Cold Summer Dan Dan

Ingredients

• 12 ounces Chinese wheat noodles
• 0.5 pounds Ground pork
• 3 tablespoons Chinese sesame paste
• 2 tablespoons Chili oil with flakes
• 2 tablespoons Chinkiang black vinegar
• 1.5 tablespoons Light soy sauce
• 0.5 teaspoons Sichuan peppercorn powder
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 0.5 cup Cucumber, julienned
• 2 tablespoons Roasted peanuts, crushed
• 2 stalks Scallions, sliced
• 1 teaspoon Sugar(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Cook the wheat noodles in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente.

2. 2

   Drain the noodles and immediately plunge them into a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking and ensure they are cold.

3. 3

   In a small skillet, brown the ground pork over medium-high heat until crispy, seasoning with a splash of soy sauce.

4. 4

   In a mixing bowl, whisk together the sesame paste, chili oil, black vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, and Sichuan peppercorn powder until smooth.

5. 5

   Stir the minced garlic into the sauce and add a tablespoon of cold water if the consistency is too thick.

6. 6

   Drain the chilled noodles thoroughly and divide them into serving bowls.

7. 7

   Pour the sesame vinaigrette over the noodles and toss well to ensure even coating.

8. 8

   Top each bowl with the crispy pork, julienned cucumber, crushed peanuts, and sliced scallions.