Recreating J. Kenji López-Alt's Dan Dan Noodles From Taste | Reverse Engineering | Bon Appétit

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 พ.ย. 2021
  • We challenged resident Bon Appétit supertaster and test kitchen director Chris Morocco to recreate J. Kenji López-Alt's Dan Dan noodles. The catch? He'll have to use each of his senses - other than sight. Does Chris have what it takes to recognize and reproduce these Dan Dan noodles if using his eyes is a no-no?
    See J. Kenji López-Alt's original Dan Dan Noodles recipe here: www.seriouseats.com/dan-dan-n...
    Check out J. Kenji López-Alt's new cookbook, THE WOK: Recipes and Techniques, on-sale now.
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    ABOUT BON APPÉTIT
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  • แนวปฏิบัติและการใช้ชีวิต

ความคิดเห็น • 342

  • @icee_lemon5854
    @icee_lemon5854 2 ปีที่แล้ว +790

    I think it’s really cool how we finally got to give Chris his real percentages after round 1. That commenter had been asking for it for months and they finally got what they wanted :D I think it’s a great idea and makes it more interesting/entertaining to watch

  • @TheDerangedGENIUS
    @TheDerangedGENIUS 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2823

    I’d love to see him do one of his own old dishes for April Fools.

    • @melodybrookeboyett175
      @melodybrookeboyett175 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

      Perfect idea!

    • @ellieisanerd
      @ellieisanerd 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Great idea!!

    • @jizzledoops6789
      @jizzledoops6789 2 ปีที่แล้ว +82

      People keep saying this but he would know immediately

    • @jack76787
      @jack76787 2 ปีที่แล้ว +27

      @@jizzledoops6789 The reaction would be worth it.

    • @trash3570
      @trash3570 2 ปีที่แล้ว +41

      The reason this is commented on every video but is never done is because they probably tried it, and it was a huge flop

  • @__dane__
    @__dane__ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +522

    I like the idea of him getting a little report card in the middle. This is probably my favorite episode recently. I like seeing Chris get his already wide range made even broader

  • @karlcarlsburg9641
    @karlcarlsburg9641 2 ปีที่แล้ว +203

    You identified scallions by SMELLING THE CLOCHE?!
    Dude is insane. Ya

  • @caesar8875
    @caesar8875 2 ปีที่แล้ว +846

    LOVE the new format! Gas-lighting Chris has been fun, but I love watching him go through his thought process.

    • @wbfaulk
      @wbfaulk 2 ปีที่แล้ว +16

      By "new format", do you mean "old format"?

    • @caesar8875
      @caesar8875 2 ปีที่แล้ว +45

      @@wbfaulk Chris now receives his actual scores after his first attempt.

    • @Dylans503
      @Dylans503 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      The format is KNEW

    • @voightkampffchamp
      @voightkampffchamp 2 ปีที่แล้ว +25

      That's not what gaslighting means.

    • @akitachow
      @akitachow ปีที่แล้ว

      I’m surprised he doesn’t know that there are Sichuan pickled vegetables in Dan Dan noodles. 😀

  • @khaledarisheh6697
    @khaledarisheh6697 2 ปีที่แล้ว +446

    Chris’ thought process and particularly how on the money he is most of the time is mind blowing.

  • @e.i.1365
    @e.i.1365 2 ปีที่แล้ว +514

    I really miss the part where Chris goes to the supermarket to fetch the ingredients..

    • @Dylan-uy4pk
      @Dylan-uy4pk 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Same

    • @jaerhee6084
      @jaerhee6084 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

      recording during the pandemic is probably somewhat logistically challenging in NYC? Or at least not a good look to be out w/ a camera crew. Hopefully the shopping portion comes back later.

  • @bruellwitz
    @bruellwitz 2 ปีที่แล้ว +114

    Missed a massive oportunity here to get a shopping cart and let Chris ride it across the test kitchen just for this video, when he wasn't able to go shopping himself.

  • @RARosie1
    @RARosie1 2 ปีที่แล้ว +366

    She graded him so good and very honestly! I feel like others give him good scores cuz they either feel bad or just because it’s Chris.

    • @heatherp2707
      @heatherp2707 2 ปีที่แล้ว +49

      @@bananafingerguns7212 no she didn’t, Jessie identifies as she/they according to their Instagram bio.

