Dan Dan Noodles aka Dan Dan Mian（担担面）is a Chinese dish that originates from Sichuan province. The name "Dan Dan" refers to the bamboo pole that peddlers would carry the noodles on. Dan Dan Noodles are typically made with sesame paste and chili pepper sauce, but our plant-based recipe uses EATNUF Cashew Butter for a unique twist. I like to use EATNUF cashew butter in my Dan Dan Noodles because it gives the dish a creamy and nutty flavor that pairs well with the spice from the Sichuan pepper. The cashews are naturally sweet too which means I can skip the sugar.
To make this dish, you will need:
- 150g noodles
- 1 green onion
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 Tbsp chopped cashews
- 2 Tbsp Chili oil/paste such as Lao Gan Ma 老干妈
- 2 Tbsp light soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp chinese rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp EATNUF Cashew Butter
- Pinch of Sichuan pepper or white pepper
- Optional: 2 Tsp of Honey
Directions:
Dan Dan noodles are traditionally a very spicy dish, so if you can't handle the heat, I suggest leaving out the Sichuan pepper and use less chili oil. If you can handle the heat, then I say go for it!
- The first step is to cook the noodles according to package instructions. Once they are cooked, drain them and set them aside. Save a few tablespoons of noodle water for later.
- While the noodles are cooking, finely chop the green onion and garlic.
- In a wok or frying pan, stir-fry green onion and garlic in chili oil over medium heat until fragrant.
- In a serving bowl, add EATNUF Cashew Butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Sichuan pepper, stir-fried mixture, and a few tablespoons of noodle water. Mix well until the cashew butter has fully dissolved into a sauce.
- Add cooked noodles and chopped almonds. Stir to combine.
- Sprinkle with chopped cashews and chopped green onions and serve hot.
What's not to love about a dish that's packed full of flavour and spice? And with EATNUF Cashew Butter, it's even better! So if you're looking for something different to add to your next meal, give this recipe a try. I guarantee you won't be disappointed. And don't forget to add some heat with the Sichuan pepper. Enjoy!
Other Chinese dishes that pair well with EATNUF Cashew Butter:
Wuhan Hot Dry Noodles is a popular dish that originates from the city of Wuhan, China. The noodles are typically cooked in a spicy sauce and served with vegetables. Simply replace the sesame paste with cashew butter and you're good to go!
Malatang is a dish of boiled meats and vegetables in a spicy broth. The cashew butter would be a great replacement for the sesame paste in this dish, adding creaminess and depth of flavor.