If I had to choose between rice or noodles, I think noodles would win by a hair. One of my favourite noodle dishes of all time is Dan Dan Noodles. I love the peanut-y, spicy and sour kick from the sauce and the chewiness of the udon. I was inspired by the udon version I had at Heritage Asian Eatery and Afuri Ramen’s vegan Tan Tan Ramen. This dish is super easy to whip up, and the ingredients should be staples in any Asian pantry. I find that it’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables that you might have in the refrigerator. Check out my super simple vegan Dan Dan Udon recipe below!
In a large pot, boil your udon according to package instructions. Drain under cold water, and in the same pot you can cook any vegetables you have. I chose spinach as I had a large bag in my refrigerator.
In a heatproof bowl (this is very important!) combine your garlic, chili powder and sesame seeds. Pour hot oil over these ingredients and stir. Add your vinegar, soy sauce, sugar and peanut butter (or sesame paste) and stir to combine.
Add your udon noodles and stir to combine. Top with your desired vegetables – I had cucumber and spinach on hand. Garnish with chili oil (if you like it spicy!) and peanuts. Enjoy immediately.
Vegan Dan Dan Udon
Ingredients
- 4 cloves minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chili flakes
- 2 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil (heated)
- 2 tbsp black vinegar or rice wine vinegar
- 4 tbsp Lee Kum Kee Premium Soy Sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar or honey
- 2 tbsp peanut butter or sesame paste
- 2 packages udon
- 1/2 cucumber (julienned)
- 1 cup spinach (boiled)
Instructions
- In a large pot, boil your udon according to package instructions. Drain under cold water, and in the same pot you can cook any vegetables you have. I chose spinach as I had a large bag in my refrigerator.
- In a heatproof bowl (this is very important!) combine your garlic, chili powder and sesame seeds. Pour hot oil over these ingredients and stir.
- Add your vinegar, soy sauce, sugar and peanut butter (or sesame paste) and stir to combine.
- Add your udon noodles and stir to combine.
- Top with your desired vegetables – I had cucumber and spinach on hand. Garnish with chili oil (if you like it spicy!) and peanuts.