    • @b_uppy
      @b_uppy 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

      You think others could do as well as Chris?
      Let's have him do a challenge and compare it beside other staff members' blindfolded efforts and grade it that way.
      The grading is already likely very arbitrary...

    • @SchreiRulesYouKnow
      @SchreiRulesYouKnow 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

      I agree, usually I feel like they always grade him generously.

    • @cjwhite7801
      @cjwhite7801 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

      @@bananafingerguns7212 who cares

    • @angelbob77
      @angelbob77 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

      True asian grading here lmao. My american side would've graded him higher cause of the effort he made and how impressive it was that he was basically able to figure out all the ingredients bar the Sichuan preserved vegetables that he wasn't aware of and the fact that there was a separate dressing and chili oil. But my asian side also respects the fact that this person didn't hold back and deducted points on things that most humans wouldn't even get close to figuring out, especially someone who has very little experience with Asian cuisine. Considering all that I feel like this was one of the most impressive episodes I've seen of Chris recreating dishes in this series so far.

  • @princeanuragi1175
    @princeanuragi1175 2 ปีที่แล้ว +183

    I always wonder how do producer's hold their laugh and amazement when chris tells almost all just after taking off the lid xD

  • @amandawoo3093
    @amandawoo3093 2 ปีที่แล้ว +184

    I don’t know if they already do this, but Chris should be allowed to listen to himself verbalize what he’s tasting as he’s writing his grocery list

  • @ishitasolanki2422
    @ishitasolanki2422 2 ปีที่แล้ว +56

    Man, this guy is IMPRESSIVE.

  • @martaschummer1413
    @martaschummer1413 2 ปีที่แล้ว +182

    I would love to see the original creator of the dish tasting and scoring the food Chris has made.

    • @spekkio101
      @spekkio101 2 ปีที่แล้ว +33

      If you haven't watched the Chicken Tikka Masala episode, you should check it out! Madhur Jaffrey grades it along with Priya and tells some fun stories.

    • @Theoneandonlyenelie
      @Theoneandonlyenelie ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@spekkio101 such a good episode

  • @doug539
    @doug539 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Fun fact about Szechuan Peppercorns that most western people don't know about, there are two types of peppercorns, a green one and a red one, I see Chris is using the red one in the video. Most Chinese people can't tell them apart but they are used drastically different. The green one, imo, is more frequently used in Szechuan dishes even though it is lesser known, is to create that numbing taste in spicy dishes; while the red one can be used in other mainly meat dishes, to get rid of the gamy taste of meat. In Dan Dan noodles however, I don't think either are being used in the traditional recipe, and if I were to add peppercorns, I would probably use the green one, for more taste.

  • @Pzychotix
    @Pzychotix 2 ปีที่แล้ว +96

    Honestly, I'm completely surprised how well he does with food completely outside his wheelhouse. I half expected him to not even know what the name of the dish was.

  • @adamk4662
    @adamk4662 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Mate, whether you are right or wrong just being able to talk about food like that is impressive.

  • @gilgameshmcballin
    @gilgameshmcballin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +66

    A dish he's never made before, against Kenji? I'd say Chris did a phenomenal job. I'm sure Kenji, the chill awesome guy he is would also agree.

  • @WeArePharmers
    @WeArePharmers 2 ปีที่แล้ว +34

    The outro should have been a clip of Chris reacting to trying his preserved vegetables!

  • @carok6817
    @carok6817 2 ปีที่แล้ว +28

    I like how instead of spoons he has chopsticks in his apron pocket. 😁

  • @flywan
    @flywan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +48

    Ingredient is fair. Chinese cooking involve soooo many ingredients that's sometimes not discernable if not tasted before

  • @dmcken4671
    @dmcken4671 2 ปีที่แล้ว +30

    Chris is so amazing. Also, I'm so happy BA listened to the viewers' wishes.

  • @giabea.
    @giabea. 2 ปีที่แล้ว +65

    Love J. Kenji! Hope he sees this!

  • @Spyhermit
    @Spyhermit 2 ปีที่แล้ว +61

    I keep watching chris not trust his feelings and go with "what a chef would do". Use that super tasting and moonshot it.

