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Dan Dan Beef Spaghetti

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This Dan Dan beef spaghetti recipe is a spicy Asian-Italian fusion dish featuring ground beef, bold Sichuan flavors, and classic spaghetti noodles. It’s quick, comforting, and packed with umami, perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz dried spaghetti
  • Salt, for boiling water
  • 1 lb ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1-inch piece ginger, peeled and grated (about 1 tbsp)
  • 4 green onions, finely chopped (reserve some for garnish)
  • 2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns, toasted and ground (optional)
  • 2–3 tbsp chili oil (adjust to taste)
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp Chinese black vinegar (or balsamic vinegar)
  • 2 tbsp sesame paste (or tahini)
  • 1 tbsp brown sugar
  • 1/2 cup chicken or beef broth
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, roughly chopped
  • Handful fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Extra chili oil, for drizzling
  • Reserved green onions, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook until al dente (about 9-11 minutes), stirring occasionally. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain noodles. Toss with a splash of oil to prevent sticking.
  2. In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast Sichuan peppercorns for 2-3 minutes until fragrant. Cool slightly, then crush using a mortar and pestle or spice grinder.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together chili oil, soy sauce, black vinegar, sesame paste, brown sugar, and broth. Set aside.
  4. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high. Add ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-6 minutes until browned.
  5. Add garlic, ginger, and green onions. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
  6. Sprinkle in toasted Sichuan peppercorns and crushed red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well.
  7. Pour sauce mixture into the skillet with beef. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly for 3-4 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  8. Add drained spaghetti to the skillet. Use tongs to toss until noodles are fully coated. If it looks dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  9. Transfer noodles to bowls. Top with chopped peanuts, fresh cilantro, reserved green onions, and extra chili oil if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian version, use crumbled tofu or plant-based ground meat and vegetable broth. Use gluten-free spaghetti if needed. Adjust chili oil and red pepper flakes to control spice level. Toasting Sichuan peppercorns is key for authentic flavor. Leftovers keep well for up to 3 days and taste even better as the flavors deepen.

Nutrition

Keywords: dan dan noodles, beef spaghetti, spicy pasta, Asian fusion, Sichuan, weeknight dinner, easy recipe, ground beef, chili oil, comfort food

Find it online: https://bitematrix.com/dan-dan-beef-spaghetti-recipe-easy-spicy-asian-fusion-dinner/