This Easy Dan Dan Noodles Recipe is so delicious. Since these Spicy Chinese Noodles are quick to put together, the recipe can be made easily on a busy weekday too. Also, I have cooked noodles in the Instant Pot that saves a lot of time. However you can cook noodles on the gas top too.

How to make Vegetarian Dan Dan Noodles easy? — Easy Dan Dan Noodles Recipe – Spicy Noodles

Super Yummy, Spicy & Easy Dan Dan Noodles Recipe

When Boiled Noodles are drenched in nutty spicy sauce and served with lot of crushed peanuts and scallions, that is a good Dan Dan Noodles Dish for me.

This recipe is so stupendously easy to make that you can put it together in under 30 minutes on a dinner table, even on a busy day.

It is a popular recipe from Sichuan province of China. Sichuan pepper is one of the main ingredients.

But if you know me, then I create different recipes with the use of local ingredients at hand. I hate to go for special shopping to make a recipe.

And this is one of those recipes that I have adapted to make at home with the available pantry ingredients. Those worked as great substitutes and kept the flavors intact.

It is so stupendously easy to put together if you are not hooked to the authentic taste. MY RECIPE IS NOT AUTHENTIC, but is adapted to suit the vegetarian taste profile. And also to match the available pantry ingredients. Although I am mentioning the original ingredients in the RECIPE NOTES.

What is Dan Dan?

The name refers to a type of carrying pole (dan dan) that was used by walking street vendors who sold the dish to passers-by. Therefore it is basically a STREET FOOD.

What is Dan Dan Noodles?

Authentic Dandan Noodles consist of a spicy sauce usually containing preserved vegetables, chili oil, sichuan pepper, minced pork, and scallions served over boiled noodles. These are also known as Dandanmian.

Have you checked out Teriyaki Noodles, Kung Pao Spaghetti, Vegetable Noodles, Thai Curry Noodles, etc yet from our Asian Recipes Category?

Better than take-out Dandanmian Noodles Ingredients

(We are amazon affiliates. We use amazon links in our posts to suggest the ingredients and equipment that can be helpful to prepare this recipe.)

Please read the whole list carefully. I have made suggestions to options that can be used.

Sauce Ingredients –

Peanut Butter (no sugar added) – Original recipe uses Chinese Sesame Paste. If you have that, then use it or you can use Tahini Sauce too. My favorite still is Peanut butter.
Sesame Oil – I always keep it handy since we eat a lot of Asian food. But if you do not have it, then feel free to use salad olive oil, or avocado oil or any oil that you can use that doesn’t need to be cooked.
Red Wine Vinegar – The original recipe calls for Chinese Rice Wine vinegar. Since I had red wine vinegar at hand, I used that. You can use Balsamic vinegar too.
Soy Sauce – I am guessing that everyone has that handy. Or you can use Tamari sauce for gluten free or liquid aminos.
Sambel Olek (Hot Chili Paste) – The original recipe calls for Chinese Hot Chili Oil. I used Sambel Olek instead. You can use Sriracha too.
Ginger, fresh – You can use ready to use paste too. Although fresh adds more flavor.
Garlic, fresh – You can use ready to use paste too. Although fresh adds more flavor.
Black Pepper Powder, freshly ground preferred – Original recipe calls for Sichuan Pepper corn powder. If you have that, then use that.
Salt to taste
Sugar – you can use honey, brown sugar or any sweetener of choice.
Water to dilute – you can use vegetable broth to add more flavors.

Noodles – I used Dry Chinese Noodles. But you can use spaghetti, ramen or any noodles that are handy.

Extra Firm Tofu – Pressed. You can use it as is or pan grilled or oven baked or air fried. Or deep fry it if you want.

Garnish – Crushed Roasted Peanuts & Scallions (white & green part both)

Vegetable Options – Although I made this recipe sans vegetables. But you can absolutely add sauted vegetables to it. You can use Chinese Spinach, Bok-choy, Carrots, Mushrooms etc.

Kitchen Equipment for the Recipe

Measuring Cups and Spoons

Chopping Board and Knife

What do these Spicy Chinese Noodles taste like?

Since dan dan noodles are warmly spiced, these are intensely flavorful – rich in all sorts of umami.

How to serve Dan Dan Noodles?

These noodles are served in layers.

Add some noodles to a bowl. Pour some Sauce. Top with the cooked vegetables of your choice, grilled or soft Tofu. Garnish with roasted peanut crumbles & scallions. Add a little more of pepper if you like. Dig in.

These can be served hot or cold. But I love the hot version.

What kind of Noodles can I use for Dan Dan Recipe?

Although recipes advise you to go for authentic Chinese Noodles and that too fresh. But honestly if you can’t find it you can go for –

Ramen Noodles
Spaghetti
Rice Noodles
Or whatever Noodles you have at hand

What kind of Vegetables can I use in this Recipe?

I have used only green scallions in my recipe. But you can saute vegetables like bokchoy, Chinese spinach, carrots, mushrooms.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Since this recipe is more Assembly focused, you can prepare for this recipe in advance.

