Vegan Zha Jiang Mian

Vegan Zha Jiang Mian is a delightful twist on the traditional Chinese noodle dish, featuring a rich and savory sauce made from fermented soybeans and tofu. This comforting meal is not only satisfying but also packed with flavors that will transport you straight to the streets of Beijing.

Ingredients

• Wheat noodles - 200 grams
• Firm tofu - 150 grams
• Fermented soybean paste - 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce - 2 tablespoons
• Sesame oil - 1 tablespoon
• Vegetable oil - 1 tablespoon
• Garlic - 3 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 inch, grated
• Carrot - 1 medium, julienned
• Cucumber - 1 medium, julienned
• Green onions - 2, chopped
• Water - 500 ml

Steps

1. Begin by pressing the firm tofu to remove excess moisture. Wrap it in a clean kitchen towel and place a heavy object on top for about 15 minutes.
2. While the tofu is pressing, cook the wheat noodles according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
3. After pressing, crumble the tofu into small pieces.
4. In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and grated ginger, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
5. Add the crumbled tofu to the skillet and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until it begins to turn golden.
6. Stir in the fermented soybean paste, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the tofu to absorb the flavors.
7. Add a splash of water if the mixture is too thick. Cook until the sauce is heated through and well combined.
8. To serve, divide the cooked noodles into two bowls. Top each bowl with the tofu sauce mixture.
9. Garnish with julienned carrot, cucumber, and chopped green onions. Enjoy your Vegan Zha Jiang Mian!

Nutrition

• Calories: 450
• Protein: 20 g
• Carbs: 60 g
• Fiber: 5 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 0 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Rich in plant-based protein from tofu, promoting muscle health.
• High in fiber from vegetables, supporting digestive health.

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