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Better Than Takeout Dan Dan Noodles

This flavorful takeout-style Dan Dan noodles recipe comes together in 30 minutes with bold ingredients like sesame oil, chili flakes, peanut butter, and savory ground meat simmered into a rich broth. Delicious comfort food that’s quick, spicy, creamy, and customizable.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 550 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 Skillet Large
  • 1 Saucepan For broth and sauce
  • 1 Heatproof bowl or jar For storing chili oil

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • ⅓ cup + 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • 6 cloves garlic thinly sliced or smashed
  • 1-2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
  • 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
  • 8 ounces Chinese style egg noodles or rice noodles
  • 2 ½ cups low sodium chicken broth
  • 2 cups fresh baby spinach roughly chopped
  • ½ pound ground chicken or pork
  • 2 cups mixed mushrooms chopped
  • black pepper to taste
  • 1 medium shallot chopped
  • 4 green onions chopped

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ⅓ cup sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes. Cook until the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes. Transfer the oil to a heat proof container.
  • Combine soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, vinegar, peanut butter/tahini, and ⅓ cup water in a bowl. Set aside.
  • Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  • In the same pot, add chicken broth and half of the soy sauce mixture. Simmer over medium heat. Add spinach. Keep warm.
  • Heat skillet used for chili oil over medium-high. Add 2 tablespoons oil and chicken. Season with black pepper and cook until browned, about 5 minutes.
  • Add mushrooms and shallot. Cook another 2-3 minutes.
  • Pour in remaining soy sauce mixture. Simmer until sauce coats meat and begins to caramelize, about 5 minutes. Stir in 2-4 tablespoons chili oil. Remove from heat.
  • Ladle broth into bowls. Add noodles and toss gently.
  • Spoon meat over noodles. Top with green onions and additional chili oil. Serve warm and enjoy!

Notes

Customize spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes. Use gluten-free noodles and soy sauce for GF version. Tofu can substitute meat for a vegetarian variation.