cowpea braised noodles

How to Make Braided Noodles with Beans (Jiangdou Men)

Jiangdou Men, a beloved Chinese comfort dish, combines tender beans, savory sauce, and chewy noodles for a satisfying meal. Here’s a simple guide to making it at home.

Ingredients: 200g fresh or dried noodles, 200g beans (trimmed and cut into 2cm pieces), 2 tbsp cooking oil, 3 cloves garlic (minced), 1 tbsp light soy sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 cup water, and a pinch of salt.

Steps:

1. Prep: Blanch noodles in boiling water for 1–2 minutes until slightly soft. Drain and set aside.

2. Sauté beans: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Stir-fry garlic until fragrant, then add beans. Cook for 3–4 minutes until slightly tender.

3. Season: Mix in light/dark soy sauce and sugar. Pour in water, cover, and simmer for 5–7 minutes until beans are fully cooked.

4. Combine noodles: Place drained noodles over the beans. Cover and cook on low heat for 3–4 minutes, allowing noodles to absorb the sauce.

5. Finish: Uncover, toss gently to coat noodles evenly, and adjust salt if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions if desired.

Tips: For extra flavor, add a splash of rice wine or chili flakes. Ensure noodles don’t overcook to maintain a chewy texture. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any day!