How To Make Spicy Dan Dan Noodles

Simone Tong of Little Tong Noodle Shop in NYC makes Mala Dan Dan Mixian, a traditional ground pork noodle dish that features tingling, spicy Sichuan peppercorn. Simone adds her twist to this recipe by serving it with rice noodles and adding pickled yellow mustard seeds.

Simone starts by pickling mustard seeds and celery, then chops and dresses peanuts, which provide different textures for the dish. While the rice noodles cook in boiling water, she starts on the soul of the dish: the dan dan. Simone heats up oil in a pan and adds ground pork, breaking it into small pieces, and mixes in Shaoxing wine (Chinese cooking wine), Pixian doubanjiang (fermented fava bean paste), and chili powder. She drains the noodles and continues to flavor the dan dan mixture, adding Sichuan peppercorn, sugar, white pepper, Lao Gan Ma (Chinese chili crisp), oyster sauce, dark soy sauce, and zha cai (pickled mustard plant stem). Simone finishes the dish with scallions, ginger, and garlic, and layers the dan dan mixture over the rice noodles. Finally, she tops the dish with pickled mustard seed, pickled celery, chopped peanuts, pea shoot tendrils, and chili oil.

Hungry? Sign up here for the MUNCHIES Recipes newsletter.

Follow Munchies here:

[cybrjstr]

I am VERY impressed on how she taught the skill, covered the recipe, discussed the history, and explored the cross techniques between other cooking regions and bases.

It doesn't matter what she cooked. It was a great presentation. Thanks Munchies.

[kevinchen]

She is amazing. We need more of Simone.

[Zoe-iddp]

i love her character and vibe! she’s def meant to teach cooking

[sophielaurenti]

I like this chef! She was fun to watch.

[xXrtXx]

"OMG, CHEF, LET ME WORK FOR YOU!"
No.
"Alright. LET ME WORK FOR YOU FOR FREE"
Yes.

[ObsessedPersonality]

"sometimes smaller peanuts give you different sensation than bigger peanuts..." I laughed

[forget]

Simone is a dear and gave me some of her time to talk about her delicious innovative cooking when I was at Little Tong Noodle Shop. I will definitely be trying out this version of Dan Dan noodles, and will be going back to her restaurant the next time I'm in New York City. Don't miss her $1 dumplings special!

[jamesheng]

“Or you can play two songs”

Approve

[Browerchick]

I am so in love with this woman. Her take on how and when to deviate from traditional recipes melted my heart.

[gotbjosh]

Simone is fun. Additional content with her when possible.

[pluviae]

Oh my gosh I can watch her all day. She explains things so well.

[PaulHo]

Wow, she's freaking great! Love her casual humor and relatability, I want her to be my sister.

[haolegirlfromcali]

“Once I know how to do it, add my own spice, and touch and sexiness to it.”

girl!!!

[darkdragon]

she is obviously very skilled and knowledgeable about the food, the best chefs to watch. have her on more!

[dareenwang]

“Respect the tradition but also put my own sexiness to it”

[pascalculate]

She knows how to deal with the tradition thingy. Mad respect

[valentinesvids]

Really enjoyed this chef Simone Tong style and explanation of everything. Very calm, strong and some laughs. Thank you for the recipe!

[donttouchthisatall]

Life is good when the food is good - words to live by. Thank you.

[joetierney]

I’m on board the Simone train. More Simone please!

[Littlestraincloud]

Simone is an awesome host. More videos with her please.