Dan Dan Noodles

Step 2

For the Roasted Sichuan Chilli Oil, place vegetable oil, cinnamon, star anise, bay leaves, and Sichuan peppercorns into a small saucepan over low heat and cook until the oil becomes fragrant, about 10 minutes. Increase heat to high and cook for a further 2 minutes then remove from the heat.

Step 3

In the meantime, place chilli flakes, chilli powder and salt into a medium heatproof bowl. Immediately strain the hot oil through a fine sieve over the chilli. Stir well and set aside until needed.

Step 4

For the Spicy Sesame Sauce, place all ingredients in a medium bowl and whisk until well combined.

Step 5

To make the Hand Cut Noodles, combine flour and salt in a large bowl. Create a well in the centre and slowly pour in water whilst mixing with a fork. Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface and knead until smooth and elastic. Return dough to bowl, cover with plastic wrap and rest for 20 minutes.

Step 6

Divide dough into 4 equal portions. Working with one portion at a time, flatten gently with the palm of your hand and dust lightly with flour. Pass through a pasta machine until you have reached thickness 6 or your desired thickness. Alternatively roll out with a rolling pin, dusting with flour in between each motion.

Step 7

Dust the sheet of dough with flour and fold over on itself into 3 layers. Cut lengthways into 5mm widths with a long knife. Separate noodles by tossing gently with flour to avoid sticking. Repeat with remaining dough. Cover noodles with a tea towel.

Step 8

Bring a large saucepan of generously salted water to the boil.

Step 9

For the Fried Pork and Preserved Mustard Greens, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil in a wok over medium-high heat. Add pork mince and cook until browned. Add hoisin sauce, wine, soy sauce and spice powder. Cook until liquid has evaporated. Transfer to a small bowl.

Step 10

Place remaining tablespoon vegetable oil into the wok and sauté the pickled mustard greens for a few minutes. Transfer to the bowl with pork mince and mix to combine. Set aside, covered, to keep warm.

Step 11

Blanch bok choy in the boiling water and set aside. Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook until al dente. Drain well.

Step 12

To serve, place Spicy Sesame Sauce into serving bowls. Top with noodles, blanched bok choy and Fried Pork and Preserved Mustard Greens. Garnish with roasted peanuts and spring onion and finish with a drizzle of Roasted Sichuan Chilli Oil. Toss everything together before eating.