Dan Dan Noodles

Dan Dan Noodles by Joanne Chang

• ¼ cup peanut oil
• ½ cup raw peanuts
• 1 small jalapeño, minced
• 1 small garlic clove, halved
• One ¼” slice of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
• 2½ tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp water
• 1½ tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp Sriracha chile sauce
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp Asian sesame oil
• Kosher salt
• 12 ounces chow mein noodles
• Cucumber matchsticks, sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, sesame seeds and lime halves, for garnish

In a large skillet, heat the peanut oil. Add the peanuts and fry over moderate heat until golden, about 8 minutes; let cool slightly. Transfer the peanuts and oil to a food processor. Add the jalapeño, garlic and ginger and process until minced. Add the soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, Sriracha, sugar and sesame oil and process until smooth. Season generously with salt.

In a pot of boiling salted water, cook the noodles until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water; pat dry. Toss the noodles with the dressing and mound in serving bowls; top with the garnishes and serve.