Easy 20-min. Dan Dan Noodles

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• 1 lb fresh wheat noodles (thick kind)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 lb fresh wheat noodles (thick kind)
• 1/2 lb ground pork (extra-lean)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/2 lb ground pork (extra-lean)
• 1 each green onion (finely chopped for garnish)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 green onion (finely chopped for garnish)
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 tbsp vegetable oil (or any neutral oil)
• 2 tbsp Chinese sesame paste
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 tbsp Chinese sesame paste
• 3 tbsp Chinese chili oil ()
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2-3 tbsp Chinese chili oil (); upper source range endpoint used for shopping.
• 3/4 tbsp dark soy sauce
  Ingredient note

  Source: 3/4 tbsp dark soy sauce
• 1/2 tbsp + 2 tsp regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/2 tbsp regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce); Source: 2 tsp regular soy sauce (or light soy sauce)
• 2 tsp + 1/2 tsp white granulated sugar
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 tsp white granulated sugar; Source: 1/2 tsp white granulated sugar
• 2 tsp Chinese black vinegar (*not in recipe video, recently added*)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 tsp Chinese black vinegar (*not in recipe video, recently added*)
• 2 each garlic cloves (minced)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder
• 1 tsp sesame seeds (toasted kind)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 tsp sesame seeds (toasted kind)
• 1/4 tsp chicken bouillon powder
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/4 tsp chicken bouillon powder
• 1 tsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 tsp Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• 1/2 tsp Chinese Five Spice
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/2 tsp Chinese Five Spice
• 1/8 tsp white pepper
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/8 tsp white pepper

1. Mix the listed seasoning ingredients into the ground pork. Set it aside to marinate.
2. Whisk the listed noodle sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Pour the mixture into the bottom of a large serving bowl and set aside.
3. Heat a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork, breaking it into small pieces as it cooks. Once the fat renders and the edges turn brown and crispy, remove from heat and keep warm.
4. Bring a medium pot of water to a boil over high heat. Cook the noodles on medium-low for 1 minute less than the package directions or until al dente. Scoop out 1/2 cup (125 ml) of starchy cooking water. Drain the remaining water.
5. Place the noodles directly over the sauce in the serving bowl. Pour in the reserved noodle cooking water.
6. Top the noodles with the cooked pork and garnish with green onions. Toss everything together until evenly coated and serve immediately.