Ingredients

1/2 tablespoon szechuan peppercorns
1 1/2 tablespoons peanut oil
1 teaspoon peanut oil , extra
8 ounces ground pork
2 cups chicken stock
1/2 cup japanese pickled radishes , diced
4 tablespoons soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons black vinegar
1 tablespoon minced garlic
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 teaspoon chili oil
1/4 teaspoon white pepper
1 lb udon noodles or 1 lb fresh wheat noodles ( 500gm )
4 spring onions , finely sliced , for garnish
Dan Dan Mian, also known as Szechuan noodles, is a spicy and comforting Chinese dish that has gained popularity around the world. The dish is named after the long bamboo poles that street vendors in Sichuan would carry on their shoulders with baskets of noodles and sauce attached to each end. The noodles are typically served in a spicy soup made from ground pork, soy sauce, black vinegar, garlic, and spicy szechuan peppercorns. It's a quick and easy meal that is perfect for cold winter nights or when you need a quick, comforting dinner. The dish is traditionally served with wheat noodles, but can be made with any type of noodle.

Instructions

1.In a dry non-stick pan, lightly toast the szechuan peppercorns until fragrant and set aside to cool.
2.Once cooled, grind the peppercorns in a blender or coffee grinder until fine.
3.In a wok or large pan over medium-high heat, add 1 1/2 tablespoons of peanut oil and heat until shimmering.
4.Add in the ground pork and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon.
5.Add in the diced pickled radishes, soy sauce, black vinegar, garlic, sesame oil, chili oil, ground szechuan peppercorns, and white pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6.Pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and let simmer for 15-20 minutes.
7.While the soup is simmering, cook the udon noodles according to the package instructions.
8.Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water.
9.In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon of peanut oil with a pinch of ground szechuan peppercorns.
10.Serve the noodles in bowls, topped with the spicy soup and garnished with the sliced spring onions and the peanut oil-szechuan peppercorn mixture.

PROS

Dan Dan Mian is a comforting and flavorful dish that packs a spicy punch.
It’s easy to make and perfect for quick weeknight dinners.

CONS

The dish is on the spicier side, so it might not be suitable for those who don’t enjoy spicy food.

HEALTH & BENEFITS

Udon noodles are a great source of complex carbohydrates and are low in fat and calories. The pork in this recipe is a source of protein, while the szechuan peppercorns and black vinegar help aid digestion. Additionally, garlic has been linked to promoting heart health and reducing inflammation.

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