Sichuan-Style “Dan Dan” Noodles with Pickled Vegetables and Peanuts

2 min read

Called ―Dan Dan‖ (pole pole) noodles after the street vendors who used to carry them across their shoulders on bamboo poles, this popular dish is characterized by a liberal dose of roasted Sichuan peppercorns, which lend it a sharp, distinctive bite. This vegetarian version eschews the traditional pork, of course—Asian sesame paste, made from toasted sesame seeds, adds a rich depth of cholesterol-free flavor, instead. Sesame tahini or natural-style peanut butter can stand in for the sesame paste, if necessary. Any pickled vegetable—sauerkraut, cauliflower, carrots, peppers—can replace the pickled mustard greens, if desired.

MAKES 6 SERVINGS

1 to 11⁄2 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorns

1⁄4 cup low-sodium vegetable broth

3 tablespoons Asian sesame paste or sesame tahini

2 tablespoons reduced-sodium regular soy sauce

1 1⁄2 tablespoons black or plain rice vinegar

1 1⁄2 tablespoons toasted (dark) sesame oil

1 tablespoon dark soy sauce

1 to 2 teaspoons Chinese hot oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1⁄4 cup chopped pickled mustard greens, rinsed and drained

12 ounces egg-free Chinese noodles, other thin Asian pasta, or vermicelli, cooked according to package directions until al dente, drained

4 scallions, white and green parts, thinly sliced

1⁄3 cup chopped roasted peanuts

1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Heat a dry small heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-low heat. Add peppercorns and cook, stirring often, until lightly toasted and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes. Immediately remove from skillet and set aside to cool. Crush with a mortar and pestle, or with a rolling pin. Set aside.

In a large bowl, whisk together the broth, sesame paste, regular soy sauce, vinegar, sesame oil, dark soy sauce, hot oil, sugar, and reserved crushed peppercorns until thoroughly blended. Stir in the pickled mustard greens. Let stand about 15 minutes at room temperature to allow the flavors to blend, and stir again. Add the noodles, tossing until thoroughly coated. Add the scallions, peanuts, sesame seeds (if using), salt, and black pepper and toss well again. Serve warm or at room temperature.

{PER SERVING} Calories 357 • Protein 12g • Total Fat 13g • Sat Fat 2g • Cholesterol 0mg • Carbohydrate 49g • Dietary Fiber 3g • Sodium 346mg