Lunar New Year Noodles | Zhajiangmian Recipe | Zha Jiang Mian

ground pork

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground chicken

Ground turkey is lower in fat, while ground chicken is often less expensive.

fermented soybean paste

🥗Healthier: miso paste

💰Cheaper: soy sauce

Miso provides a similar umami flavor, while soy sauce is more accessible.

wheat noodles

🥗Healthier: whole wheat noodles

💰Cheaper: rice noodles

Whole wheat noodles are more nutritious, while rice noodles are often cheaper.

Heat a pan on medium-high heat and add about 2 tablespoons of oil.

Brown the ground pork in the pan, breaking it apart to caramelize, and add a little salt.

Once the pork is browned, add diced eggplant to the pan without draining the oil.

Add about a tablespoon of garlic and ginger paste and half a cup of minced onion to the pan.

Add some chili pods and reduce the heat to medium to avoid burning the garlic, ginger, or onion.

Once the eggplant starts to break down, add salted black beans, tasting for saltiness and funkiness.

Add about 2 and a half tablespoons of bean paste to the mixture.

Add a half cup of dark soy sauce mixture (including sugar) and about 1/4 cup of chicken stock or water.

Let the sauce reduce until thick, similar to a ragu, and adjust seasoning with more water or stock if too salty.

Prepare to serve by slicing cucumber and carrot, and chopping green onions and cilantro for garnish.

Spoon the sauce generously over cooked wheat noodles and top with the fresh vegetables and toasted sesame seeds.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens