Description

Make slow cooker Dan Dan noodles with spicy peanut sauce and tender noodles. An easy and comforting crockpot noodle recipe!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground pork (or ground chicken or beef)
½ cup creamy peanut butter (or Chinese sesame paste)
¼ cup soy sauce
3 tablespoons rice vinegar
2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon chili garlic sauce (adjust to taste)
1 tablespoon brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground ginger
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups chicken or vegetable broth
8 oz dry spaghetti, linguine, or Chinese wheat noodles
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional toppings: chopped green onions, crushed peanuts, sesame seeds, chili oil

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Instructions

Start by browning the ground pork in a skillet over medium heat. Season it lightly with salt and pepper and cook until it’s no longer pink. This step is optional but recommended to build a stronger base flavor. Transfer the cooked meat to your slow cooker.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the peanut butter, soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, sesame oil, chili garlic sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, garlic, and broth until the mixture is smooth. Pour this sauce over the meat in the crockpot and stir gently to combine.

Cover and cook on low for 4–5 hours or on high for 2–3 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the sides. While the mixture cooks, prepare your noodles according to the package directions. Once cooked, drain them and toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.

About 30 minutes before serving, stir the cooked noodles into the slow cooker or ladle the sauce over the noodles in individual bowls, depending on your preference. Finish each bowl with your choice of garnishes such as green onions, chopped peanuts, sesame seeds, or an extra swirl of chili oil for those who enjoy more heat.

Notes

Though simple, there are a few common mistakes that can compromise the quality of your crockpot Dan Dan noodles. First, avoid adding the noodles too early—they’ll turn mushy if left in the slow cooker too long. Always cook and add them just before serving. Also, be sure not to skip browning the meat; while technically optional, this step develops much richer flavor. Another error is using natural peanut butter without adjusting the salt and sugar levels—it can taste bland. Make sure to taste and balance the sauce. Additionally, avoid overcooking the sauce, especially on high heat, as this may cause separation or bitterness. If your slow cooker tends to run hot, stir occasionally and check for consistency. Finally, don’t forget the garnishes—they’re key for texture and presentation.

Prep Time: 15
Cook Time: 5H
Category: DINNER
Cuisine: AMERICAN

Nutrition

Serving Size: 6
Calories: 570