Zha Jiang Mian

A popular classic Beijing dish, Zha Jiang Mian features ground pork and onion cooked in a rich savory brown sauce with a hint of sweetness, tossed with noodles and then served with crunchy cucumber. It takes no time to prepare, is easy to cook, and can be prepared ahead of time. It’s a perfect one-bowl dish for hot days and is great for meal prep as well.

Prep Time: 10 mins

Cook Time: 20 mins

Total Time: 30 mins

INGREDIENTS

Sauce

• 12 oz (340 g) ground pork (*Footnote 1) 1 tablespoon minced ginger
• 2 tablespoons Shaoxing wine
• 3/4 cup (200 g) sweet bean paste (Tian Mian Jiang) 1 1/2 cup (340 ml) water
• 4 tablespoons peanut oil (or vegetable oil) 1 white onion , diced
• 12 oz (340 g) fresh wheat noodles (or 9 oz / 240 g dried wheat noodles) (*Footnote 2)

Topping options

• 1 cucumber , julienned
• cilantro , chopped (or onion) for garnish
• Stir fried tomato and egg , Optional (*Footnote 3)

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Add sweet bean sauce to a large Slowly blend in water and stir constantly, until water is fully incorporated.
2. Heat a large skillet or a wok over medium-high heat until Add the oil and the ginger. Stir a few times to release the fragrance.
3. Add the Cook, stir and chop, until the pork turns to small pieces and has browned. Pour in the Shaoxing wine. Stir and cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the sweet bean sauce and turn to medium heat. Stir constantly, until the sauce thickens and turns darker, about 10 If the sauce thickens too quickly and starts to feel like it’s sticking to the bottom of the pan, turn to medium-low heat and slowly blend in more warm water, 2 tablespoons at a time. Reduce the heat if the pan gets too smoky.
5. Add the Cook and stir for 3 to 5 minutes, until the onion has softened but remains crispy. Turn off heat and transfer the sauce to a large bowl.
6. While cooking the noodle sauce, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook noodles according to Once done, drain the noodles immediately and rinse with cold tap water to stop cooking. Drain again.
7. Add noodles to individual serving Top noodles with sauce, cucumber, and stir fried tomato and egg if using. Garnish with cilantro or green onions. Serve as a main dish.