These are the incredibly simple dan dan noodles that you’ll find yourself making repeatedly whenever you crave a quick, easy, and delicious meal that takes just under ten minutes.
Dan dan noodles are a winner!
This is my preferred dish when I’m uncertain about what to eat but desire something quick, easy, and flavorful. Technically, it’s not dan dan mian/dan dan noodles, but in a way, it is. You see, dan dan noodles belong to that category of dishes that come in countless variations, even within Sichuan, their region of origin. They can be served in broth, they can be drier, they can contain pork, or be vegetarian, they can be anything you wish, really. The charm of these noodles lies in the fact that if you can boil noodles and combine sauce in a bowl, you can whip up these extremely satisfying spicy noodles.
What flavor profile do these dan dan noodles have?
These noodles have a spicy, savory, and nutty flavor with a subtle hint of malty vinegar. They’re bursting with flavor and incredibly delicious.
Steps to prepare dan dan noodles
- Combine. In a large bowl, combine all the sauce components.
- Boil. Place the noodles in boiling water and cook per the package instructions. Reserve 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid, then drain the noodles.
- Mix. Mix the noodles with the sauce until fully coated and shiny, adding more hot noodle water if the mixture is too thick.
- Serve. Enjoy right away, garnished with toasted sesame seeds and additional chili crisp if you like.