Craving a bowl of comfort that explodes with flavor? Get ready to dive into my version of Chinese Noodle Soup, where savory pork and aromatic spices mingle in a slurp-worthy broth. Let's skip the takeout and discover how easy it is to create this satisfying dish right in your own kitchen!
About This Recipe
Don't let the Asian speciality sauces scare you—this recipe still rocks with substitutions. You may even like it better with them! This "Chinese Bolognese," or Zha Jiang Mian, is minced pork stir-fried with super tasty Chinese flavors—savoury, with a sprinkle of spice and sweet. This recipe's gonna be your new best friend. Enjoy it with protein and vegetables like chicken, bok choy, or mushrooms, according to your preference.
First, you gotta mix your sauce ingredients: 1/3 cup chicken broth, 1 tbsp Chilli Bean Sauce, 1 tbsp Chinese Sweet Bean Sauce, 1 tbsp dark soy sauce, 2 tsp Chinese black vinegar, and 1 tsp of sugar. Easy peasy, right?
Next, whip up some noodles based on what the packet says. Pro tip: Toss cooked noodles with 2 tsp of oil and 2 tsp of vinegar before serving. Optional, but trust me—it's a good move! Now, let's get cooking!
Ingredient Highlights
I think one of the stars of this dish is the sauce, and you can't make it without some key players! You're gonna need 1/3 cup of chicken stock for starters—gotta have that base!
Next, grab 1 tbsp each of Chilli Bean Sauce and Chinese Sweet Bean Sauce. Don't sweat it if you can't find them; Hoisin works as a sweet bean substitute. And for the chilli, try 2 tsp of Miso mixed with 2 tsp of Sriracha.
Don't forget 1 tbsp of dark soy sauce—it's way more flavorful than the regular stuff! Stir in 2 tsp of Chinese black vinegar (or balsamic, if you're in a pinch) and 1 tsp of sugar—white or brown, your call! Be sure to adjust to your sweetness preference, as recipes like Asian Beef and Noodles use brown sugar for a richer flavor. These are what really give it that zing! It's all coming together, isn't it?
Step-by-Step Instructions
Alright, let's get started into how to make this magic happen! First, whisk the sauce ingredients—chicken stock, chilli bean sauce, sweet bean sauce, dark soy sauce, black vinegar, and sugar—together in a bowl. Set aside.
Next, cook those noodles according to the package. Some require soaking! Toss them with oil and vinegar, if you want an extra zing.
Now, heat oil in a wok or skillet. Toss in the onions and cook for about a minute, then add garlic and ginger. Cook until fragrant and the onion turns see-through. It smells amazing, right?
Add the pork, break it up, and cook until browned. This is my favorite part! Finally, pour in the sauce and simmer for 3–5 minutes, until it thickens slightly.
Assemble your bowls! Noodles first, then top with the pork mixture, coriander, and cucumbers. Mix it all and add plenty of chilli. Enjoy!
Tips and Variations
Let's talk about some fun twists! Don't have all the specific Asian sauces? No stress! Hoisin makes a fine stand-in for Chinese Sweet Bean Sauce, and balsamic vinegar can pinch-hit for Chinkiang vinegar.
Want to spice things up? Load on the chilli! I'm talking about heaps of chilli paste. Seriously, don't be shy!
Feel free to swap in different noodles – though flour noodles are the bomb, udon or even spaghetti can work in a pinch. Add whatever veggies you've got lingering like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas. Think of it as your noodle canvas. Don't limit yourself to ground pork. Try ground turkey or chicken instead. Experiment and customize. The possibilities are endless, and that's what makes cooking fun!
Short Recipe Version
Prep time: 15 mins
Cook time: 20 mins
Servings: 4
Ingredients:
- 8 oz Chinese noodles
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup bok choy, chopped
- 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
Instructions:
- Cook noodles according to package directions. Drain.
- In a pot, combine chicken broth, soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic. Bring to a boil.
- Add bok choy and mushrooms. Simmer for 5 minutes.
- Divide noodles into bowls. Pour broth mixture over noodles.
- Garnish with green onions.
Nutrition (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: 300
- Protein: 15g
- Fat: 10g
- Carbohydrates: 40g