Cook the noodles al-dente (very important) and keep ready in advance. When ready to use, then give them a quick hot water bath, drain and use.
The sauce doesn’t need any cooking which is brilliant. It is al about putting all the ingredients together and blend till smooth. At least that is how I make and use. Therefore, you can prepare the sauce in advance and in bulk and refrigerate. Since it uses peanut butter so it thickens fast. Therefore whenever ready ton use, dilute it with some hot water or hot vegetable broth, adjust salt and use.
You can pre-cook the vegetables and keep ready to use. Although I made mine very basic and didn’t use any vegetables besides a lot of scallions.
You can use store bought roasted peanuts for this recipe. Process them in the food processor and use. Easy, right?
Grill or bake Tofu in advance if you plan to use it. Keep it ready to use. You can also mince Extra firm Tofu and mushroom and use that as a mock meat.
So when it is time to eat, heat or microwave all of it. Put it on the dinner table. Layer your bowls as needed. Enjoy.

3 from 11 votes

Easy Dan Dan Noodles Recipe - Spicy Chinese Noodles (Vegetarian)

These dandan noodles are from Chinese Cuisine. These are spicy and full of umami flavors. Super easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time. You can control the heat to your taste.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian

Keyword Dan Dan Noodles, Easy Dinner Ideas

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Servings Servings

Author simplyvegetarian777

Equipment

Measuring Spoons, Measuring Cups, Stirring Spoon,
Instant Pot 6 quart or Mealthy Multipot or Large Sauce Pan to cook Noodles
Chopping board and knife
Kitchen Colander
Blender
Food Processor
Noodle tongs, Noodle bowls, Noodle forks

Ingredients

16 ounce or 1 pound Chinese Dry Noodles Use any kind of noodles that are handy. You can use Spaghetti as well.
1 block Extra Firm Tofu, cubed

Dan Dan Sauce Ingredients

4 tbsp Peanut Butter (use salt & sugar free) Original recipe asks for Chinese Sesame Paste/Sauce. You can use Tahini too.
2 tbsp Sesame Oil substitute with virgin olive oil, avocado oil or any salad oil that is handy.
3 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar Original recipe asks for Rice wine vinegar. You can use Balsamic vinegar too.
4 tbsp Soy Sauce, dark soy sauce preferred Use Tamari for gluten free option. Or liquid aminos if you want.
1 tbsp Sambel Olek Original recipe uses Chinese Hot Chili Oil. You can substitute with Sriracha too.
1 tsp Black Pepper powder, freshly milled preferred Original recipe uses SICHUAN PEPPERS coarsely crushed. If you have that then use that. I used whatever was handy.
1 large piece Ginger You can use ready to use ginger paste
2 large cloves Garlic You can use ready to use garlic paste
1/2 tsp Salt or to taste
1 tsp Sugar or honey or any sugar substitute
1/4 to 1/2 cup Water or Vegetable Broth depending upon the thickness of the sauce you desire.

Garnish

4 tbsp Crushed Peanuts Process the roasted peanuts in food processor and use that
7-8 stalks Scallions / Green Onions white and green both parts chopped fine
Some Sichuan Pepper powder or Red Chili Flakes on the side
Some more Hot Chili Oil/Paste as needed

Suggested Vegetables if plan to use (you can use any or combination of your choice)

2 Carrots cut into thick match stick size
1 bunch Bok Choy chopped coarse
Handful of Portobello Mushrooms chopped coarse
Handful of Chinese Spinach

Instructions

Gather all the ingredients and always read the NOTES for suggestions and more ideas.

Preparing Dan Dan Sauce

Take a blender and add peanut butter, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, chili oil/paste, black pepper powder, salt, sugar, ginger, garlic, sugar and water to it. Blend till you get a smooth sauce. Set aside. Since it has peanut butter, it tends to thicken as it sits. When ready to use, loosen it up a bit with water or vegetable broth as needed.

Preparing the Noodles

Sauce Pan Method - Prepare the Noodles as mentioned at the back of the pack. Drain and Keep aside to use. Make sure to cook them slightly al-dente in case you are prepping them in advance so that when you give them a hot water bath, they do not turn mushy. Although it is recommended to cook them fresh before serving dan dan noodles. Therefore, if possible prepare the noodles the last before you sit down for the meal. And prep everything else in advance.
Hot Water Bath - Bring a pot of water to rolling boil. Switch off the heat. Add the noodles to it and quickly drain them. This will heat up the noodles as needed.
Instant Pot Method - 2 things to monitor when cooking noodles or spaghetti in Instant Pot - Water Quantity & Timing.
Add the noodles or spaghetti to the inner pot of IP. Break the noodles/spaghetti lengthwise into half if required. Place inner pot in IP. Plug it in.
How much water for Instant Pot Noodles/Spaghetti? - The rule of thumb is - Add water to the level of the noodles/spaghetti. But in this recipe, you can add more water if you want for this recipe, since it can be drained later as no other ingredients are added at this point.
How long to cook noodles in IP? - Read the cooking/time instructions at the back of noodles packet. Chinese noodles have short cooking time, usually 3-5 minutes. Therefore, for 3 minute instruction, Press the PRESSURE COOK mode and set it on high for 1 minute. If it is 5 minutes, then set for 2 minutes on high. As the time gets over, follow QPR (quick pressure release) and drain the noodles immediately in a sieve to get rid of any extra liquid.
How long to cook Spaghetti in IP? - Most of the Spaghetti have cooking time between 11-13 minutes. if it says 11 minutes, then set it on Pressure cook mode on high for 5 minutes. And in case of 13 minutes, set it for 6 minutes. Once the time is up, follow QPR (quick pressure release). Drain any excess water.
Once the noodles are ready, set them aside preferably in a warm ceramic bowl.

