Dan Dan Noodles

Step 1

Fill a large pot three-quarters full with water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat, about 8 minutes.

Step 2

While water boils, heat 1 tablespoon of neutral oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers and moves quickly when you tilt the pan, about 45 seconds.

Step 3

Add the ground pork and break it into small pieces with a wooden spoon as it cooks, stirring often, until no pink remains and it looks crumbly, about 4 minutes.

Step 4

Add the white part of the scallions to the cooked pork and stir for 20 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir the sesame paste, soy sauce, and chili oil together in a small bowl until smooth and uniform.

Step 6

Pour the sesame sauce into the skillet with the pork and stir constantly for 30 seconds until the mixture is glossy and combined, then remove from heat.

Step 7

Add the noodles to the boiling water and stir gently with a fork to separate them, then cook according to package directions until tender, usually 3–4 minutes.

Step 8

Scoop the cooked noodles into two bowls with a pasta fork or tongs, reserving 1/4 cup of the cooking water in the pot.

Step 9

Spoon the pork and sesame sauce evenly over the noodles in both bowls.

Step 10

Pour 2 tablespoons of the reserved cooking water over each bowl and stir gently to loosen the sauce and coat the noodles.

Step 11

Scatter the green part of the scallions on top of each bowl and serve immediately.