Vegan Dan Dan Noodles
Experience a flavor explosion with Vegan Dan Dan Noodles made with a plant-based protein! This mouthwatering dish combines the spicy, savory goodness of traditional Dan Dan noodles with a vegan twist, creating a tantalizing culinary adventure that’s sure to awaken your taste buds. Perfect for noodle lovers and plant-based enthusiasts alike, this recipe offers a delightful fusion of heat and savory richness.
Table of Contents
- Origins of Dan Dan Noodles
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- What Is In Vegan Dan Dan Noodles?
- Key Ingredients
- How To Make Vegan Dan Dan Noodles
- Have It Your Way!
- Nutritional Facts
- Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Vegan Dan Dan Noodles Recipe
Origins of Dan Dan Noodles
Dan Dan Noodles trace their roots to the vibrant culinary traditions of Sichuan province in China. Originally a street food sold by vendors carrying poles (dan dan) across their shoulders, this dish is known for its spicy, numbing, and savory flavors. Traditionally, it includes minced pork, chili oil, Sichuan peppercorns, and sesame paste, creating a symphony of sensations that captivate the palate.
Over time, Dan Dan Noodles have evolved, with chefs and home cooks experimenting with different ingredients and variations. Our Vegan Dan Dan Noodles with a plant-based protein are a modern twist on this classic, offering the same bold flavors in a plant-based form.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Explosive Flavor: The combination of spicy chili oil, savory sesame paste, and aromatic spices delivers a bold and unforgettable taste experience.
- Hearty Texture: Vegan Pork provides a satisfying, meat-like texture that perfectly complements the chewy noodles.
- Versatile: Enjoy it as a main course or a flavorful side dish, suitable for any meal.
- Plant-Based: A vegan delight that’s both nutritious and delicious, perfect for those following a plant-based diet.
What Is In Vegan Dan Dan Noodles?
This tantalizing dish boasts a harmonious blend of ingredients carefully curated to deliver a symphony of flavors and textures:
- Plant-Based Protein: The star of the show, Vegan Pork serves as a plant-based protein that absorbs the spicy and savory flavors, offering a satisfying bite with every mouthful.
- Chili Oil: Adding a fiery kick, chili oil infuses the dish with a bold and invigorating heat, tantalizing the taste buds and leaving a lingering warmth.
- Sesame Paste: With its rich, nutty flavor, sesame paste elevates the dish with its creamy texture and savory notes.
- Soy Sauce: Providing a savory umami base, soy sauce enhances the depth of flavor and ties together the diverse elements of the dish, resulting in a harmonious and balanced taste experience.
- Sichuan Peppercorns: These unique spices add a distinctive numbing sensation, balancing the heat of the chili oil with their floral aroma.
- Garlic and Ginger: Aromatic and pungent, garlic and ginger add depth and complexity to the dish, enhancing its savory profile.
- Green Onions: Fresh and vibrant, green onions add a burst of color and a mild, oniony flavor that complements the richness of the noodles.
Key Ingredients
- Plant-Based Protein: Serves as the foundation of the dish, offering a versatile and protein-packed component.
- Chili Oil: Provides the fiery heat and intense flavor that defines the dish, allowing for customization based on spice tolerance.
- Sesame Paste: Adds a creamy, nutty richness that balances the spicy elements.
- Soy Sauce: Enhances the umami richness of the dish, creating a harmonious balance of savory and spicy elements.
- Sichuan Peppercorns: Contribute a unique numbing sensation that’s essential to authentic Dan Dan noodles.
- Garlic and Ginger: Elevate the overall taste experience with their bold, aromatic flavors.
- Green Onions: Add freshness and color to the dish.
How To Make Vegan Dan Dan Noodles
- In a wok over low heat, toast Sichuan peppercorns for 45-60 seconds until fragrant. Grind into powder.
- Toast peanuts until lightly golden, and fragrant. Roughly chop.
- In a wok over medium low heat, add cooking oil along with garlic, ginger, and whites of green onion and sauté for 60 seconds. Add the vegan pork, and crumble. Then add the Chinese Five Spice powder, 2 Tbsp. soy Sauce, 2 Tbsp. Shaoxing wine, 1/2 tsp. Black Vinegar, 1 Tbsp. Dark soy sauce, and 1 Tsp ground black pepper. Sauté until all ingredients are thoroughly combine, and vegan pork is crumbled, and cooked through.
- In boiling water, add 1 Tsp salt, and then add the noodles. Cook per package instructions. Strain and thoroughly rinse the noodles to prevent clumping or sticking. In the same boiling water, add the Bok Choy, and cook for 30 seconds. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce, and stir.
- In a noodle bowl, add the sauce to the bottom and then add the noodles, and side of greens. Then add the cooked vegan pork, and top it with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, green onion, and additional Chili Crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy 🙂
Have It Your Way!
Customize your Vegan Dan Dan Noodles with these creative adaptations:
- Adjust Spice Level: Increase or decrease the amount of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns to suit your preferred level of heat.
- Add Vegetables: Incorporate bok choy, spinach, or bell peppers for added color, flavor, and nutrition.
- Use Different Noodles: Try different types of vegan noodles, such as rice noodles or soba, for a unique twist on the dish.
