The more I cook vegan dishes, the more I can see that certain dishes are just better without meat. Even ones that traditionally use meat, such as this vegan dan dan mein which uses tofu and shiitake mushrooms. This is an inspired deal dan dan noodle recipe that stays true to the authentic Sichuan flavour. This post covers all the key ingredients and includes a super rich and balanced sauce to recreate the classic dish that tastes like China. It is for those nights when you’re craving spicy, warming, Chinese inspired noodles, but don’t want to wait for takeout.
This is not a dish just for vegans; the sauce and the mince topping using shiitake mushrooms and tofu have so much satisfying umami flavour you'd hardly miss the meat at all. Using mushrooms and tofu impart so much earthiness and umami to the dish, and they lighten the dish too! Mix them with a sauce packed with spicy, pungent, nutty, and sour flavours, and you’ve got yourself one outstanding bowl of noodles!
In Sichuan province, if you were to order dan dan noodles at a restaurant, the noodles would be swimming in a pool of red oil. Traditionally, the sauce for the noodles is made with ground pork or beef, cooked with a delicious blend of sesame paste, sesame oil, dark vinegar, chili oil, and Sichuan pepper. My version is much more bearable for anyone who didn't grow up eating scorching food for every meal, while still maintaining the deep spicy flavor. This recipe can be made and ready in just about 30 minutes and not only are they a touch healthier, but these noodles are served with a rich sauce that is nutty, spicy, and extra fragrant, with a hint of sweetness.
IF YOU EVER GIVE THIS RECIPE A TRY, DO LEAVE A COMMENT BELOW AND/OR TAG @FRUITYEMZ AND HASHTAG #FRUITYEMZ ON YOUR INSTAGRAM POST! I WOULD LOVE TO SEE ALL YOUR YUMMY CREATIONS 🙂
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