Dan Dan-Style Udon Noodles

Step 1

PAN-FRYING THE TOFU: Heat a medium non-stick pan or skillet over medium heat. Add the oil. Once hot, add the crumbled/shredded tofu.

Step 2

Spread the tofu and leave untouched for 4-5 minutes until it starts to turn golden brown. Flip or mix the tofu to cook the remaining sides.

Step 3

As the tofu cooks, excess water will start to evaporate and the tofu will begin to resemble minced ‘meat’.

Step 4

AIR-FRYING THE TOFU: I prefer this for a more hands-off approach. Place the crumbed/shredded tofu on the lined air fryer basket (I use parchment paper).

Step 5

Leave to air-fry for 12-15 minutes at 350F or until the tofu is golden brown and lightly crisp around the edges. Flip halfway through cooking. Don’t over cook since these can become really tough.

Step 6

In the pan, add the shredded/minced tofu. Over medium high heat, add the Shaoxing wine.

Step 7

Lower the heat then season with soy sauce, dark soy sauce, hoisin sauce, and sugar. Mix well to coat the tofu.

Step 8

Leave the tofu to cook for 3-4 minutes to allow the sugars to cook and caramelize the tofu. Lower the heat as needed to prevent the sugars from burning.

Step 9

Once cooked and seasoning to your liking, turn off the heat and set the tofu aside.

Step 10

Mix the sauce in a large bowl and adjust the seasonings depending on your preferred taste.

Step 11

For the noodles, you can opt to boil or microwave the udon.

Step 12

If boiling, heat a large pot of water and add the noodles in when the water starts to boil. Cook according to package instructions or until the udon has separated and is still very chewy. Set aside some noodle water.

Step 13

If microwaving, place the noodles in a microwave safe bowl. Cover the noodles and microwave for 2-3 minutes or until the noodles are soft and can easily be separated.

Step 14

Run the noodles through hot running water to remove any excess starch.

Step 15

Immediately place the noodles in the bowl of sauce. Mix well. Add some noodle water or hot water, if needed, to loosen the noodles.

Step 16

Top with the tofu ‘mince’, green onions, chopped peanuts, and more chili oil, if desired. Enjoy!