Why You’ll Love Easy Szechuan Noodles (Dan Dan with Peanut Sauce) Recipe
This recipe is ideal if you want a restaurant‑worthy noodle dish without the fuss. It’s:
• Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes
• Full of rich, bold Szechuan flavors with a creamy peanut twist
• Easy to customize with proteins or veggies of your choice
• Perfect for busy weeknights when you want something comforting and spicy
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
noodles
vegetable oil
ginger
garlic
green onions
soy sauce
rice vinegar
Szechuan chili paste or sauce
hoisin sauce
sugar
chicken or vegetable broth
snow peas (optional)
crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for garnish (optional)
Directions
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Cook the noodles: Boil them according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.
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Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, rice vinegar, Szechuan chili paste, hoisin sauce, sugar, and chicken broth.
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Sauté aromatics: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium‑high heat. Add minced ginger and garlic, sautéing until fragrant.
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Cook vegetables: Add snow peas (or any quick‑cooking veggies) and stir‑fry until tender‑crisp.
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Combine noodles and sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the pan, pour in the sauce, and toss to coat evenly.
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Finish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with green onions and crushed peanuts or sesame seeds, and serve hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4 servings
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes
Variations
• Add protein: Stir in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or ground pork for extra heartiness.
• Change veggies: Swap or add broccoli, mushrooms, bok choy, or bell peppers to suit your taste.
• Adjust heat: Use more or less Szechuan chili paste according to your spice preference.
• Peanut twist: To deepen the nutty flavor, add a spoonful of peanut butter or sesame paste into the sauce.
Storage/Reheating
Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of broth or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals to keep the sauce creamy and evenly heated.
FAQs
What noodles work best for this dish?
Use Chinese wheat noodles or spaghetti‑style noodles; rice noodles also work if you prefer gluten‑free.
Can I make this vegan?
Yes — swap the broth for vegetable broth and skip any meat additions.
How spicy is this recipe?
It has a mild to moderate heat that you can increase by adding more chili paste.
Can I prep the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce can be mixed up to a day ahead for faster cooking later.
What can I use instead of hoisin sauce?
You can substitute a touch of sweet soy sauce or oyster sauce if not vegan.
Is peanut butter traditional in Dan Dan noodles?
Traditional Sichuan versions use sesame paste, but peanut butter or a peanut‑forward sauce is a common home adaptation.
How do I make it nut‑free?
Skip peanuts and use sunflower seeds or toasted sesame seeds instead.
Can I add meat?
Yes, cooked ground pork or chicken makes a great addition.
How do I reduce sodium?
Use low‑sodium soy sauce and broth to control salt levels.
Can this be frozen?
It’s best stored in the fridge; freezing may affect the noodle texture.
Conclusion
These Easy Szechuan Noodles with Peanut Sauce are a flavorful, fast, and versatile take on Dan Dan noodles that’s perfect for home cooks who love big flavors without long prep times. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or customizing it with your favorite add‑ins, this recipe delivers rich, satisfying results every time.
