Ok, holy smokes! If you have never tried Dan Dan Noodles, you are in for a treat! Dan Dan noodles originate from the Sichuan province of China and boast the most complex flavors. The flavors are bolder, more aromatic and so incredible. I was introduced to Dan Dan noodles at Dough Zone. It's a dumpling house in Seattle that offers a whole host of gyozas, dumplings, noodles and more. The first bite literally blew me away.
Why should you make Dan Dan Noodles?
- Versatility: Whether you're craving a quick and satisfying lunch or a hearty dinner, Dan Dan noodles are perfect! They can be enjoyed on their own as a main dish or paired with other Chinese delicacies for a complete meal.
- Vegetarian options: Although alot of recipe preparations online will start with meat, I kept these vegetarian to honor the classic Dan Dan noodles from Dough Zone. I promise you won't miss the meat.
- Simple Preparation: Despite their rich and complex flavors, Dan Dan noodles are surprisingly easy to make at home with just a few simple ingredients. Did I tell you this comes together in 10 minutes?
The Signature Spice
One of the primary characteristic flavor of Dan Dan noodles is attributed to its star ingredient: Sichuan peppercorns. These tiny, reddish-brown peppercorns are known for their unique numbing sensation and fragrant aroma, which are characteristic of Sichuan cuisine. When ground up and mixed with the other ingredients, Sichuan peppercorns lend a subtle yet an unmistakable heat that literally tingles your tongue leaving it a little numb. It's almost hard to describe without literally salivating.
Fiery Kick:
Another essential component of Dan Dan noodles is red chili peppers, which provide the dish with its signature fiery kick. I used the red chili powder from an Asian grocery store because I firmly believe that spices of the same region lend the most authentic flavor to a dish. The level of heat can be adjusted according to personal preference, making this dish customizable for all spice levels.
Earthy Richness:
Sesame seeds are another key ingredient in Dan Dan noodles, providing an earthy richness and nutty flavor to the dish.
Watch how to make Dan Dan Noodles
How to Make Dan Dan Noodles
Ingredients:
- Ramen or Maggie noodles: I love both but prefer slightly thinner ramen for this dish. Maggie is a personally favorite but use whichever you can get or prefer.
- Red chili: Adds a fiery kick to the sauce, infusing it with heat and depth of flavor.
- Sesame seeds: Toasted sesame seeds contribute a nutty aroma and crunchy texture to the dish.
- Garlic cloves: One or two cloves go a long way and add that little heat and aroma only garlic can lend to a dish.
- Sichuan peppercorns: This ingredients is THE MOST IMPORTANT for Dan Dan noodles. I was only able to get this from Amazon. A little goes a long way because the numbing quality is very potent.
- Oil: We use hot oil and pour it over the above spices, as if we are tempering them. This method is also classically used to make chili oil that in recent years has blown up all over social media.
- Soy sauce: Provides salty umami notes and depth of flavor to the sauce, balancing out the heat from the chilies.
- Peanut butter: Adds creaminess to the sauce, while also mellows out the spiciness.
- Chicken Bouillon powder: This is optional but I like the flavor boost it gives to the sauce.
- Brown sugar: Offers subtle sweetness to counteract the bold flavors of the sauce. You can add adjust this according to your preference.
- Rice vinegar: Provides a touch of acidity to brighten up the sauce and balance its richness.
- Salt: You will need to add more salt in addition to the soy sauce because your noodle will need it. You can also use the flavor packet that comes with your noodles if you like.
- Green onion for garnish.
Preparation:
In a bowl, mix in the red chili, sesame seeds and ground Sichuan peppercorns.
Temper the spices with hot oil and then add the remaining ingredients and give it a stir. The sauce will be quite thick so add a ladle or two of noodle water to thin it out and then mix in your cooked noodles until each strand is coated in the sauce. You can continue to add some more noodle water.
Garnish and Serve: To garnish your Dan Dan noodles, sprinkle them with sliced green onions for a pop of freshness and color and sesame seeds
Dan Dan noodles
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoon red chili mild
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
- ¾ teaspoon ground Sichuan peppercorn
- ½ teaspoon bouillon powder optional
- 4 tablespoon Oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tsp peanut butter
- 1-2 tsp brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon sesame oil
- green onion and sesame seeds for garnish
- 160 grams noodles maruchan or maggie brand preferred
- salt to taste, just sprinkle at the end and adjust
Instructions
- In a bowl, add red chili, sesame, Sichuan pepper and bouillon powder. Pour in hot oil (it should be hot enough to sizzle).
- Next, add the soy sauce, peanut butter, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil and mix really well. Thin out the sauce with noodle water and add the noodles.
- In a bowl, cook your noodles according to package instructions. I like to add salt here but you can also add salt to the sauce.
- Add the noodles to your sauce and mix gently until each strand is coated really well. If preferred, add a little noodle water to make some broth but note that this may dilute your spice level too.
- Garnish with green onion, sesame seeds and a very small amount of toasted and crushed Sichuan peppercorns because they are super potent! I just toast them in a pan gently and crush it in my mortar and pestle.
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