These Dan Dan noodles combine creamy tahini, spices, chili oil, and of course MATR to create a comforting bowl of noodles.
Whether you are looking for an easy weekday meal, a healthy dinner idea, or a new way to enjoy noodles, these Dan Dan noodles deliver plenty of flavour with just a few ingredients.
This recipe was created by African American chef Amanda Yee, who has worked in both acclaimed Californian and Danish restaurants. Through her cookbook, “The Meatball Cookbook,” she now shares her passion for food and creativity with home cooks around the world.
About MATR Mince
MATR Mince is made by combining quality vegetables with fungal fermentation. This natural process creates a rich umami flavour and a satisfying texture that works well in everyday cooking.
For these Dan Dan noodles, MATR replaces the traditional meat while adding a deep flavour that makes this exact dish so enjoyable.
How to make Dan Dan noodles with MATR
MATR mixture:
- Heat a pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the neutral oil and MATR Mince. Break the MATR into small crumbles while cooking.
- Add soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and Chinese five spice. Stir occasionally until everything is combined and the MATR becomes aromatic.
- This creates the savoury base for the Dan Dan noodles. Allowing the MATR to cook with the spices helps build layers of flavour and brings out the natural umami created through fermentation.
- Reduce the heat to low and add the sauce ingredients to the MATR mixture. Add tahini, light soy sauce, Chinese black vinegar, chili oil, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, Chinese five spice, Sichuan peppercorn powder, MSG, and vegetable stock.
- Stir everything together until you have a smooth, thick sauce. The combination of tahini, spices, and fermented MATR creates the rich flavour profile that makes these Dan Dan noodles special.
The noodles:
- Cook the ramen-style noodles according to the package instructions. Before draining, reserve 1 to 2 tablespoons of noodle cooking liquid.
- Add the noodles directly into the sauce and stir until fully coated. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of noodle liquid until it reaches the perfect consistency.
- The best Dan Dan noodles have a sauce that clings to every noodle while remaining creamy and full of flavour.
Tips for the perfect Dan Dan noodles
Adjust the spice level. Dan Dan noodles traditionally have a noticeable kick from chili oil and Sichuan pepper. If you prefer a milder version, reduce the chili oil. For more heat, add extra chili oil before serving.
Use noodle water for the best sauce. A small amount of noodle cooking liquid helps loosen the sauce and allows it to coat the Dan Dan noodles evenly.
Toast the spices for extra depth. Lightly warming the Chinese five spice and Sichuan pepper before adding them to the sauce can help release their natural aromas and create a more complex flavour profile.
Let the MATR mixture develop flavour. Give the MATR Mince enough time to cook with the soy sauce, Shaoxing wine, and spices. Allowing the flavours to build in the pan creates a deeper mixture that makes the Dan Dan noodles even more satisfying.
Which dishes can you serve with Dan Dan noodles?
This dish can easily stand on its own. But your guests might be extra hungry, which tells you there is room for a side dish. Here are a few examples that works really well with the noodles:
- Cucumber salad with sesame and chili oil.
- Quick-pickled vegetables, such as pickled carrots or cabbage.
- Crispy spring rolls with vegetable filling.
- Edamame with sea salt and chili flakes.
Why make Dan Dan noodles with MATR?
Instead of relying on artificial flavourings or additives, MATR uses a natural fermentation process to develop its unique taste and texture. This makes this version of the Dan Dan noodles a great choice for anyone looking for healthier meals, mindful cooking, and everyday meals with more depth.
The combination of MATR, spices, and noodles creates a comforting recipe that works well as a healthy dinner or a flavourful weekend meal.
Slurp Dan Dan noodles with MATR
Ready to bring more flavour and creativity into your everyday cooking? Try making these Dan Dan noodles with MATR.
Continue reading about our products, or find more easy and delicious recipes to make at home. We guarantee you will discover new fun ways to make classic dishes with our MATR recipes.
Would you like to try MATR before cooking at home? No need to search too long. You can find MATR on the menu at mother, Rørt and Gasoline Grill in Copenhagen.
Frequently asked questions
What exactly are Dan Dan noodles?
Dan Dan noodles are a classic Sichuan noodle dish known for their bold combination of spicy, savoury, nutty, and umami flavours. This version uses MATR.
Are Dan Dan noodles healthy?
Dan Dan noodles can be part of a balanced diet, especially when made with wholesome ingredients. Using MATR offers a plant-based variation. Our products are made through fermentation with no additives.
Is Dan Dan Chinese or Japanese?
Dan Dan noodles originated in China's Sichuan province and are a staple of Sichuan cuisine. There are so many regional variations around the world today, including modern interpretations like this version with MATR.
What is the flavor of Dan Dan noodles?
Dan Dan noodles have a rich, savoury flavour with nutty tahini, spicy chili oil, Sichuan pepper, and deep umami. MATR adds extra depth to the dish with its umami flavour.
Why do Dan Dan noodles make my tongue tingle?
The signature tingling sensation comes from Sichuan peppercorns, which create a unique numbing effect.
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Divide the noodles between bowls and finish with diced green onion and crushed peanuts.