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic flavors at home: You’ll get that classic Sichuan spicy and numbing taste without hunting for hard-to-find ingredients.
Quick but impressive: This recipe comes together in about 30 minutes but tastes like hours of slow cooking.
Customizable spice level: I’ll show you how to adjust the chili oil and paste so it suits your heat tolerance perfectly.
Great for any occasion: From a weeknight dinner to a casual dinner party, this recipe always earns compliments.

A white bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom, thick, white noodles partially covered with a red oily sauce; in the middle, a generous layer of browned minced meat topped with chopped green onions and crushed peanuts; and on the top, fresh green leafy vegetables arranged on one side. A pair of wooden chopsticks held by a woman's hand is lifting some noodles, showing their texture and sauce coating. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with scattered green onion pieces and crushed peanuts nearby. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork, Dan Dan Noodles, Chinese spicy noodles, Pork noodle stir-fry, Easy Sichuan noodle recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork comes from a balance of spicy, nutty, savory, and even slightly sweet elements. I always find that having good quality Chinese sesame paste and fresh Sichuan pepper powder can elevate the dish immensely. And don’t skip the preserved mustard greens; they add an earthy tang that’s just perfect!

Flat lay of a small white ceramic bowl of creamy Chinese sesame paste, a small white bowl of vibrant red Chinese chili paste in oil, a small white bowl of dark light soy sauce, two whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white bowl of fine white sugar, a small white bowl of Chinese five spice powder, a small white bowl of ground Sichuan pepper powder, a small white bowl of bright red chili oil, a small white bowl of golden chicken broth, a small white bowl of glossy dark hoisin sauce, a small white bowl of dark soy sauce, a small white bowl of clear Chinese cooking wine, a small white bowl of vegetable oil, a neat pile of fresh pale pink ground pork mince, a small white bowl of finely chopped preserved mustard greens, a nest of fresh white medium-thickness noodles, several fresh green choy sum stems cut into 15cm pieces, two whole green onions finely sliced, and a small white bowl of finely chopped peanuts, all arranged symmetrically on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork, Dan Dan Noodles, Chinese spicy noodles, Pork noodle stir-fry, Easy Sichuan noodle recipe

Chinese sesame paste: This is the heart of the sauce—if you can’t find it, tahini is a decent substitute, but the flavor won’t be quite as rich.
Chinese chili paste in oil: Adjust this based on how much heat you want; I like to start mild and add more later.
Light soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami base; look for low sodium if possible to control saltiness.
Garlic cloves: Fresh minced garlic adds pungency and depth to the pork.
White sugar: Just a touch to balance the spice and salt.
Chinese five-spice powder: Adds warmth and complexity—don’t skip it!
Sichuan pepper powder: This is the signature numbing spice—freshly ground is best for optimum flavor.
Chili oil: I always use Chinese chili oil for its fragrance, but homemade works too.
Chicken broth/stock: Hot and low sodium helps create a rich sauce without overpowering saltiness.
Hoisin sauce: Adds a sweet and tangy layer of flavor.
Dark soy sauce: For color and subtle depth.
Chinese cooking wine: If you don’t have it, just add extra chicken stock.
Vegetable oil: For stir-frying the pork and veggies without overpowering flavors.
Pork mince: Ground pork is ideal here because it soaks up the sauce beautifully.
Sui Mi Ya Cai (preserved mustard greens): Finely chopped, these bring an authentic salty tang.
Fresh white noodles: Medium thickness works best; fresh noodles give a wonderful chew.
Choy sum stems: Adds a bright, crisp contrast to the spicy noodles.
Green onions: Finely sliced for freshness and a bit of snap.
Peanuts (optional): Finely chopped for crunch and an extra layer of nuttiness.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork Recipe is. Depending on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences, there are plenty of tweaks that work beautifully—so don’t hesitate to make it your own!

Protein swap: Sometimes I swap ground pork for ground chicken or turkey to lighten it up; it still soaks up the sauce and stays juicy.
Vegetarian version: Use tofu or finely chopped mushrooms in place of pork, and double-check your chili oil to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Extra veggies: Adding shredded carrots or baby spinach is an easy way to boost nutrition without messing with flavor.
Adjusting spice: If you like it mild, cut down on the chili paste and oil, or add a little honey to balance the heat.

