Name: Better Than Takeout Dan Dan Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Chinese
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 (make sure to use GF if needed); 1 tablespoon honey; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or tahini; 1/3 cup water; For the Noodles and Toppings:; 8 ounces Chinese-style egg noodles or rice noodles; 2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth; 2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped; 2 cups mixed mushrooms, chopped; Black pepper, to taste; 1 medium shallot, chopped; 4 green onions, chopped

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Dan Dan Noodles are a popular Chinese dish that combines spicy, savory, and tangy flavors into a hearty, satisfying bowl of noodles. This version is made even better than takeout with a rich, homemade chili oil, a creamy peanut or tahini sauce, and perfectly cooked chicken and vegetables. With the perfect balance of spice from the crushed red pepper flakes, the umami from soy sauce and hoisin, and the richness from peanut butter, these Dan Dan Noodles will be your new favorite comfort food!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Better Than Takeout Dan Dan Noodles recipe brings all the flavors of your favorite Chinese takeout right to your kitchen, but with fresher ingredients and a homemade touch. The chili oil adds a deep, aromatic heat, while the peanut butter or tahini creates a creamy, rich sauce. The noodles are served with tender chicken, earthy mushrooms, and fresh spinach, making for a meal that’s both comforting and satisfying. It’s easy to make, customizable, and will definitely satisfy your craving for a flavorful noodle dish!

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 (make sure to use GF if needed)
1 tablespoon honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
3 tablespoons creamy peanut butter or tahini
1/3 cup water

For the Noodles and Toppings:

8 ounces Chinese-style egg noodles or rice noodles
2 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
2 cups fresh baby spinach, roughly chopped
2 cups mixed mushrooms, chopped
Black pepper, to taste
1 medium shallot, chopped
4 green onions, chopped

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Make the Chili Oil

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1/3 cup sesame oil, garlic, and chili flakes.
Cook, stirring occasionally, until the garlic becomes fragrant, about 5 minutes.
Remove from heat and carefully transfer the oil to a heatproof bowl or glass jar. Set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, honey, rice vinegar, peanut butter or tahini, and 1/3 cup water.
Stir well until the peanut butter or tahini is fully dissolved and the mixture is smooth.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles

Cook the egg 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 prepared soy sauce mixture.
Bring to a simmer over medium heat and stir in the chopped spinach. Keep warm.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken and Vegetables

Place the skillet you used to make the chili oil over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of sesame oil.
Add the chicken, season with black pepper, and cook until browned, about 5 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add the chopped mushrooms and shallot to the skillet, cooking for another 2-3 minutes.
Slowly pour in the remaining half of the soy sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Cook until the sauce coats the chicken, and the meat becomes caramelized and crispy, about 5 minutes.
Stir in 2-4 tablespoons of the prepared chili oil. Remove from heat.

Step 5: Assemble the Dish

Ladle the broth mixture into bowls, filling each about halfway.
Add the cooked noodles to the broth and toss to combine.
Spoon the chicken and mushroom mixture over the noodles.
Top with chopped green onions and additional chili oil to taste.

Serve immediately and enjoy your homemade, better-than-takeout Dan Dan Noodles!

Servings and Timing

Servings: Makes 4 servings
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version. Sauté the tofu until crispy and follow the same steps.
More Heat: For an extra spicy kick, add more crushed red pepper flakes to the chili oil or drizzle additional hot sauce on top.
Add Vegetables: Feel free to add more vegetables like bok choy, bell peppers, or carrots to the dish for added flavor and nutrition.
Rice Noodles: For a gluten-free version, use rice noodles instead of egg noodles and ensure that all sauces are gluten-free.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce and prevent it from drying out.

FAQs

1. Can I use another type of noodle for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any type of noodle you prefer. Soba noodles, udon, or even spaghetti can work well in this dish.

2. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, just replace the chicken with tofu or other plant-based protein. You can also add more veggies for a lighter, vegetarian version.

3. How can I make this dish milder?

If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or skip the chili oil entirely. You can also substitute the chipotle with a mild chili paste.

4. Can I make this recipe in advance?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chili oil, sauce, and chicken mixture in advance. When ready to serve, cook the noodles and assemble the dish.

5. Can I freeze Dan Dan Noodles?

While you can freeze the chicken and chili oil, the noodles and broth are best served fresh. If freezing, store them separately and reheat when ready to serve.

6. Can I use almond butter instead of peanut butter?

Yes, almond butter or tahini works well as a substitute for peanut butter in this recipe if you have allergies or prefer a different nutty flavor.

7. Can I make this dish less salty?

You can use low-sodium soy sauce and adjust the amount of hoisin sauce to make the dish less salty. Also, be mindful of the salt you add to the broth.

8. How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, add a small amount of cornstarch or flour mixed with water. Stir it into the sauce and let it simmer until thickened.

9. Can I make the chili oil spicier?

Yes! If you like more heat, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the oil.

10. What can I serve with Dan Dan Noodles?

Dan Dan Noodles are delicious on their own but can be served with steamed dumplings, a side of pickled vegetables, or a light salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

These Better Than Takeout Dan Dan Noodles are a perfect balance of heat, flavor, and texture. With a rich, creamy sauce, tender noodles, and crispy chicken, this dish is bound to become a new favorite. Easy to make and fully customizable, it’s a perfect meal for satisfying your craving for bold, flavorful Asian-inspired cuisine!