Name: Dan Dan Style Szechuan Noodles with Creamy Peanut Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Szechuan
Ingredients: 8 oz noodles (ramen, rice noodles, or spaghetti); 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated; 1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste); 1/3 cup creamy peanut butter; 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup; 1/4 cup warm water (to thin sauce as needed); 2 green onions, sliced; 1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped; Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional); Szechuan peppercorns or chili oil for garnish (optional)

Description

A bold and flavorful plant-based twist on traditional Dan Dan noodles, featuring a creamy peanut sauce balanced with heat, sweetness, and umami. Ready in 20 minutes, this comforting Szechuan-inspired dish is flexible, quick, and deeply satisfying.

Ingredients

8 oz noodles (ramen, rice noodles, or spaghetti)

2 tablespoons sesame oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated

1/4 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

2 tablespoons rice vinegar

2 tablespoons chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)

1/3 cup creamy peanut butter

1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup

1/4 cup warm water (to thin sauce as needed)

2 green onions, sliced

1/4 cup roasted peanuts, chopped

Fresh cilantro, chopped (optional)

Szechuan peppercorns or chili oil for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

Cook the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Stir in soy sauce, rice vinegar, chili garlic sauce, peanut butter, and brown sugar. Whisk until smooth and combined.
Gradually add warm water, a little at a time, until the sauce reaches a creamy, pourable consistency.
Add the cooked noodles to the sauce and stir until well coated.
Serve hot, topped with green onions, chopped peanuts, and optional cilantro, chili oil, or Szechuan peppercorns.

Notes

Use tamari and rice noodles for a gluten-free version.

Add baked tofu, edamame, or crispy tempeh for extra protein.

Incorporate vegetables like sautéed mushrooms, shredded carrots, or spinach for added nutrition.

Sauce can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for 3–4 days.

Reheat with a splash of water or soy sauce to loosen the noodles.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Szechuan

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 430
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 850mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 16g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 50g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 12g
Cholesterol: 0mg