Why Make This Recipe
Dan Dan Noodles are a delicious and flavorful dish that packs a punch. This recipe brings together savory, spicy, and nutty flavors in a way that is hard to resist. Whether you are a fan of Asian cuisine or just looking to try something new, these noodles will quickly become a household favorite. They are not only easy to make but also perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat with friends and family.
How to Make Addictive Dan Dan Noodles
Ingredients
- 225 grams dried Chinese wheat noodles or spaghetti
- 30 milliliters soy sauce
- 10 milliliters rice vinegar
- 15 milliliters chili oil, plus extra for serving
- 30 milliliters chicken broth
- 30 grams tahini (sesame paste)
- 5 grams sugar
- 225 grams ground beef
- 15 milliliters sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 grams ginger, grated
- 2 green onions (white and green parts separated), thinly sliced
- Chili oil, for drizzling
- Sliced green onions, for topping
- Additional tahini or crushed peanuts, for serving (optional)
Directions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried Chinese noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until evenly browned and fully cooked, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, chicken broth, tahini, and sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the beef in the skillet. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss the noodles until they are evenly coated and heated through.
- Transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Top them with a drizzle of chili oil, sliced green onions, and additional tahini or crushed peanuts if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
How to Serve Addictive Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan Noodles are best served hot right after cooking. You can garnish them with extra chili oil for added spice, and sprinkle sliced green onions on top for freshness. If you love peanuts, crushed peanuts or extra tahini can elevate the dish even more. Enjoy them on their own or with a side of steamed vegetables.
How to Store Addictive Dan Dan Noodles
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They can last for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can warm them in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to help loosen the sauce.
Tips to Make Addictive Dan Dan Noodles
- Make sure not to overcook the noodles; they should be al dente for the best texture.
- You can adjust the amount of chili oil according to your spice preference.
- Feel free to substitute ground beef with ground pork or a plant-based alternative for a different flavor.
Variation
For a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with mushrooms or tofu. You can also add vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
FAQs
Can I use another type of noodle?
Yes, you can substitute the Chinese wheat noodles with spaghetti or any noodle of your choice.
How spicy are Dan Dan Noodles?
The level of spice can vary based on how much chili oil you use. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the sauce and cook the noodles ahead of time. Just combine them before serving for the best flavor.
Dan Dan Noodles
Ingredients
Noodles and Base
- 225 grams dried Chinese wheat noodles or spaghetti
- 30 milliliters soy sauce
- 10 milliliters rice vinegar
- 15 milliliters chili oil, plus extra for serving
- 30 milliliters chicken broth
- 30 grams tahini (sesame paste)
- 5 grams sugar
Meat and Aromatics
- 225 grams ground beef Can substitute with ground pork or a plant-based alternative.
- 15 milliliters sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 15 grams ginger, grated
- 2 green onions (white and green parts separated), thinly sliced
Toppings
- Chili oil, for drizzling
- Sliced green onions, for topping
- Additional tahini or crushed peanuts, for serving (optional)
Instructions
Cooking the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dried Chinese noodles and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Preparing the Meat
- Heat sesame oil in a large skillet or wok over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until evenly browned and fully cooked, which takes about 5 to 7 minutes.
Making the Sauce
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili oil, chicken broth, tahini, and sugar. Whisk these ingredients together until the mixture is smooth.
- Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and the white parts of the green onions to the beef in the skillet. Stir-fry for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and let it simmer, stirring occasionally, until it slightly thickens, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes.
Combining the Noodles and Sauce
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet. Toss the noodles until they are evenly coated and heated through.
- Transfer the noodles to serving bowls. Top them with a drizzle of chili oil, sliced green onions, and additional tahini or crushed peanuts if desired. Serve immediately while hot.