I love meals that have super unique flavors that are simple enough for kids, but sophisticated enough for adults too. These Dan Dan Noodles are just that kind of recipe! There may be a few Asian ingredients you don't yet have on hand, but once you do, you can make this anytime..... and you'll want to again and again! It's filling, easy, and oh so yummy!
Dan Dan Noodles
Serves 4
12 ounces gluten-free spaghetti noodles (We love Barilla)
1 1/2 cups chicken broth
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce (We love Panda Express Sweet Chili Sauce)
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 teaspoons sesame oil
1 lb. ground beef
1/2 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
1/2 cup fresh chopped cilantro
Cook the spaghetti noodles according to package directions. Drain and rinse. For the sauce, in a large liquid measuring cup, whisk together the chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside. In a large saucepan over medium-high heat, add ground beef, salt and pepper, garlic, and ginger. Cook until no longer pink, about 6-7 minutes. Drain and excess grease. Whisk the liquid sauce to recombine, then pour over the ground beef mixture. Bring to a boil and simmer for about 5 minutes or until the sauce has thickened. Stir in the cilantro. To serve, pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti noodles.
Step-by-step tutorial:
Gather your ingredients. It seems like a long list, but believe me, it's simple and totally worth it! You will need gluten free spaghetti noodles, chicken broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, chili garlic sauce, cornstarch, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ground beef, salt and pepper, garlic, ginger, and cilantro. This cilantro shown here has been in my refrigerator for a month now and is still absolutely fresh! See my tip for keeping cilantro in this post.
In a large liquid measuring cup, add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth, 1/4 cup peanut butter, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 teaspoon chili garlic sauce, 2 tablespoons cornstarch, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, and 2 teaspoons sesame oil. Whisk to combine.
It won't be totally smooth due to the peanut butter, but that's ok. Set aside.
In a large saucepan, add 1 lb. ground beef, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon pepper, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger.
Cook over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess oil.
Stir the sauce to recombine, then pour over the meat. Stir and let it simmer over medium-low heat for about 5 minutes or until thickened.
Chop your cilantro.....
.....then add it to the meat sauce. Save some of the cilantro to top each dish.
To serve, pour the meat sauce over the spaghetti noodles and top with more cilantro if desired. This will quickly become a meal to join your regular dinner rotation! Enjoy!
Recipe Source: Recipe adapted from a recipe at Mel's Kitchen Cafe