Spicy Dan Dan Noodles

🔥 Prep

• Measure 350 g wheat noodles and set aside.
• Mince 4 cloves garlic.
• Peel and grate 1 inch fresh ginger.
• Slice 3 stalks scallion, separating white and green parts.
• Rinse 150 g bok choy, chop stems roughly and leaves.
• Chop 2 tbsp Sui Mi Ya Cai preserved green.
• Crush 2 tbsp roasted peanuts.
• Measure 3 tbsp Sichuan chili oil, 2 tbsp Chinese sesame paste, 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp brown sugar, 0.75 tsp Sichuan peppercorn powder, 0.5 tsp salt, 0.25 tsp black pepper.
• Have 250 g ground chicken ready.
• Measure 400 ml chicken broth.
• Have 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil ready.

🔥 Cook

• 1. Heat 1.5 tbsp vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
• 2. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and sliced white parts of scallions; stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant.
• 3. Add the ground chicken; break up and cook for 4-5 minutes until no longer pink, stirring occasionally.
• 4. Stir in the Sichuan chili oil, sesame paste, soy sauce, dark soy sauce, preserved green, brown sugar, Sichuan peppercorn powder, salt, and black pepper; mix for 1 minute.
• 5. Pour in the chicken broth; bring to a simmer over medium heat and cook for 2 minutes.
• 6. Meanwhile, cook the wheat noodles in boiling water according to package directions (usually 8-10 minutes) until al dente; drain and rinse briefly with hot water.
• 7. Blanch the bok choy in the same boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain.
• 8. Divide noodles into bowls, ladle the hot broth and chicken mixture over, top with bok choy, sliced green scallion tops, and crushed roasted peanuts.
• 9. Serve immediately, optionally drizzling extra chili oil.

🔥 Serve

• Serve the dan dan noodles hot in deep bowls, ensuring each serving gets a generous amount of broth, noodles, and spicy chicken topping.
• Garnish with extra sliced scallion greens, a sprinkle of crushed peanuts, and a drizzle of additional Sichuan chili oil for extra heat.
• Pair with a simple cucumber salad or pickled vegetables to balance the richness.
• Offer extra soy sauce or vinegar on the side for those who prefer adjusting saltiness.