Dan Dan Noodle Soup

This vegetarian version of the classic Chinese Dan Dan Noodle Soup is a flavor-packed bowl that’s ready in just over 10 minutes. It’s spicy, salty, slightly sour, and wonderfully fragrant with sesame. Unlike clear broths, this soup has a creamy, rich texture thanks to sesame paste (or tahini), corn starch, and the starch from cooking the noodles in the stock. At under 300 calories per serving, it’s a light yet satisfying meal you can customize with any vegetables or noodles you have on hand.

Ingredients

Noodles

  • 400 g dried rice stick noodles (or substitute with your choice of noodles)

Stock

  • 4 cups (1 litre) vegetable or chicken stock
  • 5 cups water
  • 3 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp minced ginger
  • 2 tsp sugar

Stock Sauce

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tsp cornflour / corn starch
  • 2 tbsp sesame paste or tahini
  • 4 tbsp black vinegar (or substitute – see notes)
  • 2 tsp chili bean sauce (or other chili paste/sauce, adjust to taste)
  • 1 1/2 tsp sesame oil

Toppings

  • 2 medium carrots, peeled and sliced diagonally
  • 4 bok choy
  • 2 cups broccoli florets

Garnish

  • 1 1/2 cups bean sprouts
  • 1 scallion (shallot), chopped

Instructions

Make the Stock

In a large pot, combine stock ingredients and bring to a boil. While waiting, prepare the stock sauce in a small bowl and chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.

Flavor the Broth

Add the stock sauce mixture to the pot and stir until well dissolved. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Cook Noodles and Vegetables

Once the stock is boiling, add the noodles. After 1 minute, add the carrots and broccoli. Cook for another minute, then remove from heat and stir in the bok choy stems.

Assemble the Bowls

Divide noodles and vegetables into serving bowls. Add bok choy leaves and bean sprouts on top. Ladle the hot soup over everything, then finish with chopped scallions.

Optional Kick

Drizzle with chili oil or add extra chili paste for more heat, if you like it spicy.

Conclusion

This vegetarian Dan Dan Noodle Soup is quick, nourishing, and endlessly adaptable. With its bold flavors, creamy sesame broth, and fresh vegetables, it makes a comforting meal any day of the week. Plus, it’s easy to swap in whatever vegetables or noodles you have at home. A healthy, hearty soup that’s ready in just 15 minutes!

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