Easy Vegan Dan Dan Noodles

Craving something spicy, savoury, and comforting? These easy vegan Dan Dan noodles hit the spot! They’re packed with flavour from the creamy tahini, rich soy sauce, and that signature Sichuan pepper kick—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special.

Dan Dan noodles have always been one of my favourite dishes to order when I’m out at restaurants. The combination of spice, savoury flavours, and crunchy toppings makes it so satisfying. After enjoying it countless times, I thought I’d try recreating it at home and put my own spin on it.

This recipe focuses on simplicity, using ingredients that are easy to find yet still pack a punch. The best part? You can have it on the table in less than 30 minutes.

The Heart of Dan Dan Noodles: The Sauce

The key to any good Dan Dan noodle dish is the sauce. I love how a simple blend of pantry staples like soy sauce, tahini, garlic, and a bit of rice vinegar can create such depth of flavour. For that signature kick, I use a mix of Sichuan peppercorns and chilli oil. The peppercorns add a slight numbing heat, while the chilli oil brings a warm, spicy layer to the dish.

The tahini (or peanut butter, if you prefer) makes the sauce creamy and helps it cling to the noodles. It’s all about getting the right balance of heat, savoury notes, and richness. Once you’ve got that, it’s hard not to make this dish a regular in your weekly rotation.

Shiitake Mushrooms for Texture

Instead of using anything too heavy, I’ve gone with shiitake mushrooms in this recipe. They have a meaty texture that works so well with the sauce, soaking up all those bold flavours. The mushrooms give the dish a satisfying bite while keeping things light and fresh.

The Noodles and Toppings

I tend to use wheat noodles for this dish, but feel free to use any type you like. Rice noodles or even soba noodles could work just as well. As for toppings, I like to keep things classic with spring onions, chopped peanuts, and a drizzle of extra chilli oil for those who like a bit more heat. The contrast between the soft noodles and the crunchy peanuts adds a great texture, making each bite a little different from the last.

Here’s How to Make It:

1. Start with the noodles
   Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once done, drain them well and set them aside.
2. Make the sauce
   In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, soy sauce, rice vinegar, chilli oil, a pinch of sugar, and maple syrup. Add in minced garlic, grated ginger, and Sichuan peppercorns for extra flavour. This combination gives the sauce a creamy, savoury depth with a touch of sweetness. Adjust the amounts to suit your taste.
3. Cook the mushrooms
   In a hot pan, sauté the finely chopped shiitake mushrooms in a bit of oil until they’re golden and tender. They’ll soak up the flavours of the sauce nicely once combined.
4. Combine everything
   Toss the cooked noodles into the pan with the mushrooms and pour in the sauce. Mix well until the noodles are fully coated and everything is heated through.
5. Finish with toppings
   Serve the noodles topped with spring onions, crushed peanuts, and an extra drizzle of chilli oil if you like more heat. The toppings bring crunch and freshness to the dish.

Easy Vegan Dan Dan Noodles

When you're craving a bold, comforting meal, these vegan Dan Dan noodles deliver. The tahini and soy sauce add a creamy richness, while Sichuan peppercorns bring a little kick. It's one of those dishes that feels like you’ve spent ages on it, but it's actually super quick to make—perfect for busy evenings when you want something satisfying.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings 4

Equipment

• 60ml chili oil (adjust to your spice preference)

Ingredients

  

• 450 g medium noodles

For the sauce:

• 60 ml chili oil (adjust to your spice preference)
• 60 ml hot water
• 2 tbsp tahini
• 3 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari) 
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 tsp grated ginger
• 1/2 tsp Sichuan peppercorns grounded
• 1/2 tsp Chinese five spice powder

For the mushrooms:

• 250 g shiitake mushrooms finely chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the topping:

• 60 g peanuts chopped
• 30 g spring onions chopped

Instructions

 

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil.
• While the water is heating, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl until smooth.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the finely chopped mushrooms and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned and softened, about 5-7 minutes.
• Add the noodles to the boiling water and cook according to package directions until al dente.
• Drain the noodles well and add them to the skillet with the cooked mushrooms.
• Add the sauce, toss, and reheat over medium-low for 1-2 minutes.
• Serve immediately, topped with peanuts and scallions.

Notes

• If you don’t have Chinese five spice powder, you can substitute a pinch of cinnamon and a pinch of ground cloves.
• For extra protein, add some cubed and pan-fried tofu or tempeh to the noodles.
• Add some blanched greens like spinach or bok choy for a more balanced meal.
• Adjust the amount of chili oil to your spice preference.

Customise to Your Taste

This recipe is easy to adapt. If you’re not a fan of mushrooms, you could swap them for other vegetables like broccoli or spinach. The spice level can also be adjusted to suit your preferences—use less chilli oil for a milder dish or add more if you love a fiery kick.

A Quick Comfort Meal

One of the best things about making Dan Dan noodles at home is how quick it comes together. From start to finish, it takes under 30 minutes, making it ideal for a busy evening when you want something comforting without the fuss.

It’s also great as leftovers. I usually make a little extra, and the noodles are even better the next day after they’ve had time to absorb all the flavours.

Final Thoughts

Recreating Dan Dan noodles at home has been such a fun way to bring a bit of my favourite restaurant dish into my own kitchen. It’s a quick, flavour-packed meal that’s sure to become a staple in your rotation too. Give it a try and enjoy!

P.S. For another delicious & quick dinner, try this 15-Minute Creamy Oyster Mushroom Pasta.

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