Vegan Dan Dan Noodles (with Tofu)

A bowl of Vegan Dan Dan noodles, with a pair of chopsticks, ready to eat.

These Vegan Dan Dan Noodles are rich, spicy, savory, and packed with bold flavor. With a umami tofu pork mixture and a homemade sauce, served over noodles with baby bok choy for a better-than-takeout meal.

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Asian

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 20

Total Time 40

Servings

Calories 497

Author Elizabeth

Equipment

Non-Stick Pans

Ingredients

Tofu 'Pork'

1 16 Ounce Block Super Firm Tofu
8 Ounces Cremini Mushrooms
¼ Cup Soy Sauce
2 Tablespoons Hoisin Sauce
1 Teaspoon Chinese Five Spice

Dan Dan Sauce

3 Tablespoons Tahini *see notes
2 Tablespoons Soy Sauce
1 Tablespoon Agave or Maple Syrup
1-2 Tablespoons Chili Oil optional - for oil free use 1 tablespoon broth + ½ teaspoon chili flakes
1 Teaspoon Sesame Oil optional - omit for oil free
2 Cloves Garlic minced
½" Piece Ginger grated
1 Teaspoon Sichuan Pepper
½ Teaspoon Chinese 5 Spice

Noodles

16 Ounces Noodles I used thick spaghetti *see notes
6 Heads Baby Bok Choy *see notes
1 Bunch Scallions sliced
Chopped Peanuts to serve, optional
Chili Oil to serve, optional

Instructions

Pulse tofu and mushrooms in food processor. Add to a large skillet (preferably non-stick) and cook on medium high heat for 12-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, allowing the water to cook off, and the tofu to brown. Add the soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and chinese five spice, stir and cook 1-2 minutes.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Meanwhile, in a different pot, bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the the bok choy and cook for 30-60 seconds minutes to blanch - watch for the bok choy to turn just slightly greener in color. Transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water to cool.
In a small bowl whisk together the sauce ingredients.
Assemble the bowls. Serve the tofu over the noodles, with a generous amount of sauce and a head of bok choy. Garnish with scallions, peanuts, and a drizzle of chili oil.

Notes

*Tahini: Traditionally this recipe uses Chinese sesame paste. Feel free to use if you have it on hand.

*Noodles: Traditional Dan Dan noodles use fresh noodles, which you can find at Asian grocery stores. If you have a store near you, go for it! But if not, feel free to use any spaghetti or long noodle.

Inspired by: Recipe Tin Eats and Pickled Plum.

Nutrition