by Makayla Updated on 4 Jan 2026.  

This Handmade Dan Dan Noodles recipe brings together chewy, fresh noodles and a rich, nutty, slightly spicy sauce inspired by Sichuan street food. The noodles are made from scratch—rolled, folded, and sliced by hand—while the sauce blends sesame paste, soy sauce, peanut butter, and chili oil (optional for kids) for a bold finish. It’s a hands-on recipe that’s perfect for introducing kids to new textures and flavors, with plenty of tasks they can help with along the way.

---

Step by Step Guide (with Kid friendly tasks)

Step 1: The “Edible Play-Dough” (Dough)

1. Mix: In a large bowl, whisk flour and salt. 
   Junior Chef Task: Have the kids pour the water in slowly while you stir, or let them use their hands to “squish” the flour and water together until it forms a ball. 
2. Knead: Move to a floured counter. Knead for 8–10 minutes. 
   Junior Chef Task: This is the best part for kids! Show them how to push the dough away with the heels of their hands and fold it back. It’s a great workout for them.
3. Rest: Cover the dough and let it “nap” for 30 minutes. 

Step 2: The Flavor Station (Prep) 

1. Marinate Pork: Mix minced pork with soy sauce, sugar, and cornstarch. 
2. Whisk Sauce: Combine sauce ingredients in a bowl. 
   Junior Chef Task: Kids love being the “Master Mixer.” Give them a small whisk or spoon and let them stir the sauce until all the “lumps” disappear. 
3. Aromatics: Parents should handle the chopping of garlic and shallots. 

Step 3: The Noodle Factory (Rolling & Cutting) 

1. Roll: Roll the dough into a thin sheet. 
   Junior Chef Task: Let them help press down on the rolling pin. Explain that we want to make it as thin as a piece of paper! 
2. Dust & Fold: Dust generously with flour and fold. 
3. Cut: (Using kids safe knife) Slice into thin noodles. 
   Junior Chef Task: Once sliced, have the kids “shake out” the noodles. They can gently pick them up and wiggle them to unroll the strands and make sure they aren’t sticking. 

Step 4: The Sizzle (Cooking the Topping) 

1. Sauté: Heat oil and sauté garlic and shallots. 
2. Brown & Stir: Add pork, half the peanuts, and the sauce. 
   Safety Note: Keep younger children at a safe distance from the stovetop “splatter zone,” but let older kids help stir with a long-handled spatula under close supervision. 

Step 5: The Noodle Bath (Boiling) 

1. Boil: Drop noodles into boiling water for 3–7 minutes. 
2. Rinse: Drain and rinse under cold water. 
   Junior Chef Task: Let the kids feel the steam (carefully!) and then the cold water. Ask them why they think we use cold water (it “shocks” the noodles so they don’t get mushy!). 

Step 6: The Grand Finale (Plating) 

1. Assemble: Place noodles in bowls and top with the pork sauce. 
2. Garnish: * Junior Chef Task: Let the kids be the “Artists.” Give them the remaining peanuts and spring onions to sprinkle over the bowls however they like. 

Kid-Friendly Safety Tips 

• The “Flour Shield”: Remind kids that flour is messy! Wear aprons or old t-shirts. 
• Clean Hands: Since they will be touching the dough and “shaking” the noodles, ensure everyone washes their hands thoroughly before starting. 
• Heat Safety: Use the back burners of the stove when possible so little hands can’t reach the hot pots. 

---

Why you will Love this Recipe:

Fresh Handmade Noodles – Chewy and satisfying, with no preservatives.
Bold, Customizable Sauce – Adjust spice level for kids.
Hands-On Fun – Rolling, folding, and mixing are great toddler tasks .
One Bowl Meal – Protein, cards, and flavor all in one.
Cultural Exploration – A tasty way to introduce global flavors.

---

LOOKING FOR MORE? Subscribe to our newsletter and follow along on YouTube and Instagram for all the latest updates.