DANDAN NOODLES RECIPES

Steps:

• Bring a large pan of water to the boil. Heat the sesame oil in a wok or large frying pan. Once really hot and almost smoking, throw in the garlic, ginger and crushed Sichuan peppercorns. Cook, stirring, for 30 secs. Add the mince and stir, breaking it up as you do. Cook the mince over a high heat for 10-12 mins until all the liquid has evaporated and it’s becoming crisp here and there – don’t worry if it sticks to the wok a little, just keep stirring.
• Meanwhile, cook the noodles in the boiling water following pack instructions, adding the pak choi for the final 2 mins. Drain, reserving the cooking water, then run under cold water to stop the noodles sticking.
• To make a sauce, combine the peanut butter, chilli bean sauce, 3 tbsp of the soy sauce and 2 tbsp of the Shaohsing in a small pan. Add 300ml of the reserved cooking water, bring to a simmer and reduce for 5 mins. Once the mince is cooked, stir through the remaining soy sauce and Shaohsing. Pour the sauce into 4 shallow bowls, top with the noodles and pak choi, then spoon over the mince. Scatter over the peanuts, spring onions, coriander, and more crushed Sichuan peppercorns for an extra kick.

Steps:

• Make chili oil: Fit a small saucepan with a candy thermometer. Add vegetable oil and Sichuan peppercorns and heat to 325°. Turn off heat and add red pepper flakes, sesame seeds, and five-spice powder. Let oil cool completely. Make pork: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat vegetable oil. Add pork, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon. Cook until meat is deeply golden and crispy, then add hoisin sauce, vinegar, and soy sauce. Cook until all liquid has evaporated. Make sauce: In a large bowl, whisk to combine all ingredients. Cook noodles according to package instructions and add to bowl with the sauce, tossing to coat noodles in the sauce. Divide noodles between serving dishes and top each with pork. Garnish with cilantro, toasted peanuts, and green onions, and drizzle with more chili oil, if desired.