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Flavorful Dan Dan Noodles Recipe with Easy Spicy Peanut Sesame Sauce

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A quick and easy Dan Dan noodles recipe featuring a creamy, spicy peanut sesame sauce that is bold, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz Chinese wheat noodles or spaghetti
  • 3 tbsp peanut butter (smooth or chunky)
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1–2 tbsp chili paste (adjust to heat tolerance)
  • 3 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup (60 ml) chicken or vegetable broth
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2 tbsp crushed roasted peanuts (optional)
  • 6 oz ground pork or tofu (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook according to package instructions, usually 6–8 minutes for Chinese wheat noodles. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking; set aside.
  2. Prepare the sauce: While noodles cook, whisk together peanut butter, toasted sesame oil, chili paste, soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and chicken broth in a medium bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Adjust chili paste to your heat preference.
  3. Cook the protein (optional): Heat a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil and cook ground pork until browned and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Season lightly with soy sauce. For tofu, crumble and pan-fry until golden. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Toss noodles with sauce: Add the drained noodles to the skillet or wok (still warm from cooking protein or heated lightly). Pour the prepared sauce over noodles and toss well to coat evenly. Heat gently for 2–3 minutes to warm through and marry flavors, stirring constantly.
  5. Combine and serve: Add cooked protein back in (if using), toss once more, then transfer to bowls. Garnish with sliced scallions and crushed roasted peanuts.

Notes

Rinse noodles after cooking to prevent overcooking and mushiness. Warm peanut butter slightly if stiff for easier mixing. Adjust chili paste to taste. Add extra broth or water if sauce is too thick. Drizzle extra toasted sesame oil before serving for enhanced aroma. Use vegetable broth and tofu for vegan version. Swap tamari and gluten-free noodles for gluten-free option.

Nutrition

Keywords: Dan Dan noodles, spicy peanut sauce, sesame sauce, quick dinner, easy noodles, Chinese noodles, peanut butter sauce, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://lucydishes.com/flavorful-dan-dan-noodles-recipe-with-easy-spicy-peanut-sesame-sauce/