Chinese Zha Jiang Mian

Zha Jiang Mian is one of those dishes I always crave when I want something comforting and full of flavor. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner because it comes together fairly quickly, but it’s also special enough for a weekend meal with friends.

What really makes this dish stand out is the savory sauce, clinging to those chewy noodles. It’s a classic for a reason!

Recipe Overview: Zha Jiang Mian

Zha Jiang Mian is a popular Northern Chinese noodle dish. It features thick wheat noodles topped with a rich, umami-packed sauce made from ground beef or chicken and fermented soybean paste.

Think of it as the Chinese version of spaghetti with meat sauce, but with a distinctly Asian flavor profile. It’s hearty, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful.

The key to a great Zha Jiang Mian is the balance of sweet, savory, and salty flavors in the sauce. It’s traditionally served with fresh, crisp vegetables like cucumbers and bean sprouts, which add a nice textural contrast.

It’s the perfect comfort food and is amazing for any get-together.

This recipe is easy to customize to your liking. You can adjust the level of sweetness or add extra vegetables.

Ingredients for Zha Jiang Mian

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious noodle dish:

• Noodles: 1 pound fresh, thick wheat noodles (look for “Shanghai noodles” or “thick-cut noodles”). If you can’t find fresh, dried noodles work too, just cook them according to package directions.
• Ground Meat: 1/2 pound ground beef or chicken. Ground turkey works also.
• Aromatics:
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced.
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, minced.
• Sauce:
  • 1/4 cup sweet bean sauce (tianmianjiang). This is a crucial ingredient, giving the sauce its signature sweet and savory flavor.
  • 1/4 cup yellow soybean paste.
  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce.
  • 1 tablespoon sugar.
  • 1/2 cup water.
• Vegetables:
  • 1/2 cup shredded cucumber.
  • 1/2 cup bean sprouts.
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots.
  • 1/4 cup sliced scallions.
  • (These are traditional, but feel free to add other veggies you like, such as shredded radishes or blanched edamame.)

*Make sure to double check your yellow soybean paste container to make sure it does not contain any form of alcohol.*

Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Zha Jiang Mian

1. Prepare the Noodles: If using fresh noodles, blanch them in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are cooked through but still have a nice chew. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside. If using dried noodles, cook them according to package directions.
2. Cook the Meat: Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s browned and cooked through.
3. Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, stirring constantly.
4. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet bean sauce, yellow soybean paste, soy sauce, sugar, and water.
5. Combine and Simmer: Pour the sauce into the skillet with the meat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
6. Assemble the Dish: Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Spoon a generous amount of the meat sauce over the noodles.
7. Add Vegetables: Top with the shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, carrots, and sliced scallions.
8. Serve Immediately: Give everything a good mix before eating, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the delicious sauce.

Variations & Tips for Zha Jiang Mian

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil to the sauce for a bit of heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the ground meat with finely diced mushrooms (shiitake or cremini work well) or crumbled firm tofu.
• Make-Ahead: The sauce can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat gently before serving.
• Storage: Leftover noodles and sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop or in the microwave. The noodles are best reheated by briefly blanching them in boiling water.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve with extra vegetables on the side for people to add as they like. A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds also adds a nice touch.

Key Details

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 20 minutes
• Total time: 35 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Equipment you’ll need: Wok or large skillet, small bowl, pot (for cooking noodles)

Zha Jiang Mian

Zha Jiang Mian is a popular Northern Chinese noodle dish. It features thick wheat noodles topped with a rich, umami-packed sauce made from ground beef or chicken and fermented soybean paste. Think of it as the Chinese version of spaghetti with meat sauce, but with a distinctly Asian flavor profile. It's hearty, satisfying, and incredibly flavorful.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Chinese

Servings 4 servings

Calories 600 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1 pound fresh thick wheat noodles
• 1/2 pound ground beef or chicken
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
• 1/4 cup sweet bean sauce tianmianjiang
• 1/4 cup yellow soybean paste
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 cup shredded cucumber
• 1/2 cup bean sprouts
• 1/4 cup shredded carrots
• 1/4 cup sliced scallions

Instructions

 

• If using fresh noodles, blanch them in boiling water for about 1-2 minutes, or until they are cooked through but still have a nice chew. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking. Set aside. If using dried noodles, cook them according to package directions.
• Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground meat and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it's browned and cooked through.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant, stirring constantly.
• In a small bowl, whisk together the sweet bean sauce, yellow soybean paste, soy sauce, sugar, and water.
• Pour the sauce into the skillet with the meat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally. Reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
• Divide the cooked noodles among serving bowls. Spoon a generous amount of the meat sauce over the noodles.
• Top with the shredded cucumber, bean sprouts, carrots, and sliced scallions.
• Give everything a good mix before eating, ensuring the noodles are well coated with the delicious sauce.