Chinese noodles in a soybean sauce
Zha Jiang Mian translates to “fried noodle sauce” meaning that you must ‘fry’ or simmer the sauce and add it to the noodles later. One could characterize this dish as the Chinese version of spaghetti with marinara sauce. Although this dish is typically made with minced meat, I prefer the vegan version of it, with minced mushrooms that soak up the delicious flavors of ginger, garlic and spice. No mincemeat can do quite as well.
The choice of whole or minced soybean sauce is up to you. If you prefer a smoother sauce, go with the minced paste but if you like a more textured sauce, then the whole bean paste is for you. Serve it with some great fresh noodles (preferably made without eggs just as the Chinese traditionally make them) and a handful of grated cucumber in a deep bowl and you’ll be set.
Vegan Zha Jiang Mian (Chinese noodles w/soybean sauce)
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A vegan/vegetarian version of a classic dish of Chinese noodles tossed with soybean sauce and grated cucumber. A delicious meatless alternative. #vegan #vegetarian #noodles #Chinesefoodrecipes #healthyrecipes
Ingredients
1 cup of Chinese soybean paste (minced or whole bean is fine)
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tsp sugar
600 ml (20 oz) of water
3 tablespoons of oil
1/2 tsp of Chinese 5 spice powder
6–8 king oyster mushrooms (finely chopped)
4 scallions (finely chopped)
2 tsp ginger (minced)
2 garlic clove (minced)
2 tsp Shaoxing wine
1 large cucumber (grated into long strips)
fresh noodles (preferably made without egg)
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, mix together soybean paste, soy sauce, sugar and water. Set aside.
- Clean and washed the mushrooms. Cut them up into chunks and lightly blitz them in a food processor until they are finely chopped or finely chop them up with a knife.
- In a wok or large frying pan, heat oil on medium low high heat. Add minced ginger and garlic and stir-fry for a minute or so until fragrant.
- Add chopped mushrooms, chopped scallions and Chinese 5-star spice powder. Stir-fry until soft.
- Increase heat to high, and add wine and soybean paste mix. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, partially cover and cook for 15-20 minutes. The mixture should be reduced by half.
- When the sauce has finished cooking and is thick, turn off the heat and let cool. Spoon over cooked noodles and garnish with grated cucumber.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Category: Vegetarian / Noodles
- Method: simmering
- Cuisine: Chinese, Vegan, Vegetarian
Recipes for the discerning vegan:
Vegan Breakfast Burritos That Don’t Suck
Sesame and Garlic Cucumbers (Chinese cucumber salad)
Tofu and Mushroom Stir-Fry in Soybean Sauce
