Noodles In Cucumber-Meat Sauce – Za Jiang Mein

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Servings: 4 servings Difficulty: Advanced
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A savory, aromatic noodle dish featuring rich fermented bean paste sauce and fresh cucumber.
Noodles in Cucumber-Meat Sauce - Za Jiang Mein recipe image
Noodles in Cucumber-Meat Sauce - Za Jiang Mein recipe image
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Noodles In Cucumber-Meat Sauce – Za Jiang Mein

Author: chefs-mate Cooking Method: , , Cuisine: Courses:
Difficulty: Advanced
Servings: 4 servings Calories: 488.1

Description

Za Jiang Mein is a beloved Chinese street food classic that balances rich, savory flavors with refreshing crunch. This recipe features wheat noodles tossed in a deeply flavorful sauce made from hoisin, hot bean paste, and ground pork. The sauce is slow-simmered to develop a thick, coating consistency that clings to every strand. Freshly chopped cucumber, green onions, and toasted sesame seeds provide a bright, textural contrast to the heavy, umami-rich meat sauce.

Directions

  1. Preheat a wok or large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the peanut or corn oil.
  2. When the oil is hot, add the chopped pork butt. Lightly brown the pork, breaking up any clumps with a spatula.
  3. Add the Chinese rice wine to the wok. Stir together for about 1 minute or until the pork appears dry and the alcohol has evaporated.
  4. Push the meat up the sides of the wok, creating a well in the center.
  5. Add the grated ginger, minced garlic, and half of the chopped green onions to the center of the wok. Sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  6. Add the hoisin sauce, hot bean paste, sugar, and soy sauce to the center of the wok. Stir-fry until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
  7. Mix the sauce with the pork, ensuring everything is well combined.
  8. Add the chicken stock to the wok and bring the sauce to a boil.
  9. Reduce the heat to low to simmer. Continue cooking, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened to the consistency of spaghetti sauce, about 10 minutes.
  10. Swirl in half of the sesame oil. Keep the sauce warm while preparing the noodles.
  11. Bring 3 quarts of water to a boil in a large pot.
  12. Separate the strands of the noodle ball by gently pulling them apart with your hands or chopsticks.
  13. Add the noodles to the boiling water. Stir gently with chopsticks to prevent sticking.
  14. When the water reaches a second boil, add 1 cup of cold water and let it come to a boil again.
  15. Drain the noodles in a colander. Rinse thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
  16. Drain the noodles thoroughly and set aside.
  17. Toss the drained noodles with the remaining tablespoon of sesame oil and the remaining chopped green onions.
  18. Divide the noodles among 6 flat soup plates or bowls.
  19. Spoon the warm meat sauce generously on top of the noodles.
  20. Garnish with cubed cucumber, toasted black sesame seeds, and fresh coriander leaves.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 4 servings

Amount Per Serving
Calories 488.1kcal
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 31.4g49%
Saturated Fat 9.5g48%
Cholesterol 136.2mg46%
Sodium 105.6mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 2.1g1%
Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 46.2g93%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

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