Instructions
1. Prepare the Sauce:
In a bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, chili oil, hoisin sauce, and peanut butter or tahini. Set aside.
2. Cook the Meat:
In a skillet, brown the ground pork over medium heat until fully cooked. Add the garlic, ginger, and crushed Sichuan peppercorns (if using), cooking for an additional 2 minutes. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
3. Assemble in the Slow Cooker:
Add the chicken broth to the slow cooker along with the prepared sauce. Stir well to combine. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
4. Cook the Noodles:
About 15 minutes before serving, cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Combine and Serve:
Stir the cooked noodles into the slow cooker, mixing well to coat them with the sauce. Add optional greens like bok choy or spinach at this stage, allowing them to wilt.
6. Garnish:
Serve the noodles in bowls, topped with chopped peanuts, green onions, or additional chili oil for extra flavor.
Serving
Serve these Slow Cooker Dan Dan Noodles warm for maximum flavor. Pair them with a light side dish like cucumber salad or steamed dumplings for a complete meal.
Pairing and Serving Suggestions
- Cold Beverages: Pair with iced green tea or a refreshing lemon soda.
- Sides: Enjoy with spring rolls or sesame cucumber salad.
- Toppings: Sprinkle sesame seeds or add a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.
Variations of the Recipe
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground pork with crumbled tofu or mushrooms and use vegetable broth.
- Low-Carb Option: Replace noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles.
- Extra Spicy: Add more chili oil or include fresh red chilies for heat.
- Nut-Free Version: Use sunflower seed butter instead of peanut butter.
Health Benefits
- Protein-Rich: Ground pork or chicken provides a good source of protein.
- Heart-Healthy Fats: Sesame oil and peanut butter contribute healthy fats.
- Rich in Vitamins: Adding greens like bok choy boosts the meal’s vitamin and mineral content.
- Homemade Goodness: By making this dish at home, you control the ingredients and avoid excess sodium or preservatives.
FAQs
- Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, use gluten-free soy sauce and rice noodles to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet. - How can I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth to loosen the sauce. - What if I don’t have Sichuan peppercorns?
You can skip them or substitute with a small amount of ground black pepper for a milder flavor. - Can I skip browning the meat?
While browning adds flavor, you can skip this step for convenience and add the raw meat directly to the slow cooker.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Dan Dan Noodles bring the bold, comforting flavors of Sichuan cuisine right to your table with ease. This simplified method lets you enjoy an authentic dish without hours of effort. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Give it a try and savor every bite!