Have you ever wondered why some soups taste comforting from the very first spoon, as if they were made to warm both the body and the mind? Many soups are simple, but few combine heat, richness, and depth the way Dandan Vermicelli Soup 担々麺スープ does. What makes this dish so unique, and why does its flavor stand out even though it comes together in just minutes? Today, we explore how a handful of pantry ingredients can create a bowl that feels restaurant-level yet easy enough for anyone to make at home. By the end of this guide, you will understand how each part of this soup works together to create a satisfying bowl packed with flavor and comfort.

Table of Contents

Overview

Dandan Vermicelli Soup 担々麺スープ is a warm and rich dish inspired by the famous Japanese-style dandan noodles, but with light and silky vermicelli instead of thick noodles. This makes the soup quicker to prepare and gentler to eat, while still offering the same nutty, savory, and mildly spicy flavor everyone loves.

This recipe is special because:

• It takes only about 15 minutes from start to finish.
• It requires no chopping, making it perfect for busy days.
• It delivers a balanced flavor that is creamy, spicy, and aromatic at the same time.
• It uses simple ingredients often found in Japanese or Asian kitchens.

Quick Facts Dandan Vermicelli Soup (担々麺スープ)

Difficulty

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Easy

Total Time

15 minutes prep and cooking

Dandan Vermicelli Soup 担々麺スープ @JapanDishes

Essential Ingredients

Here is what makes this recipe shine, along with simple explanations and substitutes you can use.

• Ground Pork
  Ground pork adds richness and savory depth. It also gives the soup texture and protein.
  Substitution: Ground chicken, ground turkey, or crumbled tofu.
• Vermicelli (Glass Noodles) – 30g
  These noodles cook quickly and soak up flavor. They stay soft and silky in the broth.
  Substitution: Rice noodles, thin udon, or even ramen noodles.
• Doubanjiang (Chili Bean Paste) – 1 teaspoon
  This paste gives the soup its spicy base and a little fermented flavor.
  Substitution: Korean gochujang, chili garlic sauce, or miso mixed with chili oil.
• Garlic Paste – 1 teaspoon
  Adds aroma and depth without needing to chop garlic.
  Substitution: Fresh minced garlic or garlic powder.
• Sesame Oil – 1 teaspoon
  Used at the end to finish the soup with fragrance.
  Substitution: Leave it out if needed, but it adds a lot of character.
• Chili Oil
  Adds heat and richness.
  Substitution: Any spicy oil or even red pepper flakes.
• Water – 400ml
  Forms the base of the soup.
• Chicken Stock Base – 2 teaspoons
  Adds savory umami depth.
  Substitution: Vegetable stock powder or bouillon.
• Soy Sauce – 1 teaspoon
  Adds saltiness and flavor.
• Sugar – 1 teaspoon
  Balances the heat and brings harmony to the broth.
• Unsweetened Soy Milk – 200ml
  Gives the soup a creamy body without dairy.
  Substitution: Oat milk, almond milk, or regular milk. Use unsweetened only.
• White Sesame Paste – 2 tablespoons
  Creates the nutty, rich flavor that defines the soup.
  Substitution: Tahini or Japanese roasted sesame paste.
• Mixed Miso – 2 teaspoons
  Adds deep, round umami taste.
  Substitution: Any kind of miso you have (white, red, or blended).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps to make a smooth and flavorful bowl of Dandan Vermicelli Soup 担々麺スープ.

Step 1: Cook the Pork

Place a pot over medium heat. Add the ground pork along with the doubanjiang and garlic paste. Stir-fry slowly until the pork changes color and no pink remains. The paste will mix into the meat, coating it with flavor and creating a fragrant base.

Tip: Let the pork cook without rushing. A few extra seconds of browning adds more flavor.

Step 2: Add the Broth Ingredients

Pour in 400ml of water. Add chicken stock base, soy sauce, and sugar. Stir well.
When the liquid begins to bubble, add the vermicelli directly into the pot.

The noodles will soften quickly and will begin to absorb the broth, soaking in the savory and slightly spicy flavor.

Step 3: Add the Creamy Elements

Once the noodles are soft, pour in the unsweetened soy milk, sesame paste, and miso.
Stir gently to blend everything, but do not let the soup reach a full boil. Turning off the heat just before boiling keeps the broth smooth and prevents the soy milk from separating.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Stir in the sesame oil.
Pour the soup into a bowl and drizzle chili oil on top to taste.

