Zhajiangmian 炸酱面

Zhajiangmian has long been a fan-favourite. Simple but delicious, it comprises of a hearty stir-fried black bean sauce served on top of a bowl of plain noodles (挂面).

Serves 5

Ingredients:

• 200-250g Noodles (preferably 挂面 or 龙须面)
• 150g Minced Pork/Chicken
• Cucumbers
• Shitake Mushrooms
• Doubanjiang 豆瓣酱 to taste
• Tianmianjiang 甜面酱 to taste
• 3-4 cloves Garlic
• 10-15g Ginger
• Sugar to taste
• Spring Onion to garnish

Method and Instruction

Preparation

1. Wash all vegetables and mushrooms.
2. Mince the garlic and ginger, chop the Shitake Mushroom into small pieces.

Cooking

1. Add some oil into your pan, fry the minced ginger and garlic till fragrant.
2. Add minced chicken into the pan, then cook and stir for around 1-2 minutes.
3. Add the chopped shitake mushrooms. Also add the 豆瓣酱 (Doubanjiang) and 甜面酱 (Tianmianjiang) in a ratio of 3:2. If needed, add some water to dilute.
4. Let it come to a boil and taste the paste. Adjust by adding 豆瓣酱 (Doubanjiang) if it's too sweet, 甜面酱 (Tianmianjiang) if it is too watery and sugar/water if it’s too salty.
5. Boil your noodles for according to package instructions. Add them to cold water after done for a more “QQ” texture.
6. Slice cucumbers into strips.
7. Add your noodles to a bowl, top with prepared sauce and your vegetables.
8. Garnish with sliced spring onions and serve.