Zha Jiang Noodles

Zha Jiang Noodles is a delightful Chinese breakfast dish featuring wheat noodles topped with a rich, savory sauce made from ground halal meat and fermented soybean paste. This flavorful meal is not only filling but also packed with umami, making it a perfect start to your day.

Ingredients

• Wheat noodles - 200 grams
• Ground halal beef - 150 grams
• Fermented soybean paste (Doubanjiang) - 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce - 1 tablespoon
• Sesame oil - 1 teaspoon
• Garlic - 2 cloves, minced
• Ginger - 1 teaspoon, minced
• Cucumber - 1 small, julienned
• Carrot - 1 small, julienned
• Spring onions - 2, chopped
• Water - 1 liter
• Salt - to taste
• Black pepper - to taste

Steps

1. Bring 1 liter of water to a boil in a pot. Add the wheat noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 6-8 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of sesame oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and ginger, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
3. Add the ground halal beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in the fermented soybean paste and soy sauce, mixing well to combine. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
5. While the sauce simmers, prepare the vegetables by julienning the cucumber and carrot, and chopping the spring onions.
6. To serve, place a portion of the cooked noodles in a bowl, top with the zha jiang sauce, and garnish with julienned cucumber, carrot, and chopped spring onions.

Nutrition

• Calories: 550
• Protein: 25 g
• Carbs: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Cholesterol: 70 mg
• Total Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Water: 0.5 L

Health Benefits

• Provides a good source of protein from the halal beef, supporting muscle health.
• Includes fresh vegetables like cucumber and carrot, which add vitamins, minerals, and fiber to the meal.

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