Zhajiangmian, also known as Fried Sauce Noodles, is a cherished dish in Chinese cuisine, particularly from the northern regions. This dish features tender wheat noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from soybean paste, ground pork, and a medley of vegetables. The harmonious blend of flavors and textures makes Zhajiangmian a popular choice for comfort food enthusiasts.
Zhajiangmian's origins can be traced back to Beijing and other northern regions of China. The name "Zhajiangmian" translates to "fried sauce noodles," highlighting the dish's primary feature—the flavorful, thick sauce made from fermented soybean paste, known as doujiang or black bean paste. Historically, this dish was a staple in northern Chinese households due to its simplicity and robust flavor. It has since become a beloved dish in Chinese cuisine and has gained popularity worldwide.
Ingredients:
- 400g wheat noodles (preferably thick and chewy, such as udon or hand-pulled noodles)
- 200g ground pork
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 4 tablespoons soybean paste
- 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon five-spice powder
- 1/4 teaspoon ground Sichuan pepper
- 1 cup water
- 2 green onions, finely sliced
- 1 cucumber, cut into small cubes
Method:
1. Cook the Noodles:
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the wheat noodles and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until tender but slightly firm. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine soybean paste, dark soy sauce, sugar, five-spice powder, and ground Sichuan pepper. Mix well and set aside.
3. Cook the Pork:
- Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground pork and stir-fry for 4-5 minutes, until browned and cooked through. Add the onion and garlic, stir-frying for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
4. Add the Sauce:
- Pour the prepared sauce into the skillet with the pork and vegetables. Add 1 cup of water and mix thoroughly. Reduce heat to medium and let simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and becomes aromatic.
5. Serve:
- Divide cooked noodles into bowls and top with the sauce. Garnish with sliced green onions and cubed cucumbers.
Notes:
- For optimal texture, use thicker and chewier wheat noodles.
- If soybean paste is unavailable, miso paste can be used as a substitute.
- Adjust sugar and soybean paste quantities to suit your taste preferences.
Nutrition Value:
1. Wheat Noodles (400g)
- Calories: Approximately 580 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 120g
- Protein: 16g
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 10mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Minimal; some B vitamins
- Minerals: Contains iron and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides energy through complex carbohydrates and offers a small amount of protein and essential minerals.
2. Ground Pork (200g)
- Calories: Approximately 400 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 20g
- Fat: 36g
- Sodium: 70mg
- Cholesterol: 80mg
- Vitamins: Rich in vitamin B12 and niacin
- Minerals: Contains zinc and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: High in protein and essential vitamins and minerals; provides energy and supports muscle growth.
3. Onion (1 large, finely chopped)
- Calories: Approximately 60 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and some B vitamins
- Minerals: Provides potassium and trace amounts of calcium and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and provides antioxidants, vitamin C, and minerals that support immune function.
4. Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
- Calories: Approximately 20 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and some B vitamins
- Minerals: Provides calcium, potassium, and iron
- Nutritional Benefit: Known for its antioxidant properties and potential benefits for heart health and immune function.
5. Vegetable Oil (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: Approximately 120 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 14g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Minimal; may contain vitamin E
- Minerals: No significant amounts
- Nutritional Benefit: Provides essential fatty acids and adds flavor; use in moderation due to high fat content.
6. Soybean Paste (4 tablespoons)
- Calories: Approximately 80 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Protein: 6g
- Fat: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains some B vitamins
- Minerals: Rich in iron and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds depth of flavor and provides protein, minerals, and a small amount of vitamins.
7. Dark Soy Sauce (2 tablespoons)
- Calories: Approximately 20 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 1,000mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Minimal
- Minerals: Contains sodium and some potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Enhances flavor; high sodium content should be considered in dietary planning.
8. Sugar (1 tablespoon)
- Calories: Approximately 50 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds sweetness; contributes empty calories with no vitamins or minerals.
9. Five-Spice Powder (1/4 teaspoon)
- Calories: Approximately 5 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains small amounts of vitamins depending on the spices used
- Minerals: Contains trace minerals
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds aromatic flavors; small quantities contribute minimal calories and some beneficial spices.
10. Ground Sichuan Pepper (1/4 teaspoon)
- Calories: Approximately 5 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains some vitamin C
- Minerals: Provides trace amounts of iron and calcium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds a unique flavor and potential antioxidant benefits.
11. Water (1 cup)
- Calories: 0 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: None
- Minerals: None
- Nutritional Benefit: Hydrates and helps in cooking, no calories or nutrients.
12. Green Onions (2, finely sliced)
- Calories: Approximately 10 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin C and some vitamin A
- Minerals: Provides calcium and potassium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds flavor and provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
13. Cucumber (1, cut into small cubes)
- Calories: Approximately 15 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Protein: 1g
- Fat: 0g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Vitamins: Contains vitamin K and some vitamin C
- Minerals: Provides potassium and magnesium
- Nutritional Benefit: Adds crunch and freshness; provides hydration and essential nutrients.
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