Spicy Pork Dan Dan Noodles with Crunchy Bok Choy
Delight your taste buds with these Spicy Pork Dan Dan Noodles, a beloved dish featuring tender noodles coated in a rich and aromatic soy-based sauce. Originating from the vibrant culinary scene of Sichuan cuisine, these noodles are celebrated for their bold flavors and satisfying textures. The ground pork, enhanced with Asian spices and complemented by fresh baby bok choy, brings a satisfying umami to every bite. This summer favorite not only provides a spicy kick that helps cool the body but also delivers a delightful mix of textures, from chewy noodles to crunchy pickled mustard greens. Perfect for sharing or savoring solo, this dish is sure to become a household favorite. Serve it alongside a chilled beverage and enjoy a taste of authentic Chinese cuisine!
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Soy Sauce
3 tablespoons
Brandy or Whiskey
1 tablespoon
Hoisin Sauce
1 teaspoon
Cornstarch
1 teaspoon
Ground Pork
1/4 pound
Asian Sesame Paste
1 tablespoon
Balsamic Vinegar
1 teaspoon
Chili Oil
1 tablespoon
Sesame Oil
1 teaspoon
Garlic Clove, minced
1
Chicken Stock or Low Sodium Chicken Broth
1 cup
Vegetable Oil
1 tablespoon
Baby Bok Choy, quartered
4 heads (quartered lengthwise)
Fresh Linguine or Spaghetti
1/2 pound
Minced Chinese Pickled Mustard Greens
2 tablespoons (optional)
Scallions, minced (white parts only)
2
Instructions
1
Begin by bringing a large saucepan of water to a rolling boil. In a small mixing bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, brandy (or whiskey), hoisin sauce, and cornstarch. Whisk together thoroughly and then add the mixture to the ground pork, mixing well to ensure the meat is evenly seasoned.
2
In another small bowl, whisk together the sesame paste, balsamic vinegar, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce until well blended and smooth. Set this sauce mixture aside.
3
In a small saucepan, heat the chili oil and sesame oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Pour in the sesame paste mixture, allow it to simmer for about 1 minute, then add the chicken stock, stirring occasionally. Let this simmer over low heat until it reduces slightly, approximately 3 minutes.
4
In a small skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned ground pork mixture and cook, breaking the meat apart with a spatula, until fully cooked through and browned, about 3-4 minutes. Once cooked, cover the skillet and set it aside.
5
As the sauce simmers and the pork cooks, prepare the bok choy. Add the quartered bok choy to the boiling water and cook for just 10 seconds, or until bright green. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bok choy to four small serving bowls.
6
Next, cook the fresh linguine (or spaghetti) in the same boiling water until al dente, which should take around 3 minutes. Drain the noodles well and transfer them to the bowls alongside the bok choy.
7
Artfully pour the sauce over the noodles and top with the cooked ground pork. For a finishing touch, garnish with minced pickled mustard greens and scallions. Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
Nutrition Information
8.75
Fat
20
Carbs
7.5
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of Dan Dan Noodles?
Dan Dan Noodles are a celebrated dish originating from the vibrant culinary scene of Sichuan cuisine, known for its bold flavors and aromatic spices.
What type of noodles should I use for this recipe?
You can use fresh linguine or spaghetti for this recipe to achieve the desired chewy texture.
How long does it take to cook the baby bok choy?
The quartered baby bok choy should be boiled for just 10 seconds until it turns bright green to maintain its crunch.
What is the main protein in these Dan Dan noodles?
The main protein is ground pork, which is seasoned with soy sauce, hoisin, and brandy before browning.
Can I substitute the brandy in the recipe?
Yes, you can use whiskey as a substitute for brandy when seasoning the ground pork.
What makes these noodles spicy?
The spiciness comes from a combination of chili oil and the traditional Sichuan-style sauce ingredients.
How many calories are in a serving?
Each serving contains approximately 200 calories.
What is the purpose of cornstarch in the pork mixture?
Cornstarch is mixed with the pork and sauces to help bind the seasoning and ensure a tender texture when cooked.
What kind of vinegar is used in the sauce?
Balsamic vinegar is used in the sauce mixture to add a touch of acidity and depth.
Are there any optional ingredients for garnishing?
Yes, minced Chinese pickled mustard greens are an optional garnish that adds a crunchy texture and salty flavor.
How do I prepare the sauce?
Whisk together sesame paste, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce, then simmer it with heated chili oil, sesame oil, garlic, and chicken stock.
What is the fat content of this dish?
The dish contains 8.75 grams of fat per serving.
How much protein is provided per serving?
There are 7.5 grams of protein in each serving of these noodles.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
This dish contains 20 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How should the scallions be prepared?
You should use two scallions, minced, using only the white parts for the final garnish.
Can I use chicken broth instead of stock?
Yes, low sodium chicken broth is a perfectly acceptable substitute for chicken stock in the sauce.
How long do I cook the fresh noodles?
Fresh linguine or spaghetti should be cooked in boiling water until al dente, which typically takes about 3 minutes.
How do I cook the ground pork?
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the pork for 3-4 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula until browned.
What is Asian sesame paste?
It is a thick paste made from toasted sesame seeds, providing a rich, nutty foundation for the Dan Dan sauce.
How should I assemble the dish?
Place the noodles and bok choy in bowls, pour the sauce over the noodles, top with cooked pork, and finish with garnishes.
Why is this considered a summer dish?
The spicy kick of the noodles is often enjoyed in summer as it is believed to help cool the body through perspiration.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe calls for a total of 16 ingredients, including seasonings and garnishes.
What is the texture of the finished noodles?
The dish features a mix of textures: chewy noodles, crunchy bok choy, and tender browned pork.
Should the garlic be sautéed for long?
No, sauté the minced garlic for only about 30 seconds until fragrant to prevent it from burning.
Is hoisin sauce required?
Yes, one teaspoon of hoisin sauce is used to season the ground pork for a touch of sweetness and umami.
How much soy sauce is used in total?
A total of 3 tablespoons of soy sauce is used: 1 for the pork seasoning and 2 for the sauce mixture.
What kind of oil is used to sauté the pork?
Vegetable oil is used to cook the ground pork in a small skillet.
How do I prep the bok choy?
The 4 heads of baby bok choy should be quartered lengthwise before blanching.
Can I serve this dish cold?
While it can be served immediately while warm, it is often enjoyed alongside a chilled beverage.
How long should the sauce simmer?
The sauce should simmer for approximately 3 minutes over low heat until it reduces slightly.