Zha Jiang Mian

Zha jiang mian is one of China's traditional specialty noodles, renowned as one of the "Top Ten Noodles". It is prepared in various ways across the country, with Beijing-style cuisine considered more authentic. The essence lies in the dish's sauce, complemented by shredded radish, cucumber, and bean sprouts for a refreshing and crunchy texture. Those who enjoy spiciness can add a spoonful of chili oil for an extra kick. With a simple mix, it offers a delicious and fragrant taste, rich and satisfying, loved by both adults and children alike.

4 Reviews
4 Comments
POSTED:16/07/2024
Level:Easy
Yield:1-2 servings
Total:40 min
(includes chilling time)
Active:5 min

Zhajiangmian, a traditional northern Chinese noodle dish, is beloved for its unique flavor and rich texture. The heart of this dish lies in its sauce, which is crafted through a frying process that imbues the noodles with a deep aroma and taste. Below is a detailed guide on how to make Zhajiangmian.


1.The noodles used in Zhajiangmian:

Hand-pulled noodles are the preferred choice for making Zhajiangmian. This is because hand-pulled noodles have a unique chewy texture that complements the Zhajiang sauce, enhancing the overall flavor of the dish. If hand-pulled noodles are not available, regular noodles can also be used. These noodles still provide a distinctive texture and resilience when making Zhajiangmian, adding to its flavor profile.


2.The sauces needed for Zhajiangmian:

For delicious Zhajiangmian, it's best to use a combination of dried yellow bean sauce (gan huang jiang) and sweet bean sauce (tian mian jiang). The recommended ratio is 2 parts dried yellow bean sauce to 1 part sweet bean sauce. When combined with meat, the ratio should be 1 part sauce to 3 parts meat. This ratio ensures that the stir-fried Zhajiang sauce is rich in fragrance and has a complex texture.


3.The necessary side dishes for Zhajiangmian:

①Julienned cucumber is an excellent accompaniment to Zhajiangmian, often referred to as its "soul". The fresh and crisp texture of cucumber helps balance out the richness and savory flavors of Zhajiangmian, providing a refreshing contrast.

②In Zhajiangmian, shredded radish is also a common accompaniment. Carrots are not only crunchy but also add rich color and nutrition to Zhajiangmian.


4.The preparation method for meat in Zhajiangmian:

①Diced:Depending on the recipe, meat can be diced or sliced into thin strips. For instance, when using pork belly , it can be diced into small cubes for use in the dish.

②Marinating:Thinly sliced meat is marinated in a mixture of cooking wine, soy sauce, salt, and cornstarch, stirred evenly, and marinated for 20 minutes to tenderize the meat further.

③Stir-fry until the meat changes color:Add the marinated meat to a hot pan and stir-fry until it changes color.

④Mix with the sauce and stir-fry together:Combine the stir-fried meat with the prepared sauce mixture (such as a combination of dried yellow bean sauce and sweet bean sauce). Stir-fry over low heat, continuously stirring to prevent sticking, until the sauce thickens.


5.Calories in Zhajiangmian:

A bowl of Zhajiangmian contains approximately 400 kilocalories, making it a high-calorie food. Patients aiming to lose weight should try to consume it sparingly.


Zhajiangmian is a beloved dish that many enjoy. Its preparation method is quite simple, and the ingredients needed are very common. Let's now teach everyone how to make delicious Zhajiangmian.

INGREDIENTS

MAIN INGREDIENTS

  • 150g pork belly
  • 100g noodles

ACCESSORIES

  • 10g cucumber
  • 10g carrot
  • 3g ginger

SEASONINGS

  • 30g dried yellow bean sauce
  • 15g sweet bean sauce
  • 650g pure water
  • 3g granulated sugar
  • 25g peanut oil
  • 5g cornstarch
  • 5g cooking wine
  • 10g soy sauce
  • 5g salt

DIRECTIONS

STEP 1

Prepare the ingredients by cleaning them thoroughly. Slice 150g of pork belly into thin strips and place them on a plate for later use.

Clean ingredients, slice pork belly into strips for later use.

STEP 2

Marinate the pork belly:

Add 5g of cooking wine, 5g of salt, and 10g of soy sauce to the bowl containing the sliced pork belly. Then, add 5g of cornstarch and mix well. Let it marinate for 20 minutes.

Marinate pork belly: cooking wine, salt, soy sauce, cornstarch. Let marinate for 20 minutes.

STEP 3

Prepare the sauce:

Pour 30g of dried yellow bean sauce and 15g of sweet bean sauce into a bowl, and mix thoroughly.

Tip:

If you like spicy food, you can also add chili sauce according to your taste.

Mix dried yellow bean sauce and sweet bean sauce for tasty sauce, add chili for spice.

STEP 4

Heat the wok and add 25g of peanut oil. Stir-fry the marinated pork belly strips until cooked. Then, add the prepared sauce mixture and stir-fry evenly. Finally, add 3g of granulated sugar and continue to stir-fry.

Stir-fry marinated pork belly in peanut oil, add sauce, sugar, and stir evenly.

STEP 5

Next, add 150g of pure water to the wok. Bring it to a rapid boil over high heat while stirring quickly until the sauce thickens.

Add 150g water to wok, bring to boil over high heat, stir until sauce thickens.

STEP 6

In another pot, add 500g of pure water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Cook the noodles in the boiling water until they are fully cooked, then drain them. Place the cooked noodles into a serving bowl.

Boil water, cook noodles, and serve.

STEP 7

Julienne 10g of cucumber and 10g of carrot.

Julienne 10g cucumber and 10g carrot for a recipe.

STEP 8

Arrange the julienned cucumber and carrot on top of the noodles in the bowl. Then pour the Zhajiang sauce over them. Your bowl of Zhajiangmian is now ready to serve.

Layer julienned cucumber and carrot over noodles, then pour Zhajiang sauce for Zhajiangmian.

Recipe analyzer

  • Recipes: Zha Jiang Mian
  • Main Ingredients:5
  • Servings per recipe:1
  • Servings size:273 g
Nutritional Summary of Recipe
Amount per 273 g= 1 serving(s)
  • Energy (calories):916 kcal
    42%
  • Protein:18.22 g
    33%
  • Fat:79.76 g Why gray?
    164%
  • Carbohydrates:29.25 g
    12%
Calorie breakdown
  • Protein: 8%
    76 kcal
  • Fat: 79%
    719 kcal
  • Carbohydrates: 13%
    120 kcal
The chart shows the percentage of calories intake (energy) coming from the respective macronutrients (fats, protein and carbohydrates).
Omega 6 : Omega 3
1:1
20:1
11:1
Both fatty acids are essential, but nowadays the majority of western diets include excessive amounts of Omega 6 acid.

The ratio shows whether the proportion of both fatty acids in your diet is optimal. Red color means too much of Omega 6 or too little of Omega 3. The data are rounded off and approximate.

4 REVIEWS

Review
Your rating:
TasteTroveOctober 12, 2024

Can I use pre-cooked noodles for this recipe?
reply:
October 15, 2024
Yes, pre-cooked noodles can be used, but be sure to adjust cooking time to avoid overcooking.
GourmetGustoShowcaseSeptember 29, 2024

What if I don’t have dried yellow bean sauce?
reply:
October 01, 2024
You can substitute with a mixture of miso paste and soy sauce, though the flavor may differ slightly.
MichaelJuly 25, 2024

Is it okay without the sweet pasta sauce?
JohanJuly 19, 2024

It's been a while since I've had such an authentic Chinese mixed sauce noodle dish, so I followed the recipe today and it was delicious!
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