Black Bean Sauce Noodles, also known as “Zha Jiang Mian” in Mandarin, is a classic Chinese dish known for its savory, umami-rich flavors. It features thick wheat noodles smothered in a hearty sauce made from fermented black bean paste and ground meat.

The dish originates from Northern China, but it is also extremely popular in Korea. Here’s a detailed description of the dish, its preparation, variations, and cookware used

Preparation

Ingredients for the Sauce

• 2 tablespoons fermented black bean paste (also called black bean sauce)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup ground pork or beef
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon Shaoxing wine (Chinese rice wine) or dry sherry (optional)
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
• 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
• 1 teaspoon sugar (adjust to taste)
• Salt and white pepper to taste

Ingredients for the Noodles

• Thick wheat noodles (usually fresh or dried egg noodles)
• Vegetable oil for cooking

Optional Toppings

• Sliced cucumbers
• Julienned carrots
• Bean sprouts
• Sliced scallions
• Chopped cilantro
• Chopped peanuts

Cookware

• Wok or large skillet  For cooking the sauce and noodles.
• Pot  For boiling the noodles.
• Strainer  For draining the cooked noodles.

Instructions

1. Preparing the Noodles

• Boil the thick wheat noodles according to the package instructions until they are al dente. Drain and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process. Toss them with a bit of vegetable oil to prevent sticking, and set them aside.

2. Preparing the Sauce

• Heat the vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the minced garlic and ginger, and stir-fry for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
• Add the ground meat and break it up with a spatula. Cook until it’s browned and no longer pink.
• Stir in the fermented black bean paste, and cook for another minute or two to release its flavors.
• If using, add the Shaoxing wine and allow it to cook off.
• Pour in the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir well to combine.
• Add the sugar and season with salt and white pepper to taste. Simmer the sauce for a few minutes until it thickens slightly.

3. Assembling and Serving

• To serve, place a portion of the cooked noodles in a bowl.
• Ladle the black bean sauce over the noodles.
• Top with your choice of optional toppings, such as sliced cucumbers, julienned carrots, bean sprouts, scallions, cilantro, or chopped peanuts.
• Serve hot and mix the noodles and sauce well before eating.

Variations

• Vegetarian Version  Replace the ground meat with tofu or tempeh crumbles for a vegetarian version.
• Seafood Version  Use seafood like shrimp or squid instead of ground meat.
• Spicy Version  Add chili paste or chili oil to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Mushroom Version  Replace the meat with a variety of mushrooms for a meaty, umami-rich sauce.
• Gluten-Free Version  Use gluten-free noodles and ensure that the black bean paste and sauces are gluten-free.

Nutritional value

The nutritional content can vary depending on the specific recipe, ingredients used, portion size, and preparation method. However, here’s a general breakdown for a typical serving size (around 250 grams or about a cup)

Nutritional Value of Black Bean Sauce Noodles (for a 250g serving)

1. Calories: 400-550 kcal
2. Protein: 15-25g
3. Total Fat: 10-20g
   • Saturated Fat: 3-6g
   • Monounsaturated Fat: 4-8g
   • Polyunsaturated Fat: 2-4g
4. Carbohydrates: 60-80g
   • Sugars: 5-10g
   • Dietary Fiber: 3-6g
5. Cholesterol: 20-50mg (dependent on meat and other ingredients)
6. Sodium: 800-1500mg (the fermented black bean sauce can be high in sodium)
7. Potassium: 200-400mg
8. Calcium: 40-80mg
9. Iron: 2-4mg

Notes for the nutritional profile

• The dish can be calorie-dense, primarily because of the noodles and the oil used in the sauce.
• It’s a good source of protein, mainly from the meat.
• Carbohydrate content is high due to the noodles, making it a filling dish.
• Sodium levels can be relatively high, especially due to the fermented black bean sauce. Some recipes or restaurant versions may contain more sodium than others.
• Vegetables in the sauce, like onions, zucchini, or potatoes, add dietary fiber and micronutrients.

Keep in mind, this is a general estimate, and actual nutritional values can differ based on the specific recipe and preparation method. When ordering from a restaurant or buying pre-packaged versions, it’s advisable to check the nutritional information if available.

Conclusion

Black Bean Sauce Noodles are a comforting and flavorful Chinese dish that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. It’s a versatile recipe with many variations, making it a popular choice for both home cooks and restaurant-goers.

To discover more Chinese dishes please see below.

Chinese popular dishes