Vegetarian Dan Dan-Style Noodles

Ingredients

• dried wheat noodles — 200 g
• firm tofu — 150 g, crumbled
• Chinese sesame paste — 2 tbsp
• soy sauce — 2 tbsp
• black vinegar or rice vinegar — 1 tbsp
• chili oil — 1 tbsp (adjust to taste)
• garlic — 2 cloves, minced
• cooking oil — 1 tbsp
• scallions — 1 stalk, chopped
• sugar — 1/2 tsp

Steps (beginner-friendly)

1. Boil the noodles according to package directions (4-5 minutes) until chewy-tender, then drain.
2. Meanwhile heat the oil in a pan over medium heat and fry the crumbled tofu 3-4 minutes until golden and slightly crisp.
3. Make the sauce in a serving bowl: sesame paste, soy sauce, vinegar, chili oil, sugar, garlic, and 4 tbsp hot noodle water; whisk until smooth and pourable.
4. Add the hot drained noodles to the bowl and toss until evenly coated.
5. Top with the crispy tofu crumbles and scallions.
6. Mix everything together at the table and eat immediately.