Real Food for Real Life

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

Restaurant Inspiration...

Dan Dan Noodles

Back on Mother's Day my guys had taken me to P.F. Chang's Chinese Bistro for lunch where I had the spicy Dan Dan Noodles.  I adored this spicy chicken dish adorned with fresh bean sprouts, julienned cucumbers, and peanuts.  I vowed to recreate this dish so I did a bit of internet research looking for a recipe.  Nothing I found seemed quite right, many even lacking much in the way of "spice," so I came up with my own variation, using common pantry items.  It's not a perfect recreation, but still very, very good...I will make this one again.

Dan Dan Noodles

4 tbs. soy sauce
3 tbs. lime juice
3 tbs. canola oil
3 tbs. tahini (sesame paste)
3 tbs. balsamic vinegar
1 1/2 tbs. dark sesame oil
1 tbs. crushed red pepper flakes
2 cloves garlic, minced (1 tbs.)
2 tsp. granulated sugar
12oz. pkg. dried Chinese egg noodles
1 lb. ground chicken (I used turkey)
1/2 cup finely diced onion
1/2 cup finely diced carrots
chicken broth, to thin to desired consistency
To serve:  fresh mung bean sprouts, julienned cucumber (with the peel intact), chopped peanuts, sliced scallions

Combine the first nine ingredients in a bowl and set aside. In a large nonstick saute pan, cook the ground chicken (or turkey) with the onion and carrots until there is no pink left in the meat, breaking up any large clumps.  Pour in the sauce ingredients with 1/4 cup or so of chicken broth.  Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer while you prepare the cucumbers, peanuts, ans scallions, and cook the noodles according to package directions.  When ready to serve, place a handful each of the sprouts and cucumbers in the bottom of shallow serving bowls (I was actually out of cucumber at the time, so I doubled the sprouts).  Check the simmering chicken and add additional broth if necessary for a nice "saucy" consistency.  Top the sprouts and cukes with a portion of noodles, spoon over some of the chicken, and top with peanuts and scallions.

1 comment:

  1. On Facebook:
    Tracey Arthur Cecie Im going to try this next time I go to pf changs :) I love getting foodie referrals about different dishes as sometimes Im reluctant to try something new as I dont want "buyers remorse"LOL.... i like all the ingredients in it so it should be a win win.
    July 9 at 9:23am

    On Facebook:
    Casa En La Cocina said... I try to get something different each time we eat out...this is difficult sometimes when you really love something (like me and carnitas :)
    July 9 at 3:45pm

    On Facebook:
    Casa En La Cocina said... I really like to take the opportunity to try things I wouldn't get at home... food that is deep fried (won't do it at home), and all kinds of seafood as I'll eat a much greater variety of these critters than the rest of the household.
    July 9 at 3:49pm

    On Facebook:
    Tracey Arthur Cecie yes..im always afraid if i stray from my tried and true dish i might not like it as much...and lets face it, food is not cheap out...i hate when i try something and it doesnt live up to my expectation....but..u never know till u try right? my favorite restaurant is the teak in mt adam (thai food) i always get chicken pad thai and i love their spring rolls!! ive tried other things..but its my thing and i gotta have it.
    July 9 at 8:07pm

    ReplyDelete

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