I absolutely love this recipe for Zha Jiang Mian because it combines savory and sweet flavors in such an effortless way, making each bite a delightful dance of tastes. Plus, the contrast between the chewy noodles, crispy cucumber, and the rich, savory pork sauce is just pure comfort food heaven.
Zha Jiang Mian is a dish I hold dear, a delightful medley of flavors and textures. It has as its base fresh wheat noodles.
Then it combines savory ground pork—not so different from what you might use in a meat sauce—with rich notes from soybean paste, hoisin, and soy sauces. I adore how fresh cucumber and sliced scallions add crisp freshness to the dish; they could also be called ‘vehicles for flavor.’ And I love the taste of ginger and sesame oil, which provide delicious aromatic depth.
This dish has protein and carbs in it. If you add bean sprouts to the mix—which is optional—you also get the benefit of crunch.
Zha Jiang Mian Recipe Ingredients
- Ground Pork: Provides protein and richness, enhancing the dish’s heartiness and flavor.
- Soybean Paste: Adds a deep umami and salty taste, essential for authentic flavor.
- Hoisin Sauce: Sweetens the dish while adding a savory and slightly tangy depth.
- Garlic: Imparts aromatic pungency, making the dish more fragrant.
- Fresh Wheat Noodles: Offers complex carbohydrates and a soft, chewy texture.
- Cucumber: Provides freshness and a crisp, cool contrast to the rich sauce.
- Sugar: Balances savory flavors with a touch of sweetness.
Zha Jiang Mian Recipe Ingredient Quantities
- 400g fresh wheat noodles
- 200g ground pork
- 3 tablespoons soybean paste
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Optional: blanched bean sprouts, for serving
How to Make this Zha Jiang Mian Recipe
1. Start with the fresh wheat noodles. Place them in a large pot of boiling water; they will barely fit. Cook according to package directions. When done, the noodles should be barely tender—al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Warm the vegetable oil in a huge frying pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped onion. Stir for a minute or two until the onion pieces seem to disappear in their translucent state.
3. Add the pork to the pan and cook, stirring often, until it is browned and cooked through.
4. Combine the soybean paste, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in with the pork. Blend well and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes so that the flavors can meld.
– 4 tablespoons of soybean paste.
– 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce.
– 4 tablespoons of soy sauce.
– 4 tablespoons of sugar.
5. Reduce the heat and add the ground white pepper. Stir to mix thoroughly.
6. Switch off the heat and pour in sesame oil. Stir thoroughly to mix well.
7. Place the cooked noodles in serving bowls.
8. Distribute the pork sauce evenly among the bowls and top the noodles with it.
9. Each bowl should be garnished with cucumber that has been julienned, scallions that have been sliced, and, if you like, bean sprouts that have been blanched.
10. Serve at once, while still piping hot. Combine the noodles with the toppings, and then plunge into the deep, resounding flavors of Zha Jiang Mian.
Zha Jiang Mian Recipe Equipment Needed
1. Large pot
2. Frying pan
3. Stirring spoon
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Colander (for draining noodles)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Mixing bowls
9. Serving bowls
FAQ
- Q: Can I use a different type of noodle?A: Yes, fresh wheat noodles are the traditional choice, but you can use udon or even spaghetti if necessary.
- Q: Is there a vegetarian option for this dish?A: Definitely! Crammed tofu or soy granules can sub in for the ground pork, making for a fine version that’s not only safe for vegetarians but also tasty.
- Q: What can I use as a substitute for soybean paste?Miso paste can be used as a substitute; however, it might change the flavor a little.
- Q: How long does it take to prepare this dish?A: It is a quick meal, with about 15 minutes of prep time and 20 minutes of cook time.
- Q: Can this dish be made ahead of time?A: For a few days, you can make the sauce ahead and keep it in the refrigerator, but the freshest way to enjoy this dish is to make the noodles on the same day you plan to eat.
- Q: What can I serve with Zha Jiang Mian?It goes well with vegetables that have been blanched or a simple side salad that allows its flavors to shine.
- Q: Can I adjust the spiciness of this dish?Yes, you can add chili oil or minced chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Zha Jiang Mian Recipe Substitutions and Variations
Ground pork can be substituted with ground chicken or turkey for a lighter version.
Oyster sauce can be used in place of hoisin sauce, and you will find that it plays very nicely with ginger, a.k.a. the other main character in this dish. Use it if you must, but if you can help it, use the sauce I have used in the following recipe.
Tamari or coconut aminos can be used as a substitute for soy sauce, and they provide a gluten-free option.
Honey or maple syrup can be used in place of sugar to provide a more natural sweetness.
Julienned carrots can stand in for the crunch of cucumbers.
Pro Tips
1. Balancing Flavors: Carefully taste the sauce before adding all the sauces and sugar quantities. Depending on the brand of soybean paste, hoisin sauce, and soy sauce, the flavors may vary. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and umami to your preference by tweaking the sugar and soy sauce levels.
2. Browning the Pork: To enhance the flavor and texture of your dish, let the pork brown slightly in the pan before adding the sauces. Avoid stirring constantly; allow the meat to sear and develop a bit of a crust for a deeper flavor.
3. Noodle Preparation: After boiling the noodles, drain them and rinse them quickly with cold water. This stops the cooking process, removes excess starch, and prevents them from sticking together, keeping your noodles firm and slightly chewy.
4. Layering Garnishes: For an elevated presentation and flavor contrast, add the julienned cucumber and scallions just before serving. The fresh crunch of the cucumber and the sharpness of the scallions contrast beautifully with the rich pork sauce.
5. Meal Personalization: Offer additional toppings at the table, such as chili oil, crushed peanuts, or cilantro, so each diner can customize their bowl to their taste preferences. This can make the dish more exciting and cater to different palate preferences.
Zha Jiang Mian Recipe
My favorite Zha Jiang Mian Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large pot
2. Frying pan
3. Stirring spoon
4. Knife
5. Cutting board
6. Colander (for draining noodles)
7. Measuring spoons
8. Mixing bowls
9. Serving bowls
Ingredients:
- 400g fresh wheat noodles
- 200g ground pork
- 3 tablespoons soybean paste
- 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper
- Optional: blanched bean sprouts, for serving
Instructions:
1. Start with the fresh wheat noodles. Place them in a large pot of boiling water; they will barely fit. Cook according to package directions. When done, the noodles should be barely tender—al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Warm the vegetable oil in a huge frying pan over medium-high heat. Toss in the minced garlic, ginger, and chopped onion. Stir for a minute or two until the onion pieces seem to disappear in their translucent state.
3. Add the pork to the pan and cook, stirring often, until it is browned and cooked through.
4. Combine the soybean paste, hoisin sauce, soy sauce, and sugar in with the pork. Blend well and allow it to cook for 2-3 minutes so that the flavors can meld.
– 4 tablespoons of soybean paste.
– 4 tablespoons of hoisin sauce.
– 4 tablespoons of soy sauce.
– 4 tablespoons of sugar.
5. Reduce the heat and add the ground white pepper. Stir to mix thoroughly.
6. Switch off the heat and pour in sesame oil. Stir thoroughly to mix well.
7. Place the cooked noodles in serving bowls.
8. Distribute the pork sauce evenly among the bowls and top the noodles with it.
9. Each bowl should be garnished with cucumber that has been julienned, scallions that have been sliced, and, if you like, bean sprouts that have been blanched.
10. Serve at once, while still piping hot. Combine the noodles with the toppings, and then plunge into the deep, resounding flavors of Zha Jiang Mian.