Tip: Add a small swirl of chili oil in a circle for a beautiful look.

Secrets to Success and Expert Tips

Follow these simple tips to make your Dandan Vermicelli Soup even richer, creamier, and more flavorful:

• ♥
  Avoid boiling after adding soy milk
  High heat can cause the broth to separate. Keeping it just below a boil makes the soup silky and smooth.
• ♥
  Brown the pork for deeper flavor
  Giving the pork a little color before adding liquid brings out savory notes and improves the overall taste.
• ♥
  Soak the vermicelli just until soft
  Vermicelli absorbs broth very quickly. Overcooking will make it mushy, so keep the texture springy.
• ♥
  Adjust the heat level to your taste
  Add more chili oil or doubanjiang if you like a spicier and bolder bowl. Reduce it for a mild, gentle flavor.
• ♥
  Stir the sesame paste thoroughly
  Sesame paste tends to settle. Mixing it well creates a richer, creamier broth with better balance.

Assembly

To build your bowl properly, make sure to layer the ingredients with care:

1. Start with the vermicelli sitting at the bottom of the bowl.
2. Pour the hot broth evenly over the noodles so they absorb flavor.
3. Add the cooked pork mixture on top.
4. Finish with chili oil for color and spice.
5. If desired, sprinkle a small amount of crushed sesame seeds or sliced green onions for presentation.

A clean white bowl or a simple Japanese-style bowl makes the soup look even more elegant. The red and creamy tones stand out beautifully.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This soup is best enjoyed fresh, but you can prepare parts ahead of time.

Storing

• Store the broth and pork mixture together in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Keep the vermicelli separate, because they become too soft if stored in liquid.

Reheating

• Warm the broth gently over low heat.
• Do not let it boil after adding soy milk.
• Soak dry vermicelli in hot water separately and combine before serving.

Make-Ahead

You can cook the pork base and mix the broth seasonings ahead of time. When ready to eat, simply reheat the broth and add noodles and creamy ingredients.

Recipe Variations

You can easily customize this Dandan Vermicelli Soup 担々麺スープ to match your flavor preference, spice level, and ingredients you already have at home:

1

Add Extra Protein

Boost the soup and make it more filling with additional protein options:

• Shredded chicken
• Sliced tofu or tofu cubes
• Sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version

2

Adjust the Creaminess

Change the texture of the broth by adjusting the creamy ingredients:

• Add more sesame paste for a richer, thicker soup
• Use extra soy milk for a milder and smoother bowl
• Add a splash of water if you prefer a lighter broth

3

Make It Mild or Spicy

Control the heat level based on your taste:

• Add extra chili oil for a spicier bowl
• Increase doubanjiang for a deeper, bold heat
• Use less chili oil for a gentle, mild soup

4

Add Toppings

Finish your soup with toppings that add color, texture, and flavor:

• Toasted white sesame seeds
• Chopped green onions
• Crispy garlic chips or fried shallots

Related Recipes

If you enjoy noodle and vermicelli dishes, you may also like exploring other light and flavorful Japanese recipes. For example, this refreshing Japanese Vermicelli Salad with Mushrooms offers a cool, crisp texture that pairs well with warm soups.
Another great option is the savory Stir-Fried Pork with Bell Peppers, which adds a rich and satisfying side dish to complete your meal.

Conclusion

Dandan Vermicelli Soup 担々麺スープ is a dish that proves simple ingredients can create deep, comforting flavors in just minutes. The creamy broth, the soft noodles, and the gentle heat come together in a bowl that feels warm and satisfying. With easy steps and flexible options, you can adjust it to suit your taste and enjoy it for lunch, dinner, or even as a quick snack.

Experiment with flavors, try new toppings, and enjoy the comfort of this homemade soup whenever you crave something rich but easy to prepare.

FAQs

1. Can I make Dandan Vermicelli Soup without meat?

Yes. Replace the pork with tofu, mushrooms, or extra miso.

2. Is this soup spicy?

It has a gentle heat from chili oil and doubanjiang, but you can adjust the spice level.

3. Can I use cow’s milk instead of soy milk?

Yes, but unsweetened soy milk gives the best flavor and texture.

4. Can I store leftover soup?

Store the broth and noodles separately. Reheat gently without boiling.

5. Are there health benefits?

Yes. The soup includes protein, soy milk, and sesame, which offer healthy fats, plant-based nutrients, and energy while remaining light.

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