Easy Dan Dan Noodles Recipe
Joe Williams
My love for noodles goes way back. Growing up, I’d often watch my family cook up hearty Italian pasta dishes, but when I discovered Easy Dan Dan Noodles, it was a game-changer.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 30 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 450 kcal
- 8 ounces Chinese-style egg noodles or rice noodles
- 2½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced or smashed
- 1 tablespoon lime juice optional, for added freshness
- 1 –2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes for spice
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce use gluten-free if needed
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or tahini for a smoother texture
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach roughly chopped
- ½ pound ground chicken or pork
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms chopped
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 medium shallot chopped
- 4 green onions sliced
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger optional, for extra warmth and flavor
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
First things first, bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the Chinese-style egg noodles or rice noodles. Cook them according to the package instructions. Once cooked to al dente, drain and rinse under cold water to stop further cooking. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Broth
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
In a large skillet, heat the toasted sesame oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the sliced garlic and chopped shallot. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, just until fragrant and soft. Avoid burning the garlic, as it can turn bitter.
Step 4: Add the Ground Meat
Next, stir in your ground chicken or pork. Cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This usually takes about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, drain any excess fat.
Step 5: Create the Sauce
Now, it’s time to make the sauce! Add the low-sodium soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, and peanut butter into the skillet. Stir well to combine with the meat and sweat the garlic.
Step 6: Combine with Broth
Pour in the simmering chicken broth. If using lime juice, add that now as well. Allow the mixture to bubble and combine for about 3 minutes. This will create a rich, flavorful sauce that envelops the meat.
Step 7: Toss in the Noodles
Step 8: Add Fresh Ingredients
Finally, toss in the chopped spinach, mixed mushrooms, fresh ginger, and sliced green onions. The residual heat will wilt the spinach, making it a lovely green addition to the bowl.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and ginger elevate the flavors. Opt for freshly chopped herbs if possible.
- Adjust the Spice Level: For those who prefer milder dishes, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper or serve it on the side.
- Prep Ahead: Chopping vegetables in advance saves time. You can easily prep everything the night before and have a quick cook time.
- Noodle Choice: Experiment with different noodles. Rice noodles will work great and give a different texture.
- Storage Consideration: Keep in mind that the noodles may soak up some sauce when stored, so keep extra sauce on hand to rehydrate before serving.
Calories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gFiber: 5g
Keyword Easy Dan Dan Noodles Recipe