- Use Peanut Butter: Excellent substitute to sesame paste.
- Different Protein Options: Try it with shredded Tofu, or Tempeh, or another plant based protein.
Nutritional Facts
Vegan Dan Dan Noodles offer numerous health benefits, including:
- Protein-Rich: Vegan Pork serves as an excellent source of plant-based protein, supporting muscle health and satiety.
- Heart-Healthy: Sesame paste contains healthy fats and antioxidants that support heart health.
- Immune-Boosting: Garlic and ginger are known for their immune-boosting properties, helping to fend off illness and promote overall wellness.
Other Recipes You’ll Love
- Spicy Chili Garlic Tofu
- Vegan Mapo Tofu
- Black Pepper Tofu
- Stir Fried Udon Noodles
- Wood Ear Mushroom Salad
Vegan Dan Dan Noodles Recipe
Vegan Dan Dan Noodles
Ingredients
- 450 g Dan Dan Wheat Noodles
- Bok Choy or other favorite greens
- 10 oz Plant Based Protein
- 2 Tbsp. Cooking Oil
- 1 Tbsp. Garlic minced
- 1 Tbsp. Ginger grated
- 2 Green Onions Whites and Green Parts, chopped
- 1 Tsp. Chinese Five Spice Powder
- 2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp. Dark Soy Sauce
- ½ Tsp. Black Vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. Shaoxing Wine
- 1 Tsp. Black Pepper
- ÂĽ Cup Peanuts roasted and crushed
- Sesame Seeds
Dan Dan Noodles Sauce
- 4 Tbsp. Tahini or Peanut Butter
- 1 Tbsp. Garlic minced
- 2 Tbsp. Soy Sauce
- 2 Tbsp. Dark Soy Sauce
- 6 Tbsp. Chili Crisp
- 2 Tsp. Sichuan Peppercorns
- 1 Tsp. Brown Sugar
- ½ Cup Water or Broth or as needed to achieve desired consistency
Equipment
Instructions
- In a wok over low heat, toast Sichuan peppercorns for 45-60 seconds until fragrant. Grind into powder
- Toast peanuts until lightly golden, and fragrant. Roughly chop.
- In a wok over medium low heat, add cooking oil along with garlic, ginger, and whites of green onion and sauté for 60 seconds. Add the vegan pork, and crumble. Then add the Chinese Five Spice powder, 2 Tbsp. soy Sauce, 2 Tbsp. Shaoxing wine, 1/2 tsp. Black Vinegar, 1 Tbsp. Dark soy sauce, and 1 Tsp ground black pepper. Sauté until all ingredients are thoroughly combine, and vegan pork is crumbled, and cooked through.
- In boiling water, add 1 Tsp salt, and then add the noodles. Cook per package instructions. Strain and thoroughly rinse the noodles to prevent clumping or sticking. In the same boiling water, add the Bok Choy, and cook for 30 seconds. Remove and set aside.
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce, and stir.
- In a noodle bowl, add the sauce to the bottom and then add the noodles, and side of greens. Then add the cooked vegan pork, and top it with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, green onion, and additional Chili Crisp.
- Serve and Enjoy 🙂
Notes
-
Noodle Choice:
- Opt for wheat noodles or rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
- Cook noodles just until al dente to avoid mushiness when mixed with the sauce.
-
Plant-Based Protein:
- If Vegan Pork is unavailable, substitute with other vegan ground meat alternatives such as Beyond Meat or tempeh.
- Crumble tofu can also be used for a different texture.
-
Spice Level:
- Adjust the amount of chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns to control the heat.
- For a milder version, reduce the chili oil and remove the seeds from the peppercorns.
-
Sauce Consistency:
- If the sauce is too thick, thin it out with a bit of warm water or vegetable broth.
- Mix the sauce ingredients thoroughly to ensure even coating on the noodles.
-
Vegetable Add-Ins:
- Add sautéed or steamed vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or broccoli for extra nutrition and color.
- Bell peppers, mushrooms, and carrots also work well in this dish.
-
Garnishes:
- Garnish with chopped peanuts or sesame seeds for added crunch and flavor.
- Fresh cilantro or basil can add a burst of freshness to the dish.
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Preparation Tips:
- Prepare all ingredients in advance for a smoother cooking process.
- Cook the plant-based protein first and set it aside while preparing the sauce and noodles.
-
Storage and Reheating:
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a splash of water if needed to rehydrate the noodles and sauce.
-
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables to balance the spicy and savory flavors.
- Pair with a light, refreshing salad for a complete meal.
Video
Nutrition
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I’ve been making this recipe for years and it’s incredible. Thanks for sharing! It’s my favourite ❤️
You’re welcome, and glad you liked it 🙂
I never leave comments on recipe blogs but this is just so good I have to thank you! The sauce is so flavorful! I was a little skeptical because I don’t like typical like tahini, but this is a totally different flavor. I didn’t have chili oil so I substituted chili garlic sauce (just added an extra tablespoon). This far exceeded my expectations, so tasty and also quick and easy! This will definitely go on my regular rotation 🙂 Thanks again for sharing this!
Glad you liked it. It’s definitely a regular in our kitchen 🙂