Zha Jiang Mian is a popular Chinese noodle dish that originated in Beijing. This hearty dish consists of noodles topped with a savory, rich meat sauce made from fermented soybean paste. It's a comforting and flavorful meal that can be enjoyed by itself or with various toppings.
Ingredients Needed
- For the Sauce:
- 200g ground pork or beef
- 2 tablespoons fermented soybean paste (doubanjiang)
- 1 tablespoon sweet bean paste (tianmianjiang)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup chicken or beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (optional)
- For the Noodles:
- 300g fresh wheat noodles or spaghetti
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 bunch of scallions, finely chopped
Preparation and Serving Instructions
Prepare the Sauce:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant.
- Add the ground pork or beef, breaking it up with a spatula, and cook until browned.
- Stir in the fermented soybean paste, sweet bean paste, and cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Pour in the soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine (if using), stirring to combine.
- Add the chicken or beef broth, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cook for 15-20 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Cook the Noodles:
- In a large pot, bring water to a boil and cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
Assemble the Dish:
- Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls.
- Top with a generous amount of the meat sauce.
- Garnish with julienned cucumber, carrot, and chopped scallions.
Serve:
- Serve hot and enjoy the rich, savory flavors of Beijing Zha Jiang Mian.
Tips
- Adjust the Saltiness: The fermented soybean paste and soy sauce are both salty, so adjust the amount of each to suit your taste.
- Choose the Right Noodles: Fresh wheat noodles are traditional, but spaghetti or any thick noodle can work as a substitute.
- Add Extra Vegetables: Add sliced bell peppers, bean sprouts, or bok choy for more color and texture.
Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the meat with finely chopped mushrooms or tofu for a vegetarian alternative.
- Spicy Zha Jiang Mian: Add chili paste or chili oil to the sauce for a spicier version.
- Seafood Twist: Substitute the ground meat with shrimp or fish for a seafood variation.
Calories
A serving of Beijing Zha Jiang Mian (approximately 400g) contains about 450-500 calories, depending on the amount of meat and oil used. This calorie count includes the noodles, meat sauce, and basic vegetable toppings.
Conclusion
Beijing Zha Jiang Mian is a delicious and versatile noodle dish that offers a burst of savory flavors in every bite. Whether you enjoy it in its traditional form or customize it with your favorite ingredients, this dish is sure to satisfy your taste buds. Easy to prepare and full of rich textures and tastes, it’s perfect for a hearty meal at any time of the day.
