Classic Chinese-Style Meat Sauce Noodles (Zha Jiang Mian)

Classic Chinese-Style Meat Sauce Noodles, also known as Zha Jiang Mian, is a beloved Beijing dish featuring chewy wheat noodles topped with a rich, savory pork-based meat sauce made with fermented bean paste and aromatic seasonings. It’s a quick and hearty meal that captures the essence of northern Chinese home cooking.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: Uses traditional Chinese fermented bean pastes for a deep umami profile.
• Quick and Satisfying: Comes together fast yet is incredibly filling.
• Customizable Toppings: Serve with your favorite vegetables for freshness and crunch.
• Great for Meal Prep: The meat sauce stores well and is easy to reheat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Ground pork (or beef)
• Fresh wheat noodles (or thick spaghetti as a substitute)
• Sweet bean paste (tian mian jiang)
• Fermented soybean paste (yellow soybean paste or doubanjiang)
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (minced)
• Onion (finely chopped)
• Soy sauce
• Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry)
• Sugar
• Water or broth
• Cucumber (julienned, for garnish)
• Scallions (sliced, for garnish)
• Sesame oil

Directions

1. Cook the Noodles: Boil the noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
2. Prepare the Sauce Base: In a hot wok or skillet, add a small amount of sesame oil and sauté the onion, garlic, and ginger until fragrant.
3. Cook the Meat: Add ground pork and cook until no longer pink. Stir in Shaoxing wine.
4. Add Bean Pastes: Stir in the fermented soybean paste and sweet bean paste. Fry for 2–3 minutes to release the aroma.
5. Season the Sauce: Add soy sauce, sugar, and a bit of water or broth. Simmer for 10–15 minutes, stirring occasionally until thick and flavorful.
6. Assemble the Dish: Place cooked noodles in a bowl. Spoon meat sauce over the top. Garnish with cucumber, scallions, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
7. Serve: Mix well before eating to distribute the sauce evenly.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 servings
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Use finely chopped mushrooms or tofu instead of ground pork.
• Spicy Option: Add chili oil or a spoon of doubanjiang for heat.
• Extra Vegetables: Top with bean sprouts, shredded carrots, or napa cabbage.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store the meat sauce separately from noodles in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat sauce in a pan over medium heat or microwave. Boil noodles briefly or rinse with hot water before serving.

FAQs

What kind of noodles should I use?

Thick, chewy wheat noodles are traditional, but udon or spaghetti can also work.

Is there a substitute for fermented bean pastes?

You can use hoisin sauce or miso as partial substitutes, but the flavor will differ.

Can I freeze the meat sauce?

Yes, it freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

How do I adjust the saltiness?

Start with less fermented paste and soy sauce, then adjust to taste as it simmers.

What if I don’t have Shaoxing wine?

Dry sherry or a splash of rice vinegar with a little sugar can be used instead.

Can I make it less oily?

Use lean pork and drain excess fat before adding the sauces.

Is Zha Jiang Mian gluten-free?

Not traditionally. Use gluten-free soy sauce and certified gluten-free pastes if needed.

How spicy is this dish?

Traditional Zha Jiang Mian is not spicy, but it can be made spicier with chili oil.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the meat sauce in advance and boil noodles fresh when serving.

What’s the best way to serve this?

Serve it hot with crunchy fresh vegetables and mix well before eating.

Conclusion

Classic Chinese-Style Meat Sauce Noodles (Zha Jiang Mian) is a timeless, flavorful dish that brings together the heartiness of ground meat and the richness of fermented bean pastes. Quick to make and endlessly satisfying, it’s a fantastic recipe for anyone looking to explore the depth of Chinese home cooking.

Print