diced pork and fried noodles

How to Make Authentic Chinese Noodles with Pork Sauce (Zha Jiang Mian)

Zha Jiang Mian, a beloved Northern Chinese dish, features chewy noodles tossed in a savory, umami-rich pork sauce. Here’s a simple guide to recreate this classic at home.

Ingredients:

- 200g ground pork, 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp Shaoxing wine (marinate 10 mins)

- 200g fresh noodles (or dried, cooked per package)

- 3 tbsp yellow bean paste (or doubanjiang for spice), 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar

- 1 carrot, 1 cucumber (julienned), 5 garlic cloves (minced)

- 2 tbsp cooking oil, 1 tbsp sesame oil

Steps:

1. Cook noodles: Boil in salted water until al dente. Rinse under cold water, drain, and toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.

2. Make sauce: Heat oil in a wok over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant. Add marinated pork, breaking it up with a spatula, until browned (5-7 mins). Stir in yellow bean paste, cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Season: Add soy sauce, sugar, and ½ cup water. Simmer for 3-5 mins until slightly thickened. Adjust saltiness to taste.

4. Serve: Toss noodles with the pork sauce. Top with julienned carrots and cucumber. Drizzle with extra sesame oil.

Tip: For extra depth, add a spoonful of fermented black beans (douchi) with the garlic. Enjoy this hearty, flavorful dish with a side of pickled vegetables!