Dan Dan Noodles

Warren Mendez

Ingredients:

  • 2 tbsp peanut or sunflower oil
  • 500g beef mince (not lean) 
  • 1 bunch spring onions
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted in a dry pan 
  • 100ml kecap manis (sweet soy sauce)
  • 1 tbsp black rice vinegar or other vinegar
  • ½ cup smooth natural peanut butter
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 400g wheat noodles 
  • Crispy chilli oil condiment or sambal oelek to drizzle
  • Lime wedges to serve

Method:

  1. Heat 2 tbsp oil in the frypan or wok.
  2. Thinly slice the spring onion – the white and light green parts – and add to the pan with the mince.
  3. Cook, stirring, for 6-7 minutes or until well browned. Meanwhile, grind the Sichuan peppercorns using a mortar and pestle. Reserve half of the ground peppercorns then add remaining to the pan with the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the kecap manis and vinegar and cook until sticky and well caremalised. Remove from the heat. 
  4. For the peanut sauce, combine the peanut butter, soy sauce and remaining Sichuan with 1 cup water in a bowl, stir until smooth, and set aside.
  5. Prepare noodles according to packet directions. Drain. 
  6. Divide the peanut sauce between four serving bowls. Top with cooked noodles and then the beef mixture. Slice the dark green of the remaining spring onion tops and sprinkle over. Drizzle with chilli oil and lime. Toss the mixture together and enjoy!