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

vegan Dan Dan Noodles vertical

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

  1. In a wok over low heat, toast Sichuan peppercorns for 45-60 seconds until fragrant. Grind into powder.
Sichuan Peppercorns in a Wok
  1. Toast peanuts until lightly golden, and fragrant. Roughly chop.
Peanuts being toasted in a wok
  1. 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.
Ingredients being added to a Wok to Cook Vegan Pork
Cooked Vegan Pork for Dan Dan Noodles
  1. 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.
Adding uncooked Dan Dan Noodles to Boiling Water
Boiled Dan Dan Noodles in Water
Blanching Bok Choy in boiling water
  1. In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for the sauce, and stir.
Adding Ingredients into a bowl for Dan Dan Noodle Sauce
  1. 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.
Plating Dan Dan Noodles by adding ingredients one by one to a bowl
  1. Serve and Enjoy 🙂
Plated Vegan Dan Dan Noodles in a white bowl

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

Tempeh Dan Dan Noodles is served in a white plate.

Tempeh Dan Dan Noodles

Berry Berry Life
Tempeh Dan Dan Noodles – a bold, spicy, and nutty Sichuan-inspired dish with a plant-based twist. Packed with umami, protein, and flavor in every bite!
5 from 2 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Asian, Chinese
Servings 4
Calories 450 kcal

Ingredients
  

Dan Dan Noodles Sauce

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 Tempeh, 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 Tempeh 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 Gail Lan, 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 Tempeh, and top it with roasted peanuts, sesame seeds, green onion, Cilantro, and additional Chili Crisp.
  • Serve and Enjoy 🙂

Notes

    • Crumble the tempeh finely for the best texture—it should resemble minced meat.
    • Toast the Sichuan peppercorns before grinding to enhance their aroma.
    • Cook the noodles al dente to maintain the perfect chew.
    • Store leftovers separately—the sauce thickens over time, so thin it out with extra broth.

Video

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 450kcal
Keyword Chinese, Dan Dan, Noodles, Sichuan, Spicy
Tried This Recipe?Mention us @Berry_Berry_Life or #berryberrylife

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4 thoughts on “Vegan Dan Dan Noodles”

  • 5 stars
    I’ve been making this recipe for years and it’s incredible. Thanks for sharing! It’s my favourite ❤️

  • 5 stars
    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!

5 from 2 votes

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