Open Arms of Minnesota

Potluck Recipe #27: Dan Dan Noodles

Photo Credit - Gary Stevens/Flickr
Photo Credit – Gary Stevens/Flickr

As a college student, I ate these noodles several times a week. I bought them from a tiny stand in an open market and ate them, right from the takeout box, standing on the street corner. Later, I learned to make the sauce at home and saved a couple bucks, along the way developing a taste for udon and buckwheat soba noodles.
There is life after ramen, of course, but occasionally I crave the comfort of that spicy peanut sauce and the ease of a one-bowl meal. As a cold salad, they make a great summer potluck dish and travel well, provided you toss the ingredients together just before eating, so the noodles stay al dente.
 
Ingredients:
Peanut sauce

  • 1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 1/3 cup warm water
  • 2 tbsp. chopped peeled fresh ginger
  • 1 medium garlic clove, chopped
  • 2 tbsp. white vinegar
  • 1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp. honey
  • 1 tsp. dried hot red pepper flakes

 
Noodles

  • 3/4 lb soba, udon, ramen or rice noodles
  • 4 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into 1/8-inch-thick strips
  • 1 small cucumber, peeled, seeded and cut into 1/4 strips (or to taste)

 
Instructions:
1. Blend all dressing ingredients together until smooth and then transfer them to a large serving bowl.
2. Cook noodles according to directions in a pot of salted, boiling water. Drain in a colander and, if eating warm, toss with dressing and vegetables. You can also eat these noodles as a cold salad. Simple rinse the noodles in cold water after draining and toss with sauce and vegetables. In either case, serve immediately.

More from Open Arms

Great Minnesota Bake Sale

Open Arms Announces Plans For Inaugural “Great Minnesota Bake Sale” WHAT: The Great Minnesota Bake Sale WHEN: June 23 – 29, 2024 WHERE: At participating “Bake Sale” locations throughout the Twin Cities Metro HOW: Starting June 1, Open Arms will launch an extensive marketing

Read More »
Kathleen, a client in Richfield, MN.

Our Clients, In Focus: Kathleen

Giving Back, A Client’s Perspective By: Kathleen, an Open Arms client in Richfield, Minn. | April 2024 Hello!  My name is Kathleen Brogan and I have been asked to share my Open Arms Minnesota (OAM) involvement. You probably share my passion and consider yourself

Read More »
Feast featured graphic

Moveable Feast 2024: Paris Est Une Fete

Tickets Are Now On Sale For Moveable Feast 2024: Paris Est Une Fete Food is a celebration. Life is a celebration. And Open Arms is celebrating the thousands of lives we have impacted with the simple gesture of delivering healthy food. You are invited

Read More »
Feast Popup Graphic

MOVEABLE FEAST 2024

You're invited to reveal your inner Nouveau Bohemian!

16 May 2024, 5 p.m.
Minneapolis Event Centers
212 2nd St SE, Minneapolis, MN 55414

End Of Year Giving Graphic

Your Gift Will Help Us Serve More Clients!

Together we can continue to meet the increased demand for medically tailored meals with your support! We hope you think of us as you consider your year-end giving. Your donation is a gift of care, compassion, and encouragement!