Description
Dan Dan Noodles are a quick and flavorful Chinese dish featuring chewy noodles tossed in a spicy, savory sauce made from Chinese sesame paste, chili oil, soy sauce, black vinegar, and garlic. Ready in just five minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal packed with bold, umami-rich flavors and a touch of heat.
Ingredients
Scale
Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tbsp Chinese sesame paste
- 2 tbsp chili oil (or to taste)
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tsp black vinegar
- 2 tsp sugar
- 1-2 cloves garlic (finely minced)
Noodles
- 2 servings noodles (of choice)
Garnish
- Toasted sesame seeds (if desired)
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a large bowl, combine the Chinese sesame paste with chili oil, soy sauce, black vinegar, sugar, and finely minced garlic. Mix thoroughly until you get a smooth, well-blended sauce that packs a balance of spicy, savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
- Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the hot noodle cooking water before draining the noodles well. This starchy water will help loosen the sauce for better coating.
- Toss Noodles with Sauce: Add the drained noodles to the bowl with the sauce. Toss everything together thoroughly to ensure every strand is coated. Gradually add the reserved hot noodle water as needed to achieve a smooth, silky sauce that clings nicely to the noodles.
- Serve and Garnish: Transfer the dressed noodles onto plates or bowls. Top with toasted sesame seeds for added texture and nutty aroma. For extra heat and flavor, drizzle with additional chili oil if desired. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- This recipe is perfect for a fast, easy, and flavorful meal that takes just under ten minutes from start to finish.
- Adjust chili oil quantity to your desired spice level.
- Use noodles of your choice: wheat-based, rice noodles, or even fresh egg noodles work well.
- To make this dish vegetarian and vegan, ensure the soy sauce is free of additives and omit any non-vegan garnishes.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 297 kcal
- Sugar: 5.1 g
- Sodium: 985 mg
- Fat: 27.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 22 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1.7 g
- Protein: 5.6 g
- Cholesterol: 45 mg