  • @katlanhams7682
    @katlanhams7682 2 ปีที่แล้ว +55

    They need to do a version of this with Chris Morocco’s kids where he has to recreate whatever Frankenstein dish that they create

  • @jieruiqian9302
    @jieruiqian9302 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Chris's approach of chili oil resembles northern style chili oil which is nice, but in Si Chuan Dan Dan they use a mixture of chili powder/flake along with white sesame seeds and grounded peppercorn, slowly pour in hot oil while giving it a stir , that way you won't be concerning about burning the ingredients and the oil gets its red color.

  • @harrynorman23
    @harrynorman23 2 ปีที่แล้ว +38

    Fruit ninja moment is very underrated B roll

  • @spruhakurlekar261
    @spruhakurlekar261 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Okay if team is reading this: LOVE the new format. This is so much more substantial now. Gaslighting Chris is only funny when you have a really, REALLY funny editor.

  • @vickylikesthis
    @vickylikesthis 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    WHO IS THIS AWESOME NEW PERSON? i like their style and demeanor. also, "i understand that" is such a classy response when you disagree with someone lol

  • @julesp1112
    @julesp1112 2 ปีที่แล้ว +21

    This is one of the most incredible things I’ve ever seen with respect to cooking. I can’t believe Chris can do this. Amazing!

  • @sradcliffe
    @sradcliffe 2 ปีที่แล้ว +14

    Kenji recipes are so out of left field, I'm amazed he did even that well

  • @KRayxKodessA
    @KRayxKodessA 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    I've never understood why he scores himself on appearance, when he doesn't get to see the plating until the very end.

  • @JamesPawson
    @JamesPawson 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    Like so many of us, he's afraid to really crank the heat on the wok-- so his pork didn't crisp up like Kenji's... that was bothering me the whole time. Chris is still a genius, though.

  • @joegeoghan
    @joegeoghan 2 ปีที่แล้ว +44

    I love how you can tell how badly Chris wants the A+ even though it's just a video for fun.

  • @getreadywithmemamma6973
    @getreadywithmemamma6973 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Like, I feel like if Chris wasn’t working in food, he’d be somewhere assessing crime scenes, or at the very least a forensic pathologist. Maybe even blindfolded. Chris is scary but in a cool, harmless way. Or maybe he would be training seeing eye dogs or I don’t know. You’re amazing Chris! Who else is like this? Like who? I feel like Chris is grading the rest of the human race like ughhh better luck next time, you fall short here and here etc. but again like, in a funny way.

  • @HarrisonMartin
    @HarrisonMartin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +43

    This new format is totally game changing!!! Keep it up BA / CHRIS!

    • @celine542
      @celine542 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Agree! Loved this format!!

  • @jordanh865
    @jordanh865 2 ปีที่แล้ว +32

    I hate how he gets hit for technique and ingrdients when he puts some ingredients in a different part of the dish prep. He has the ingredients so much closer than he was credited....... it's just that they were in a slightly different step. I get the ding in one category.... but not both...

  • @FalconTalk
    @FalconTalk 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I’ll re-watch that Kenji grilled cheese chorizo sandwich video every single day. Jesse’s fade is amazing btw

  • @lydiadelane5500
    @lydiadelane5500 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    Lets have brad do this for an episode to see how it compares to chris!

  • @Meep9092
    @Meep9092 2 ปีที่แล้ว +20

    Love the new way of doing things! Good job too Chris! Now I really want some of these though!

  • @aleclynch6186
    @aleclynch6186 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Chris: "Ok... Ok... I mean that's cool"
    Narrator: It was not cool

  • @IVEmine
    @IVEmine 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Loved the grading on this episode! Much representation to the accuracy of the dish. Also, this new format is great!

  • @ask230
    @ask230 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    20:55 You can screw around with those preserved vegetables for years, not weeks. They last forever.

  • @brycewalburn3926
    @brycewalburn3926 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    10:13 - y'all did Chris dirty with that zoom

  • @MrXiaoqiao
    @MrXiaoqiao 2 ปีที่แล้ว +31

    It's kind of a bummer that he gets points removed if he has the right ingredients but they're in the wrong element of the dish (in the sauce, not the garnish or something) since he DID taste it and correctly identify it, plus if the flavors are able to be eaten in layers, that sounds like an ununcorperated dish, in my opinion.

  • @jesspell
    @jesspell 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    always so thankful that chris didnt leave during bon appe-geddon

  • @SuperUTubeLogin
    @SuperUTubeLogin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Pilot G-2 Pens show Chris' class here. Love the show.

  • @viligante8
    @viligante8 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Well now I need to go get some Dan Dan Noodles. Thanks a lot BA...I'm so...excited!

  • @mmessi72
    @mmessi72 8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I like the change of him seeing his score. It's a nice shift to make the second round count more.

  • @emmavincent1306
    @emmavincent1306 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Enjoying this new format with chris' scoring!! Love bon Appétit!

  • @armonidarfe4342
    @armonidarfe4342 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Chris: gets 76 over all after giving himself an overall 76
    Me: Leo DiCaprio pointing at TV meme

  • @tiredofit4761
    @tiredofit4761 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Can’t get enough of Chris! He’s good, his demeanor is great!

  • @irvine5732
    @irvine5732 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like this format. It's nice seeing you have the ability to re-guide yourself with a bit of correction.

  • @jmurphy6011
    @jmurphy6011 2 ปีที่แล้ว +50

    I miss his kids. Seeing him parenting while cooking was really cool.

  • @kimmckenzie5276
    @kimmckenzie5276 2 ปีที่แล้ว +11

    What a great video. I’m craving Dan Dan noodles so bad right now.

  • @travis8592
    @travis8592 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Chris your accuracy is incredible also I made this twice already and prefer it without the added raw garlic.

  • @coffeeaddict4153
    @coffeeaddict4153 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I've watched two different Kenji dan dan noodles videos, neither of them matched this recipe. I wonder where they got this one?

  • @bth5202
    @bth5202 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    LOVE THIS SERIES SO MUCH!

  • @Nokenify
    @Nokenify 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Best series you got. Chris, you are awesome!

  • @squeektheweek6949
    @squeektheweek6949 2 ปีที่แล้ว +18

    Great to have Kenji getting a shout out here, big fan!

  • @EdonFlat
    @EdonFlat 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    fantastic episode! thanks for sharing this

  • @poopmonkey48
    @poopmonkey48 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    How impressive Chris is as a chef really can't be overstated

  • @KenmyeahFTW
    @KenmyeahFTW 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    watched kenjis vid of this last night! what great timing.

  • @juancervantes313
    @juancervantes313 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    They should put the ending results on a table and let chris flip it over with everything on it if he gets mad.

  • @TheCRYSTALLURE
    @TheCRYSTALLURE 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    When Chris got his actual scores back he definitely gave us the Kombucha Lady expressions “Huuhhhmmm…ooo…uh….yeaaa” 🤣🤣🤣😹😹.

  • @CitizenKirkwood
    @CitizenKirkwood 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Chris, Brad, and Andre are the power trio that is keeping BA alive.

  • @aniephotography4495
    @aniephotography4495 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    In all Chris' series, always amazed how he can predict not only the ingredients but the cooking techniques...

  • @PetitChouPumpkin
    @PetitChouPumpkin 2 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    Can we gift Chris a shopping cart for the kitchen so he can ride it around anyway?

  • @kpproductions7421
    @kpproductions7421 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Really miss old BA, it’ll never be the same…

    • @rice1067
      @rice1067 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Samee

  • @thatjuanguy5
    @thatjuanguy5 2 ปีที่แล้ว +53

    Ive seen Kenjis recipe video so much that just by catching that little snippet of Chris tossing the noodles in the wok I already knew.. Chris is about to fail.

    • @deprofundis3293
      @deprofundis3293 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      It sounds really good - so you've made it? Are the preserved veggies necessary?

    • @ZeroFate643
      @ZeroFate643 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@deprofundis3293 Some recipes will substitute bok choy or another pickled vegetable. The brightness and acidity is an important element, but the specific pickle used is not crucial.

  • @tvweather860
    @tvweather860 2 ปีที่แล้ว +17

    First thing I thought with Dan Dan noodles was preserved veggies. If he'd ever made it before he would have known that was a major ingredient. Other than that he did pretty well.

    • @isakgustavsen6536
      @isakgustavsen6536 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      That’s kinda the issue when giving him recipes so outside of what he knows. You can’t use something you didn’t know existed. Makes for an interesting challenge though

  • @gibbyg2001
    @gibbyg2001 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This dude is a freaking wizard.

  • @lingpang7209
    @lingpang7209 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Legit two of my faves!

  • @m.theresa1385
    @m.theresa1385 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Terrific job Chris. To me the dressing of oil poured over makes a difference. That film of hot oil in the base of the dish is one of my favorite parts of eating Dan Dan noodles.

  • @BadNemo8487
    @BadNemo8487 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    His knowledge is Mind blowing!

  • @aoifem4566
    @aoifem4566 2 ปีที่แล้ว +12

    I feel like in every version Kenji has published out online, he's put the garlic in with the pork and ginger mix?

    • @MrPrestonTsama
      @MrPrestonTsama 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

      Yeah, that is definitely how you would typically make it

  • @ericalucy0802
    @ericalucy0802 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    I wish he had more experience in Asian food in general…it was really nice try though!

  • @melodyleong
    @melodyleong 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Chris: 'I'm not good at using a wok'
    Also Chris: Casually tossing noodles in a wok.
    I can't even do that and I cook with a wok mainly!!!

  • @xmly7
    @xmly7 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    omg finally hes back at the test kitchen, missed it so much

  • @crashlikewaves
    @crashlikewaves 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like this format so much better! Next can he have lifelines AND his scores??

  • @Rood0808
    @Rood0808 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    The sloth eye mask is by far my favorite one so far.

  • @orchidpanda2253
    @orchidpanda2253 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    BA being too rigid docking points for things like preserved sichuan veg -- if you look at the ingredients for that it includes garlic, ginger, sugar, etc... so Chris got close there. I love this series... always amazed by Chris' taste buds.

  • @addieira03
    @addieira03 2 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Weirdly, Chris's version was very similar to Kenji's TH-cam version

  • @wwanimalsavers
    @wwanimalsavers 2 ปีที่แล้ว +19

    Omg, I've been watching kenji make dan dan on repeat lol. Absolutely perfect timing

  • @dseebie
    @dseebie ปีที่แล้ว

    If y'all can get your hands on that brand of preserved vegetables, it is FIRE.

  • @RaceOplasmaz
    @RaceOplasmaz 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I liked the new format alot!

  • @markchristopher4165
    @markchristopher4165 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Chris is so gracious here. That's all I'm going to say...

  • @Rice_Cake_
    @Rice_Cake_ 2 ปีที่แล้ว +9

    Sesame Paste! Does Kenji actually make this without roasted Sesame paste? That's pretty much the only common ingredient in all forms of DanDan I've seen. Incredible sleuthing by Chris!

    • @Ass4ssinX
      @Ass4ssinX 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's so weird. I swear his recipe used to include tahini. I've made it many, many times.

    • @givememore4free
      @givememore4free 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      In the description, they list the TH-cam video that Kenji made his Dan Dan Noodles.

  • @Cyrribrae
    @Cyrribrae 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This is a good one! I think Jessie was a good foil for Chris at the end of the day.

  • @2craNER
    @2craNER 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    I wish there was an episode where we won't see how it is made and what the original is like. So we would also see in the dark and see how good Chris is.

  • @jeanthepants7905
    @jeanthepants7905 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Liked the new Format :)

  • @abrinks
    @abrinks 2 ปีที่แล้ว +10

    The eyes on the mask are fricken great

  • @jonathoncunningham
    @jonathoncunningham 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Chris looks like a comic book superhero in this mask…. Sloth Man on the culinary case lol

  • @waylendmatagi2652
    @waylendmatagi2652 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I love how they replaced him going to the store with dramatic shots of his face front profile

  • @sammyroberts8902
    @sammyroberts8902 2 ปีที่แล้ว +13

    Would be cool for him to see them actually make the dish at the end

  • @catc8927
    @catc8927 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Everyone else: craving Dan Dan Noodles
    1/4-Sichuanese me: craving Sichuan pickled radishes

  • @mainimum
    @mainimum 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Chris. I love you. Enough said.

  • @NoahTheJew17
    @NoahTheJew17 2 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    It would be really cool to see the person who chose the dish talk about why they chose it

  • @deprofundis3293
    @deprofundis3293 2 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    Still my favorite videos! I love the new format - and Kenjii - so this was perfect. I just hope he can go back to the store soon. Maybe seeing a jar of preserved veg there would have helped jog his memory if he had in fact ever tasted it before!

  • @carolynbyrne6454
    @carolynbyrne6454 2 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    This is easily my favorite mask 😂

  • @HoangNguyen-im4rd
    @HoangNguyen-im4rd 2 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Chris out here playing irl fruit ninja 11:01