Zha Jiang Mian (Brown Sauce Noodles)

Based on a recipe from Noodle by Terry Durack. This dish is popular in northern China.
Serves 2.

• 1 pickle cucumber or ½ a regular one
• 2 green onions
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp ground bean sauce
• ½ tbsp hoisin sauce
• ¼ c water
• ¼ lb lean ground pork
• 1 egg
• 1 tbsp peanut oil
• 1 c bean sprouts
• 8 oz fresh egg noodles - medium thickness

Peel and cut the cucumber into matchsticks. Thinly slice the green onions. Mince the garlic.

Combine the ground bean sauce, the hoisin sauce, and the water. Set aside.

Combine the pork and egg with chopsticks.

Boil the noodles for 4 to 5 minutes, or as directed on the package. Drain and set aside.

Put a wok on high heat. When it's hot, add the oil. Fry the green onions and garlic for about a minute. Then add the pork and fry, stiring with chopsticks, until browned, or about 5 minutes. Turn the heat down to medium and add the sauce. Simmer for 3 minutes. The sauce should be getting thick. Add the bean sprouts, turn up the heat, and simmer for 2 more minutes.

To serve, put the noodles in individual bowls. Each diner can serve themselves meat and cucumbers as desired.

Sorry - no photo yet.