Savory ground beef simmered in an Asian-style peanut sauce and tossed with fresh herbs and pasta make a meal everyone will love! Ready in 30 minutes, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Pasta dishes are my weeknight go-to for a quick and easy dinner. Bonus points if my kids love it, and if it a little different than our "same-old, same-olds".
Dan Dan Noodles are a pasta dish with a savory peanut sauce. There are certainly more authentic recipes out there, but this one is so quick and easy you will be in love at first bite!
This version of Dan Dan Noodles uses lean ground beef and the sauce is peanut based, but adds soy sauce, ginger, sesame, brown sugar, and fresh cilantro to give a slightly spice, slightly herby, and slightly sweet sauce that perfectly coats the pasta. This recipe is also ready in 30-minutes, and I know that makes me do a happy dance on a weeknight! Especially when my kiddos are staring me down while waiting for dinner!
What do I need to make Dan Dan Noodles with Beef?
- spaghetti noodles
- low-sodium chicken broth
- creamy peanut butter
- low-sodium soy sauce
- spicy chili garlic sauce (like Siriracha)
- ground ginger
- cornstarch
- brown sugar
- rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar works too)
- sesame oil
- lean ground beef
- garlic, minced
- salt
- fresh chopped cilantro
How do I make Dan Dan Noodles with Beef?
- For the peanut sauce, in a medium bowl, whisk together the broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, cornstarch, brown sugar, vinegar and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large, rimmed skillet set brown the ground beef until completely cooked. While beef is cooking cook the pasta in a large pot according to package instructions. Drain pasta when done, and set aside.
- Drain and access grease from meat. Add the garlic, salt, and ground ginger and cook an additional minute.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the a ½ cup of cilantro reserving the remainder for garnish. .
- Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles in the pot. Toss to coat and top with remaining cilantro. Serve.
Today I am celebrating all thing peanut butter, and these noodles fit the bill!
Peanut Butter Lovers Day
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of protein or omit the beef?
Yes, this works great without the beef. You can use vegetable broth to make it vegetarian as well. You could even add in some steamed mixed veggies as the end as well. To use a different protein I recommend ground chicken or turkey. Ground pork will also work nicely.
How spicy is this dish? Can I omit the hot sauce?
It is not very spicy, and you can leave out the hot sauce.
I do not like cilantro- can I leave it out, or is the flavor mild?
The flavor is very mild and it is a nice fresh addition. You can skip the extra chopped cilantro on top. I have not tested other herbs in this recipe to make a recommendation.
Do I need to use spaghetti? Can I use rice or a different pasta?
Cooked rice will work fine. I like how the sauce works with spaghetti noodles. That being said, I think a different thickness like angel hair or fettuccine will also work well.
Will a different oil besides sesame work?
Yes, olive or peanut oil works great. The flavor is slightly different, but still delicious.
Looking for more easy noodle dishes?
Weeknight Spaghetti with Meat Sauce
Baked Crispy Crunchy Taco Spaghetti
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Dan Dan Noodles with Beef
Ingredients
- 1 lb spaghetti noodles
- 1 ½ cups low-sodium chicken broth
- ⅓ cup creamy peanut butter
- ⅓ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 ½ teaspoon spicy chili garlic sauce (like Siriracha)
- ½ tsp ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar works too)
- 2 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 ¼ lb lean ground beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup fresh chopped cilantro
Instructions
- For the peanut sauce, in a medium bowl, whisk together the broth, peanut butter, soy sauce, sriracha, cornstarch, brown sugar, vinegar and sesame oil until smooth. Set aside.
- In a large, rimmed skillet set brown the ground beef until completely cooked. While beef is cooking cook the pasta in a large pot according to package instructions. Drain pasta when done, and set aside.
- Drain and access grease from meat. Add the garlic, salt, and ground ginger and cook an additional minute.
- Pour the sauce mixture over the ground beef. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir in the a ½ cup of cilantro reserving the remainder for garnish. .
- Pour the sauce mixture over the noodles in the pot. Toss to coat and top with remaining cilantro. Serve.
Wendy Klik
Glad you went savory Ashley. I know my family will love this as well.
Karen
This really sounds delicious and I love that it doesn't take very long to make! I'm looking forward to trying it!
Audrey
I wish my kid would eat ground beef. Maybe I will just chop up some beef into smallish pieces because this sounds like a family pleaser.
Christie
I remember the first time I had dan dan noodles. They're so delicious and full of flavor. I can't wait to try these.
Pavani
I love anything with peanut butter and these noodles with peanut sauce sound absolutely delicious, Name of the dish is catchy and interesting.
Danielle
These noodles make me so hungry - the images are too inviting! And I wonder if I can ever get tired of this recipe - I am sure I've found my new favorite! 🙂
Melissa
This is a dish my entire family will love - and the use of ground beef is genius, it will definitely save $$ and time!
Leslie
I'm really digging this recipe! It looks so creamy, easy, and delicious! Perfect trio in my opinion!
Amy (Savory Moments)
These look super good! We love Asian inspired dishes and my kids always prefer noodle meals over rice meals, so this would be a hit!
Grace
My husband liked this dish but I felt as if something was missing…. Probably try again with some adjustments.