Dan Dan Noodles

Ingredients

• 400g fresh or dried Chinese wheat noodles
• 60ml sesame paste (tahini or Chinese brand)
• 30ml soy sauce
• 15ml Chinkiang vinegar
• 10ml chilli oil, quality Sichuan variety
• 8g sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 scallions, thinly sliced
• 30ml neutral oil
• 50g roasted peanuts, crushed
• 1 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder

Method

1. 1
   Cook noodles according to package instructions; drain and toss lightly with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
2. 2
   Whisk sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, chilli oil, sugar, and minced garlic in a bowl until smooth; adjust consistency with warm water if needed (sauce should coat a spoon).
3. 3
   Heat 30ml neutral oil in a small pan until wisping; pour over the sauce mixture to temper and bloom the aromatics.
4. 4
   Divide warm noodles among four bowls; ladle sauce evenly over each portion.
5. 5
   Garnish each bowl with crushed peanuts, sliced scallions, and a pinch of Sichuan peppercorn powder.
6. 6
   Toss thoroughly at the table before serving to fully coat noodles.
7. 7
   Serve at warm temperature, adjusting heat and acidity to taste with additional chilli oil or vinegar.