Prepping the Tofu if using in the recipe

Meanwhile the noodles are cooking, prep your tofu. Use extra firm tofu. Pat it dry with a kitchen towel and gently press to squeeze out excess water. Cut into 1 inch cubes or in rectangular strips.
You can crisp it a bit in a shallow frying pan in little oil. Or you can bake it in the oven at 400*F for about 18-20 minutes. You can deep fry it. Or prep it in air fryer at 390/400*F for about 15 minutes. Keep it ready to be used.

Preparing Vegetables in case you are using any

Heat a pan with little oil and saute the vegetables lightly. Set aside.

Prepare the Garnish

Take roasted peanuts and crush them coarsely in a food processor. Set aside.
Prepare the scallions/green onions by chopping the white and green both. You can chop it fine or coarse. It doesn't matter. Remember it is a street side food. 😉

Putting the Dan Dan Noodles together

Take 4 Noodle bowls. Divide the noodles equally in every bowl. Drench these with the Dandan sauce on the top. Remember to loosen up the sauce with some warm water if it becomes too thick.
Top with Tofu, lot of scallions (white & green both), & crushed peanuts. If you are using sauted vegetables, then add them at this point too. Toss a bit with fork or chopsticks. Enjoy. You can add a bit of hot chili oil or red chili flakes, if you like it super hot.

How to decrease the heat level in the recipe?

If you are not spicy crazy then you can control the heat level easily. lessen the amount of chili paste and pepper powder in the dan dan sauce. And keep extra on the side for the folks who would love to add heat to their noodles.

More Noodle Recipes from our blog that might tempt you -

Teriyaki Noodles, Kung Pao Spaghetti, Vegetable Noodles, Thai Curry Noodles

More Asian Recipes to enjoy -

Red Thai Curry, Green Thai Curry, Tom Yum Soup, Thai Curry Noodles

Instant Pot Popular Desserts from the blog -

New York Cheesecake in Jar, Chocolate Cheesecake in Jar, Pumpkin Cheesecake in Jar, Red Velvet Cake, Chocolate Cake in Jar

Notes

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What do these Spicy Chinese Noodles taste like?

Since dan dan noodles are warmly spiced, these are intensely flavorful - rich in all sorts of umami.

How to serve Dan Dan Noodles?

These noodles are served in layers.

These can be served hot or cold. But I love the hot version.

What kind of Noodles can I use for Dan Dan Recipe?

Although recipes advise you to go for authentic Chinese Noodles and that too fresh. But honestly if you can't find it you can go for -

Ramen Noodles
Spaghetti
Rice Noodles
Or whatever Noodles you have at hand

What kind of Vegetables can I use in this Recipe?

I have used only green scallions in my recipe. But you can saute vegetables like bokchoy, Chinese spinach, carrots, mushrooms.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Since this recipe is more Assembly focused, you can prepare for this recipe in advance.

Cook the noodles al-dente (very important) and keep ready in advance. When ready to use, then give them a quick hot water bath, drain and use.
The sauce doesn't need any cooking which is brilliant. It is al about putting all the ingredients together and blend till smooth. At least that is how I make and use. Therefore, you can prepare the sauce in advance and in bulk and refrigerate. Since it uses peanut butter so it thickens fast. Therefore whenever ready ton use, dilute it with some hot water or hot vegetable broth, adjust salt and use.
You can pre-cook the vegetables and keep ready to use. Although I made mine very basic and didn't use any vegetables besides a lot of scallions.
You can use store bought roasted peanuts for this recipe. Process them in the food processor and use. Easy, right?
Grill or bake Tofu in advance if you plan to use it. Keep it ready to use. You can also mince Extra firm Tofu and mushroom and use that as a mock meat.
So when it is time to eat, heat or microwave all of it. Put it on the dinner table. Layer your bowls as needed. Enjoy.

Can I make dandan noodles Vegan or Gluten-free?

This is almost a vegan recipe. Make sure to use vegan noodles or spaghetti to make it completely vegan.

To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and substitute soy sauce with tamari sauce.

Can I store it in the refrigerator if the noodles are already mixed up?

Yes of course. Do not trash the leftovers in the bowl. Cover and refrigerate. WHen ready to eat again, add some water or broth and microwave it covered till hot. Add more crushed peanuts if you wish to for crunch. It will taste amazing.