### Dan Dan Noodles Recipe

**Description:**
Savor the bold flavors of Dan Dan Noodles, a classic Sichuan dish featuring tender noodles tossed in a spicy, savory sauce made with ground pork, aromatic spices, and garnished with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a flavorful meal to impress your guests!

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**Ingredients:**
– 8 oz. fresh or dried Chinese wheat noodles
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1/2 pound ground pork (or chicken, if preferred)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
– 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
– 2 tablespoons doubanjiang (spicy bean paste)
– 2 tablespoons soy sauce
– 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
– 1 tablespoon sesame oil
– 1 tablespoon chili oil (adjust to taste)
– 1/4 cup chicken broth (or water)
– 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)
– 1/4 cup crushed peanuts (for garnish)
– Fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)

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**Instructions:**

1. **Boil Water**: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil, adding a generous pinch of salt.

2. **Cook the Noodles**: Add the Chinese wheat noodles to the boiling water. Fresh noodles take about 2-3 minutes, while dried noodles take 5-7 minutes. Stir occasionally.

3. **Drain and Rinse**: Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.

4. **Heat the Oil**: In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat until hot but not smoking.

5. **Cook the Pork**: Add ground pork, breaking it into small pieces. Cook for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through.

6. **Add Aromatics**: Stir in minced garlic and ginger, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

7. **Incorporate Sichuan Peppercorns**: Add Sichuan peppercorns and cook for 1 minute to infuse the oil.

8. **Add Doubanjiang**: Stir in doubanjiang and cook for another 1-2 minutes.

9. **Season the Mixture**: Pour in soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and chili oil. Stir to combine.

10. **Add Liquid**: Pour in chicken broth (or water) and bring to a gentle simmer for 3-5 minutes.

11. **Add Noodles to Sauce**: Add drained noodles to the skillet and toss to coat in the sauce.

12. **Adjust Consistency**: If the sauce is too thick, add more chicken broth or water to reach desired consistency.

13. **Plate the Noodles**: Twirl a portion of noodles onto each serving plate.

14. **Add Garnishes**: Top with chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, and fresh cilantro if desired.

15. **Final Touch**: Drizzle extra chili oil on top for added spice, if desired.

16. **Serve Immediately**: Enjoy the Dan Dan noodles hot!

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**Notes:**
– Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your spice preference.
– For a vegetarian version, substitute ground pork with mushrooms or tofu.
– Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

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**Prep Time:** 15 minutes
**Cook Time:** 20 minutes
**Total Time:** 35 minutes
**Yield:** 2-3 servings