Better Than Takeout Dan Dan Noodles bring the bold, mouthwatering flavors of Sichuan cuisine straight to your kitchen. This dish combines tender noodles with a rich, savory topping made from ground chicken or pork, all coated in a luscious, spicy chili oil sauce. The perfect balance of soy sauce, hoisin sauce, peanut butter (or tahini), and chili oil creates a deep, complex flavor that’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with just the right amount of heat.
With the addition of mushrooms, spinach, and crispy caramelized meat, every bite delivers a satisfying mix of textures and flavors. Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight dinner or a comforting weekend meal, these noodles are guaranteed to become a go-to favorite—better than any takeout!
Ingredients:
For the Chili Oil:
- 1/3 cup + 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 6 cloves garlic, thinly sliced or smashed
- 1-2 tablespoons crushed red pepper flakes
For the Sauce:
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup hoisin sauce (GF if needed)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or tahini
- 1/3 cup water
For the Noodles:
- 8 ounces Chinese-style egg noodles or rice noodles
- 2 1/2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
For the Meat Topping:
- 1/2 pound ground chicken or pork
- 2 cups mixed mushrooms, chopped
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 medium shallot, chopped
- 4 green onions, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Make the Chili Oil
Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the 1/3 cup sesame oil, garlic, and crushed red pepper flakes. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes until the garlic is fragrant and slightly golden. Remove from heat and carefully transfer the oil to a heat-proof bowl or glass jar. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, peanut butter (or tahini), and 1/3 cup water until smooth. This will be your sauce base.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Cook the egg noodles (or rice noodles) according to the package directions. Drain and set aside. In the same pot used to cook the noodles, add the chicken broth and half of the sauce mixture. Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir in the chopped spinach. Keep warm on low heat.
Step 4: Cook the Meat and Mushrooms
Using the same skillet from the chili oil, heat 2 tablespoons sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground chicken or pork, season with black pepper, and cook for about 5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned. Add the mushrooms and shallot, and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms soften. Slowly pour in the remaining half of the sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens and the meat caramelizes slightly. Stir in 2-4 tablespoons of the chili oil, depending on your spice preference. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Assemble the Dish
Ladle the broth into serving bowls. Add the noodles and toss to combine. Spoon the meat and mushroom mixture over the noodles. Top with chopped green onions and drizzle with extra chili oil if desired.
Cooking Note:
- Chili Oil Heat Level: Adjust the amount of chili oil based on your heat preference. Start with 1 tablespoon for a milder heat and increase as desired.
- Noodle Options: Egg noodles give a more traditional texture, but rice noodles are a great gluten-free alternative.
- Peanut Butter or Tahini: Either ingredient can be used in the sauce for a creamy, nutty flavor. Tahini gives a slightly more sesame-forward taste.
Serving Suggestions:
These Dan Dan Noodles are delicious as a stand-alone meal but can be paired with a variety of sides to make it even more special:
- Stir-Fried Vegetables: Serve with a side of stir-fried broccoli, bok choy, or snow peas for added greens.
- Dumplings: Pair with steamed dumplings or spring rolls for a complete meal.
- Cucumber Salad: A light, refreshing cucumber salad dressed with vinegar and sesame oil makes a great contrast to the rich noodles.
Tips:
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the chili oil and sauce ahead of time and store them in the fridge for up to a week. Simply reheat before using.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with crumbled tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version of the dish.
- Gluten-Free: To make this dish gluten-free, use rice noodles and gluten-free soy sauce and hoisin sauce.
Prep Time:
- 15 minutes
Cook Time:
- 15 minutes
Total Time:
- 30 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 450 (varies based on portion size and ingredients)
- Protein: 25 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
Conclusion:
Better Than Takeout Dan Dan Noodles are a perfect blend of spicy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors, with tender noodles and a rich, umami-packed meat topping. The homemade chili oil adds a burst of heat, while the creamy peanut butter and hoisin sauce add depth to the dish. Whether you’re craving takeout or looking for a quick, flavorful weeknight meal, these noodles will satisfy your cravings and have you coming back for more. Enjoy with your favorite sides or on their own for a delicious, comforting meal!