Dan Dan Noodles from P.F. Chang's feature tender wheat noodles tossed in a spicy, savory sauce made with Sichuan peppercorns, minced pork, garlic, and chili oil, topped with chopped peanuts and fresh scallions, delivering a bold and aromatic flavor with a satisfying mix of textures.
Equipments
- Large pot
- Colander or strainer
- Wok or large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Mixing bowl
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Garlic press (optional)
- Small bowl (for sauce mixing)
- Ladle or large spoon
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) wheat noodles
- 1/2 lb (225g) ground pork
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons Sichuan peppercorns
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 teaspoons minced ginger
- 2 tablespoons chili oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon Chinese black vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame paste or tahini
- 1 tablespoon hoisin sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons chicken broth or water
- 1/4 cup chopped peanuts
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- Salt, to taste
Certain ingredients like Sichuan peppercorns and Chinese black vinegar are essential to achieve the authentic bold, spicy, and tangy flavor unique to Dan Dan Noodles. You can substitute sesame paste with tahini if necessary but ensure it is smooth and creamy to maintain the dish's rich texture. Minced garlic, ginger, and chili oil contribute significantly to the dish's aromatic profile, so avoid reducing their quantities for a balanced heat and flavor. Ground pork should be fresh and finely minced to blend perfectly with the sauce and noodles. This Dan Dan Noodles recipe from P.F. Chang's copycat menu offers a satisfying combination of spicy, savory, and nutty flavors topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh scallions.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cook wheat noodles in a large pot of boiling water; drain using a colander and set aside.
- Toast Sichuan peppercorns in a dry wok/skillet until fragrant; grind in a small bowl and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in the wok/skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground pork; cook until browned and cooked through, breaking apart with a wooden spoon.
- Add minced garlic and ginger; stir-fry until fragrant.
- Stir in chili oil and ground Sichuan peppercorns.
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame paste/tahini, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chicken broth/water.
- Pour sauce mixture into the wok/skillet; stir well to combine.
- Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked noodles to the wok/skillet; toss thoroughly to coat with sauce.
- Season with salt to taste.
- Transfer noodles to serving bowls.
- Top with chopped peanuts and sliced scallions.
- Serve immediately.
Substitution
Dan Dan Noodles from P.F. Chang's copycat menu capture the essence of spicy Sichuan cuisine with tender wheat noodles coated in a rich sauce featuring Sichuan peppercorns and chili oil. If you cannot find Sichuan peppercorns, substitute with a combination of black pepper and a pinch of ground Szechuan-style spice blend to mimic the numbing heat. Ground turkey or chicken can replace pork to accommodate dietary preferences without sacrificing texture. When sesame paste is unavailable, tahini serves as an excellent substitute, preserving the creamy nuttiness in the sauce. Your dish will balance perfectly with a touch of sweetness from sugar and acidity from Chinese black vinegar, so adjust those to taste for the best flavor.
Tips
Make sure to cook the wheat noodles just until tender but still firm to avoid mushy texture when mixed with the sauce. Toasting and grinding Sichuan peppercorns fresh enhances the authentic aroma and spiciness critical to the dish's bold flavor profile. When browning ground pork, break it apart thoroughly with a wooden spoon to ensure even cooking and avoid clumps. Your careful seasoning with salt at the end balances the complex flavors from soy sauce, black vinegar, and sesame paste, so taste before adding more.
Nutritions
Dan Dan Noodles from P.F. Chang's provide a balanced mix of macronutrients, with wheat noodles supplying carbohydrates for energy and ground pork delivering high-quality protein essential for muscle repair. The sesame paste and peanuts add healthy fats, including monounsaturated fats and a modest amount of fiber, while chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns contribute antioxidants with anti-inflammatory benefits. This dish offers important micronutrients such as iron, zinc, and B vitamins from pork, along with vitamin C and phytochemicals from fresh scallions. Your meal combines flavorful spices and nutrient-dense ingredients that support a well-rounded diet.
Storage
Store leftover Dan Dan Noodles in an airtight container to maintain freshness and prevent the noodles from drying out. Refrigerate the container promptly and consume within 2-3 days to enjoy optimal flavor and texture. When reheating, gently warm the noodles in a skillet or microwave to avoid overcooking your wheat noodles and pork mixture.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute ground turkey or chicken in place of ground pork for a leaner protein option. For a vegetarian variation, replace the meat with sauteed mushrooms or tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth. If Sichuan peppercorns are unavailable, consider using a mix of black pepper and a small amount of ground star anise to mimic the characteristic numbing flavor. Adjust the level of spiciness by modifying the amount of chili oil or adding fresh chilies based on your personal preference.
Allergies
Dan Dan Noodles from P.F. Chang's contain common allergens including wheat in the noodles and soy in soy sauce and hoisin sauce, which may trigger reactions in individuals with gluten or soy allergies. The dish also includes peanuts, a known allergen that can cause severe reactions for those with nut allergies. If you have any allergies to these ingredients, it's important to avoid this dish or consult with the restaurant for possible modifications.
Why this recipe?
Dan Dan Noodles at P.F. Chang's feature a perfect balance of spicy Szechuan peppercorns, savory ground pork, and chewy noodles that create a rich, authentic flavor profile. The dish's bold combination of chili oil, garlic, and tangy soy sauce delivers a unique, mouthwatering taste that appeals to fans of Asian cuisine. Making a copycat version allows you to customize the heat level and ingredients while enjoying the fresh, homemade experience. Your culinary skills will impress others by replicating this popular, restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen.