Authentic Taiwanese Danzai Noodle Soup – Easy Homemade Recipe
Discover the rich flavors of Taiwan with this authentic Danzai Noodle Soup recipe. This hearty dish combines a savory pork-and-shrimp broth with tender wheat noodles and a delicious long-simmered meat sauce, creating a comforting bowl that’s perfect for any time of year.
Originating from southern Taiwan, Danzai noodle soup has an interesting history. Also known as ‘slack-season noodle soup,’ it was created by resourceful fishermen during their off-season. They would carry wooden sticks (danzai) with suspended pots, selling noodles instead of seafood. Today, this beloved dish is experiencing a resurgence in Taiwan and beyond.
What makes this soup special is its harmonious blend of land and sea flavors. The broth gains its depth from simmered shrimp heads and shells in a pork stock base. Topped with a rich pork meat sauce and a single ceremonial shrimp, each bowl tells a story of Taiwanese culinary ingenuity.
While traditionally eaten as a snack, this noodle soup can easily become a satisfying meal. The chewy wheat noodles provide the perfect backdrop for the flavorful broth and toppings. A drizzle of black vinegar adds a tangy kick that balances the rich flavors perfectly.
Don’t be intimidated by the preparation time. With some planning, you can create restaurant-quality Danzai noodle soup at home. Make larger batches of broth and meat sauce to freeze for future use, allowing you to enjoy this Taiwanese street food classic anytime the craving strikes.
Ingredients
- 6 large shell-on shrimp, preferably with heads, shells and heads removed and reserved, shrimp deveined
- 6 cups chicken or pork stock or low-sodium chicken broth
- Kosher salt and freshly ground white pepper
- 2 pounds fresh or dried Chinese wheat noodles, such as lo mein or chow mein noodles
- 2 cups Taiwanese meat sauce, warmed
- 3 large cloves garlic, grated
- 6 teaspoons Asian black rice vinegar
- 3 scallions, white and light-green parts only, chopped
Directions
- Start by infusing your broth with intense seafood flavor. Place the reserved shrimp shells and heads in a medium pot with the stock. Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes to an hour, allowing the flavors to meld. Once done, strain the broth and discard the shells and heads.
- Return the strained broth to a clean pot and bring it back to a boil. Season your shrimp with salt and white pepper, then add them to the boiling broth. Cook until the shrimp are just pink and cooked through, about 2 minutes. Remove the shrimp with a slotted spoon and set aside. Taste your broth and adjust the seasoning with salt and white pepper as needed.
- While your broth is simmering, prepare your noodles. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once they’re al dente, drain them and set aside.
- Now it’s time to assemble your Danzai noodle soup. Divide the cooked noodles among six bowls. Ladle the hot, fragrant broth over the noodles. Top each bowl with a generous spoonful of the warmed Taiwanese meat sauce. Place a small mound of grated garlic in each bowl, followed by one of the cooked shrimp. Drizzle black vinegar over each bowl for a tangy kick. Garnish with chopped scallions for a fresh, bright finish.
Notes
Remember that this recipe requires preparing the Taiwanese meat sauce in advance, which takes several hours to cook. Plan accordingly to ensure you have all components ready for assembly.
Make-Ahead and Storage
To make meal prep easier, consider making a large batch of the meat sauce. It can be refrigerated for up to three days or frozen for up to three months. This way, you’ll always be ready to whip up a bowl of comforting Danzai noodle soup.
Serving Suggestions
While delicious on its own, you can elevate your Danzai noodle soup experience by offering additional toppings. Consider serving with stewed eggs, pickled radish, or fresh herbs like cilantro. These add-ons allow diners to customize their bowls to their liking, making each serving unique.
Cultural Significance
As you enjoy your Danzai noodle soup, take a moment to appreciate its rich history. This dish represents the resourcefulness of Taiwanese fishermen and has evolved into a beloved staple of Taiwanese cuisine. By preparing this recipe, you’re not just creating a meal, but participating in a culinary tradition that spans generations.
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 520 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 18g | 22% |
Saturated Fat 6g | 31% |
Cholesterol 80mg | 27% |
Sodium 1258mg | 55% |
Total Carbohydrate 54g | 20% |
Dietary Fiber 3g | 11% |
Total Sugars 4g | |
Protein 35g | |
Vitamin C 4mg | 18% |
Calcium 67mg | 5% |
Iron 4mg | 21% |
Potassium 856mg | 18% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |