Zha Jiang Mian Recipe (Zhajiangmian) – Chinese Pork Noodles with Fried Sauce

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon cooking oil
• 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup chopped green onions (white + light green parts)
• 1/2 lb ground pork
• 1/4 cup yellow soybean paste (黃豆醬 / Huangdou Jiang)
• 2 tablespoons sweet bean sauce (甜麵醬 / Tian Mian Jiang)
• 1/4–1/3 cup water or stock
• 1–2 teaspoons sugar (optional, to balance saltiness)
• 2 oz dry wheat noodles (or egg noodles)
• 1/2 medium cucumber, julienned
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat the cooking oil in a wok or...: Heat the cooking oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.

2. 2

   Add ginger and green onions and stir-fry for...: Add ginger and green onions and stir-fry for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.

3. 3

   Add ground pork, breaking it up with a...: Add ground pork, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until no longer pink.

4. 4

   Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in yellow soybean...: Lower heat to medium-low. Stir in yellow soybean paste and sweet bean sauce until the pork is evenly coated.

5. 5

   Gradually add water or stock, stirring until the...: Gradually add water or stock, stirring until the sauce becomes thick but spoonable.

6. 6

   Simmer gently for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste...: Simmer gently for 5–8 minutes, stirring occasionally. Taste and add sugar if needed to balance saltiness.

7. 7

   Stir in minced garlic during the last minute...: Stir in minced garlic during the last minute of cooking. Remove from heat.

8. 8

   Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain...: Cook noodles according to package instructions and drain well.

9. 9

   Assemble bowls with noodles, 2–3 tablespoons of sauce,...: Assemble bowls with noodles, 2–3 tablespoons of sauce, and julienned cucumber. Add sesame oil and green onions if desired. Toss before eating.