Ready to create your own Dan Dan symphony with Chilzo?

In the vibrant heart of Sichuan, where flavours dance on your tongue and spices ignite your senses, lies a culinary treasure: Dan Dan Noodles (“carrying-pole noodles"). More than just a dish, it's a story whispered through generations. A flavorful poem of fire and comfort in every bowl.

Best of Chinese Comfort Food

Dan Dan noodles started out as a street food in Sichuan. In its earliest form, it was carried by hawkers on a bamboo pole (dan), from which the name of the dish is derived. The pole was attached to two baskets, one holding the ingredients, the other holding the cookware. 

Legend has it that the creator of dan dan noodles was named Chen Baobao and he began a culinary revolution. Balancing on his shoulder a humble bamboo pole, its baskets cradling the secrets of his hometown—springy noodles and a rich, aromatic sauce. With each "dan dan" step, he announced his arrival, and soon, his noodles danced on the tongues of Zigong, igniting a passion that would echo through time and soon won the hearts and palates of the whole town, which led to Chen opening his own shop.

For Sichuanese, Dan Dan Noodles are more than sustenance; they're a tapestry of memories woven with chilli oil, sesame paste, and the comforting warmth of broth. Writers like Ba Jin and Guo Moruo found solace in its familiar bite, a taste of home amidst foreign landscapes. It's a dish that transcends borders, warming hearts and uniting palates across the globe.

If you're a noodle fiend, check out these Chilli Oil noodles, your next stop for a spicy, savoury treat!

The Secret Life of Málà

Meet the Sichuan peppercorn: a tiny red orb with a mischievous glint, a citrusy whisper, and a secret weapon - the power to make your tongue tingle like a thousand tiny disco dancers. It's no ordinary spice, but a flavor ninja with a rich history and a kung fu kick of complexity. 

Archaeological evidence suggests their use in China as early as the Han Dynasty (206 BC – 220 AD). Back then, they weren't just for food; they were valued for their medicinal properties, believed to aid digestion and relieve pain. The arrival of chilli peppers from the Americas in the 16th century marked a turning point. The fiery heat of chillies, combined with the unique numbing effect of Sichuan peppercorns, gave birth to the iconic "mala" flavour profile.

OG Food Hacks!

Chilli Oil. Two simple words ignite taste buds and send mouths on a merry dance of fire and funk. Its roots lie in humble China. Back in the Ming Dynasty folks were using chilli oil as a clever way to preserve those fiery treasures during chilli-less months. Talk about OG food hacks!

Soon, chilli oil wasn't just about preservation, it was a taste sensation. The rich aroma, and the fiery dance on the tongue, had everyone hooked. Sichuan, a province known for its "mala" flavour (think numbing spice and fiery heat), embraced chilli oil like a long-lost friend. Sichuan chilli oil, with its symphony of chillies, spices, and Sichuan peppercorns, became an instant classic, adding depth and soul to every dish.

Authentic Sichuan Chilli Oil

Imagine yourself wandering through bustling Sichuan markets, with the aroma of spices dancing in the air. Now, capture that very essence in a bottle—welcome to the world of Chilzo! Our signature Chilli Oil and Sichuan peppercorn sauce bring the unmistakable 'Taste of Sichuan' into your kitchen, infusing vibrant and complex flavours. Witness your Dan Dan Noodles turn into an authentic masterpiece. Just a few drops, and you're transported to bustling Sichuan markets, bringing the essence to your fingertips!

Cook time total: 30-40 mins
Cook time: 25-30 mins
Prep time: 5-10 mins

Onto the Recipe!

Ingredients:

• 1 pound Chilzo’s Chow Mein noodles
• 1/4 cup cashew paste
• 1 tablespoon of vinegar
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tbsp Chilzo’s Chilli Oil
• 1 tablespoon Sichuan Peppercorn
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
• 1/2 cup chopped peanuts
• 1 scallion, sliced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro

Instructions:

1. To make the peanut sauce, whisk together peanut butter, cashew paste, lemon juice, sesame oil, Chilzo’s chili oil and Sichuan Peppercorn, garlic, and ginger.
2. Drain noodles and toss with the peanut sauce.
3. Garnish with chopped peanuts, scallion, and cilantro.

The beauty of Dan Dan Noodles lies in their adaptability. Craving a fiery inferno? Add more chilli oil. Yearning for a touch of earthiness? Chopped cucumber is your friend. Feeling adventurous? Fermented black beans will add a funky punch. Experiment, create, and make this dish your own culinary canvas.

So go forth, noodle warriors, and let your chopsticks be your weapons! Conquer the world one spicy bite at a time, and remember, with Chilzo's Sichuan Peppercorn by your side, you'll be a Dan Dan Noodles master in no time.