Dan-Dan noodle salad

Dan-Dan noodle salad

Ramen with bok choy, corn, and a creamy chili-crisp tahini dressing.

30 minMediumSaladVegetarian

This Dan-Dan noodle salad combines ramen noodles with crisp bok choy, corn, and toasted sesame seeds. The creamy dressing of tahini, chili crisp, and soy milk gives the salad a savory, nutty flavor.

Instructions

Dressing

  1. 1

    Add all dressing ingredients to the Vitamix container in the order listed and secure the lid.

  2. 2

    Start the unit at the lowest speed, then ramp quickly to the highest. Blend for 42 seconds.

Salad

  1. 1

    Bring 2 liters of water to a boil in a large pot. Carefully add the ramen noodles and cook for about 7 minutes, until almost done.

  2. 2

    Add corn and bok choy and cook for 1 minute.

  3. 3

    Drain, rinse under cold water, and transfer to a large bowl.

  4. 4

    Toss with the dressing and serve sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds.

Chef's Note

For more protein, add chicken, tofu, or edamame. The amount of Chili Crisp determines the heat — reduce it for a milder version. Tahini and sesame give the dressing depth and a nutty aroma; bok choy adds bite and freshness.

Tahini, soy milk, and Chili Crisp together form a dense, creamy sauce that quickly turns grainy and broken without sufficient power. The Vitamix emulsifies these ingredients in 42 seconds into a uniformly smooth dressing that clings to the noodles — a spoon or shaker would produce a far less homogeneous result.

Start the dressing on the lowest speed, then ramp quickly to maximum — this builds the tahini-and-soy-milk emulsion evenly from the start, preventing individual ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the container.

Nutrition per 100 g

Energy 124 kcal519 kJ
Fat 5.6 g
of which saturated fat 3.0 g
Carbohydrates 16.0 g
of which sugars 2.6 g
Protein 4.4 g
Salt 1.6 g
Fiber 6.0 g
Cholesterol 40.0 mg

Values per EU FIC Regulation (1169/2011). Values are averages and may vary depending on ingredients and preparation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make the dressing ahead of time?
Yes. The tahini chili crisp dressing keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Before using, shake it briefly or stir it with a spoon if it has settled slightly.
Which ramen noodles should I use?
Classic wheat ramen (the plain instant noodles from the supermarket) work best — they cook quickly and take on the dressing well. You can also use soba or udon noodles; in that case, adjust the cooking time to the package instructions.
How do I make the recipe spicier or milder?
For more heat: increase the amount of chili crisp or add a pinch of chili flakes to the dressing. For milder: cut the chili crisp in half and use a bit more tahini instead for creaminess.
Can the salad be served warm too?
Yes. If you toss the noodles with the dressing right after draining (instead of rinsing them cold), you get a warm noodle-bowl character. The classic version, though, is the cold or room-temperature Dan Dan noodle salad, where the textures come through better.