Zhajiangmian Delight: Savory Chinese Noodles with Pork and Fermented Bean Paste
Zhajiangmian is a mouthwatering Chinese noodle dish known for its robust flavors and hearty ingredients. The dish gets its name from **zhajiang**, which refers to the fried sauce made from fermented soybean paste and **mian**, meaning “noodles.” The combination of these elements creates a satisfying and delicious meal that can be enjoyed by anyone who loves hearty, savory dishes.
**Ingredients:**
Noodles:
– 400g fresh wheat noodles or dried spaghetti
Meat Sauce:
– 300g ground pork
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 medium onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 tablespoons sweet bean paste (Tianmianjiang)
– 2 tablespoons soybean paste (or miso)
– 1 tablespoon soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon sugar
– 50ml water
Toppings:
– 1 cucumber, julienned
– 2 scallions, thinly sliced
– 1 carrot, julienned
– Bean sprouts (optional)
**Instructions:**
1. **Cook the Noodles**
– Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
2. **Prepare the Meat Sauce**
– In a large skillet or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, stirring until fragrant and translucent.
– Add the ground pork to the skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook until the pork is browned and fully cooked.
3. **Make the Zhajiang Sauce**
– Add the sweet bean paste, soybean paste, soy sauce, and sugar to the skillet. Stir well to combine.
– Pour in the water and bring the mixture to a simmer. Let it cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens.
4. **Assemble the Dish**
– Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls. Spoon the meat sauce generously over the noodles.
– Top each bowl with julienned cucumber, scallions, carrots, and bean sprouts if using.
5. **Serve**
– Serve the Zhajiangmian immediately, allowing everyone to mix the noodles with the sauce and toppings right before eating.
Enjoy your savory and satisfying Zhajiangmian! This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of pickled vegetables or a light soup.
The source of the article is from the blog krama.net