Zha jiang mian, or za jiang mein 炸酱面 is a traditional Chinese noodle dish that consists of thick noodles topped with a minced meat sauce that is made with bean paste. Shanghai noodles are usually used in this dish, however, you can use any noodle that you prefer; both udon and linguini are good choices as well. If you try this recipe, I would love to know what you think in the Chinese food forum. Please stop by and leave your input, Enjoy!

1 lb. Shanghai noodles (udon or linguini noodles)
1.5 lbs. ground pork
6 green onions
3 cloves garlic
1 cucumber
1 tbsp shaohsing wine
2 tbsp broad bean paste
1 tbsp hoisin sauce
1 tbsp soy sauce
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tbsp peanut oil

1. Cook the noodles according to the package instructions and then drain them and place them in a large bowl. Add one tablespoon of the peanut oil and stir it thoroughly into the noodles. Then let them sit at room temperature while preparing the other ingredients.


2. Rinse the green onions under cold running water and then dry them thoroughly and dice both the green and white parts.


3. Remove the skin from the garlic cloves, mince them and set them aside.


4. Peel the cucumber and then remove the seeds. Julienne the remaining meat of the cucumber and then place these shreds in a bowl and set them aside.


5. Next heat a wok on high and then add the remaining tablespoon of peanut oil and let it get hot.


6. When the oil is hot add the green onions and garlic and stir fry for just 30 seconds, or until fragrant.


7. Then add the ground pork and stir fry it, breaking it up into small bits and cooking it until it is cooked through, about 8 minutes. Then drain off any excess liquid.


8. Then to the pork add the wine and stir it in. Then add the bean paste and hoisin sauce and stir fry everything for about 2 minutes.


9. Then add the soy sauce and chicken broth and stir until everything is combined and let it cook for another 2 minutes.


10. Then remove it from the heat. Place the noodles into 4 separate bowls and place some of the meat sauce on top of each portion. Then place some of the julienned cucumbers on top of the sauce and serve immediately, enjoy.