Baek Jong-won’s Style Savory and Spicy Dan Dan Noodles
Making Baek Jong-won’s Special Dan Dan Noodles at Home
Weekends often call for a special treat! Don’t you agree that the ramen you make yourself tastes the best? Today, instead of ordinary ramen, we’re going to try making delicious and nutty Dan Dan noodles at home, inspired by Baek Jong-won’s recipe. I haven’t tried Dan Dan noodles before, so I’m curious and a little nervous about the taste, but I’m excited to create this new flavor experience!
Basic Ingredients- 1 packet of ramen noodles (your favorite type)
- 1 Cheongyang chili pepper (or 2 for extra spiciness)
- 1/2 onion (thinly sliced)
- Green onion (chopped)
- 1 egg
- A pinch of vinegar (enhances flavor)
- A pinch of salt (for seasoning)
- A little sesame oil (for added nutty aroma)
Special Seasoning- 1 Tbsp chili powder (adjust for desired spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp peanut butter (the key to a creamy and savory flavor)
- 1 Tbsp chili powder (adjust for desired spiciness)
- 1 Tbsp peanut butter (the key to a creamy and savory flavor)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, pour about 2 cups (approx. 400ml) of water into a pot. Add the chopped Cheongyang chili pepper and bring it to a boil. Boiling the chili pepper with the water will infuse the broth with a pleasant spiciness.
Step 2
Once the water is boiling vigorously, add the ramen noodles and the dried vegetable packet. Gently loosen the noodles to prevent them from sticking together while boiling.
Step 3
When the noodles are partially cooked (after about 2-3 minutes), add the ramen soup base, 1 tablespoon of chili powder, and the star ingredient: 1 tablespoon of peanut butter. Stir thoroughly with chopsticks or a ladle until the peanut butter is smoothly incorporated into the broth. The peanut butter will add a wonderful creamy and savory depth.
Step 4
Add the sliced onion and chopped green onion to the pot and let them cook. The vegetables will soften and contribute their delicious umami to the soup.
Step 5
Now, it’s time to perfectly cook the egg. Lightly coat a ladle with hot water, then carefully crack the egg into the ladle. This method helps the egg hold its shape while cooking. Separately, season the broth with a pinch of salt and a splash of vinegar to balance the flavors. The sesame oil can be added later as a garnish or drizzled at the very end.
Step 6
Carefully place the ladle with the egg into the simmering ramen pot. The heat from the pot will gently cook the egg.
Step 7
Allow the egg to cook to your desired doneness – whether you prefer it soft-boiled or fully cooked. Using the ladle ensures the broth doesn’t splash and allows for precise cooking.
Step 8
Gently place the perfectly cooked egg on top of the ramen. Your delicious Baek Jong-won style Dan Dan noodles are now complete! For an extra touch, consider drizzling with a little more sesame oil or chili oil to enhance the flavors even further.
