FoodHopp

Name: Authentic Zha Jiang Mian (炸酱面)
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: China
Ingredients: 1 lb (450g) ground pork (or ground beef); 1 lb (450g) fresh or dried Chinese wheat noodles (thick, chewy type); 1/2 cup (120ml) sweet bean sauce (Tianmianjiang); 1/4 cup (60ml) soybean paste (Doubanjiang); 1/2 cup (120ml) Shaoxing wine (or dry sherry); 1/4 cup (60ml) light soy sauce; 2 tablespoons dark soy sauce (for color); 1 tablespoon granulated sugar; 1/2 cup (120ml) water or chicken stock; 3 tablespoons vegetable oil or lard; 1 large piece ginger (about 2 inches), finely minced; 3 cloves garlic, finely minced; 1 medium cucumber, julienned; 1 medium carrot, julienned; 1/2 cup bean sprouts, blanched (optional); 2 scallions, thinly sliced (for garnish)