Dan Dan Noodles

This recipe is a easy and tasty dish made by Pastry Chef Joanne Chang. 

Total:  35 MIN (Serves 4)

1/4 cup peanut oil
1/2 cup raw peanuts (or natural peanut butter)
1 small jalapeno, minced
1 small garlc clove, halved
One 1/4 inch slice of fresh ginger, peeled and chopped (or 1/2 tsp powered ginger)
2 1/2 TBsp soy sauce
2 TBsp water
1 1/2 TBsp rice vinegar
1 TBsp chile sauce
1 TBsp sugar
1 Tsp Asian Sesame Oil
Kosher Salt
12 ounces chow mein noodles
Cucumber matchsticks, sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, sesame seeds and lime halves for garnish

1.  In a large skillet, heat the peanut oil.  Add the peanuts and fry over moderate heat until golden, about 8 minutes, let cool slightly.  Transfer the peanuts and oil to a food processor.  Add the jalapeno, garlic, and ginger and process until minced.  Add the soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, chile sauce, sugar and sesame oil and process until smooth.  Season generously with salt.  (NOTE:  I used natural peanut butter instead of raw peanuts and got the same flavor.  Just add 3 tsp of peanut butter and the oil to food processor.)

2.  In a pot of boiling water, cook the noodles until al dente.  Drain and rinse under cold water; pat dry.  Toss the noodles with the dressing and mound in serving bowls; top with the garnishes and serve.


This was a very easy and fun recipe to make.  Even with 2 little kids running around the kitchen and pulling on daddy, I was able to get done with it in about 45 minutes.  I hope you give it a try and let me know what you think.  Bon Apetite