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If you're a fan of Taiwanese cuisine, you're in for a treat! Dan Zai noodles, also known as "Tan Tsai Noodles," are a beloved street food dish hailing from Tainan, Taiwan. These flavorful, aromatic noodles are typically served in a savory broth and topped with a medley of toppings. In this recipe, we'll show you how to recreate the authentic taste of Dan Zai noodles in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

8 cups chicken or vegetable broth

3-4 slices of ginger

4-5 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons soy sauce

1 teaspoon sugar

Salt and white pepper to taste

For the Toppings:

1/2 cup ground pork

1/2 cup small cooked shrimp

1/2 cup bean sprouts

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

2-3 scallions, thinly sliced

2-3 pieces of bok choy or Chinese greens, blanched

2 boiled eggs, halved

1/4 cup crushed peanuts

1-2 teaspoons chili oil (adjust to your spice preference)

For the Noodles:

8 oz dried thick wheat noodles or fresh Dan Zai noodles (if available)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Broth:

In a large pot, bring the chicken or vegetable broth to a boil.

Add the ginger slices, minced garlic, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and white pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes to infuse the flavors.

2. Cook the Toppings:

In a separate pan, cook the ground pork over medium-high heat until it's browned and cooked through. Set aside.

Boil the bok choy or Chinese greens until they are tender but still crisp. Drain and set aside.

3. Prepare the Noodles:

Cook the dried wheat noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and set aside. If using fresh Dan Zai noodles, blanch them briefly in boiling water, then drain.

4. Assemble the Dan Zai Noodles:

Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls.

Ladle the hot broth over the noodles, ensuring that each bowl gets a generous amount of flavorful broth.

Arrange the toppings on each bowl of noodles. Start with the ground pork, then add the cooked shrimp, bok choy, bean sprouts, boiled egg halves, and scallions.

Sprinkle chopped cilantro and crushed peanuts on top of each bowl.

Drizzle chili oil over the noodles according to your spice preference. Adjust the amount to your taste.

5. Serve and Enjoy:

Serve the Dan Zai noodles piping hot. Be sure to mix the toppings and noodles together to fully enjoy the flavors.

Dan Zai noodles are a delightful mix of savory, spicy, and aromatic flavors. The combination of tender noodles, rich broth, and a variety of toppings makes this dish a Taiwanese street food favorite. Enjoy the authentic taste of Taiwan right in your own home with this homemade Dan Zai noodles recipe.