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Flavorful Dan Dan Noodles with Easy Chili Sesame Pork Ragu

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A quick and flavorful Dan Dan noodle bowl featuring a rich, spicy pork ragu with chili and sesame paste, perfect for weeknight dinners and noodle lovers.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground pork (lean or 80/20 blend)
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 2 tablespoons chili bean paste (Doubanjiang)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 2 tablespoons sesame paste or smooth tahini
  • 1/4 cup chicken broth or water
  • 12 oz fresh or dried Chinese wheat noodles (or spaghetti)
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • Fresh cilantro leaves (optional)
  • Chili oil, for drizzling

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, stirring until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Avoid burning.
  2. Add the ground pork, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink, aiming for small crumbles.
  3. Stir in 2 tablespoons of chili bean paste and cook for 1-2 minutes to toast and deepen flavor.
  4. Pour in soy sauce, dark soy sauce, black vinegar, and add 1 teaspoon sugar. Stir well. If too thick, add up to 1/4 cup chicken broth or water to loosen.
  5. Lower heat to medium and add sesame paste. Stir continuously until it melts into a creamy, thick ragu. Add water if sauce is too thick.
  6. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook noodles according to package instructions (4-6 minutes fresh, 8-10 minutes dried). Drain and rinse with cold water to stop cooking and prevent sticking.
  7. Divide noodles into serving bowls. Spoon generous amounts of chili sesame pork ragu over noodles. Drizzle with chili oil to taste.
  8. Garnish with sliced scallions, chopped peanuts, and fresh cilantro. Serve immediately.

Notes

Toast chili bean paste to deepen flavor. Adjust chili oil and paste to your spice tolerance. Rinse noodles after cooking to prevent over-softening. Sauce thickens as it cools; reheat gently with broth if needed. Substitute ground turkey or chicken for leaner protein. Vegetarian version possible with tofu or mushrooms. Use tamari for gluten-free soy sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dan Dan noodles, pork ragu, chili sesame sauce, spicy noodles, easy dinner, Chinese recipe, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://gleamgulp.com/flavorful-dan-dan-noodles-with-easy-chili-sesame-pork-ragu-recipe/