How to Make Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Sauce and Aromatics

Start by mixing the Chinese sesame paste, chili paste, light soy sauce, garlic, white sugar, Chinese five-spice powder, Sichuan pepper powder, chili oil, hot chicken broth, hoisin sauce, dark soy sauce, and cooking wine in a bowl. Stir until smooth and set aside. This combination of bold flavors is what gives the dish its signature kick. Make sure the broth is hot—that helps the sesame paste loosen up and creates a silky sauce.

Step 2: Cook the Pork and Preserved Mustard Greens

Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the minced pork and cook, stirring frequently, until it starts to brown and break apart. Then stir in the chopped Sui Mi Ya Cai (preserved mustard greens). This step infuses the pork with that tangy, salty punch that contrasts perfectly with the spicy sauce. Cook everything for about 5-7 minutes until the pork is fully cooked and aromatic.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles and Choy Sum

Just before serving, cook your fresh white noodles in boiling water until al dente, about 3-4 minutes depending on thickness. In the final minute, add chopped choy sum stems to the boiling water to blanch until tender but still crisp. Drain both together. Hot noodles and veggies are essential here because you want to toss everything while piping hot for that fresh, bright flavor.

Step 4: Toss and Serve

Return the drained noodles and choy sum to the wok or a large mixing bowl. Pour the sauce over, add the pork mixture, and toss everything thoroughly so each noodle is coated with the spicy, nutty sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of finely sliced green onions and chopped peanuts if you like that extra crunch. Serve immediately while everything is warm and vibrant.

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Pro Tips for Making Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork Recipe

Fresh Sichuan pepper powder: I grind my own before cooking—it makes a huge difference to the numbing aroma.
Toast your sesame paste: For extra depth, lightly toast your sesame paste in a dry pan before mixing—just a quick 30 seconds.
Don’t overcook noodles: They’ll continue to soften when tossed with sauce, so aim for just al dente.
Prep sauces early: Mixing the sauce components ahead can reduce stress and ensure the flavors meld beautifully.

How to Serve Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork Recipe

The image shows a white bowl filled with three main layers: at the bottom, thick white noodles soaked in a reddish-brown sauce, in the middle, crumbled cooked meat with chopped green onions and crushed peanuts sprinkled on top, and on the side, bright green leafy vegetables placed neatly. A pair of dark wooden chopsticks is picking up some noodles from the bowl. Next to the bowl, there is a small white bowl with sliced green onions, and a light green towel is folded in the background. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork, Dan Dan Noodles, Chinese spicy noodles, Pork noodle stir-fry, Easy Sichuan noodle recipe

Garnishes

I always love finishing these noodles with a sprinkle of crushed peanuts and plenty of fresh green onions for contrast to the spicy richness. For a bit of freshness and color, sometimes I add a handful of chopped cilantro or a squeeze of lime juice—both brighten things up beautifully.

Side Dishes

We usually keep it simple with some steamed or stir-fried greens like bok choy or gai lan. A light cucumber salad or pickled vegetables also work exceptionally well to balance the heat and richness of the noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the noodles in individual bowls layered with the pork and garnishes artfully arranged on top. A drizzle of extra chili oil just before serving adds a glossy, mouthwatering finish that wows every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover pork mixture can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I usually keep the sauce separate and assemble fresh with freshly cooked noodles when reheating, so it doesn’t get soggy or lose its vibrancy.

Freezing

Freezing the pork topping is fine, but I don’t recommend freezing the noodles since their texture changes. Freeze pork in a freezer-safe container for up to a month, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the pork gently in a pan with a splash of broth to keep it moist. For the noodles, I recommend cooking fresh each time, but if you have leftovers, a quick dip in boiling water can revive them better than the microwave.

FAQs

Can I make Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork Recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari and check your chili oil for gluten-containing ingredients. You can also swap regular noodles for rice noodles to keep it fully gluten-free.
What if I can’t find Chinese sesame paste?

Chinese sesame paste is thicker and richer than tahini, but if it’s unavailable, tahini is the next best thing. To thicken it slightly, you can stir it over low heat for a minute or two before mixing.
How spicy is this Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork Recipe?

The spice level is adjustable! I typically start with 1.5 tablespoons of chili paste and 3 tablespoons of chili oil, but you can reduce or increase those amounts based on your heat preference.
Can I use dried noodles instead of fresh?

Yes, dried noodles work too; just cook according to package instructions until al dente. Fresh noodles tend to give a better, chewy texture, but dried noodles are a fine substitute.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Dan Dan Noodles with Pork Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a big comforting hug in a bowl—but with a spicy kick. I always get excited when I make it because it brings so much flavor without complicated steps. Give it a try and tweak it until it becomes your family’s favorite—trust me, they’ll be asking for seconds every time!