Connecting with birth culture is an important part of an adoptee’s journey. It’s about rediscovering the pieces of their heritage, building pride in where they come from, and honor the roots that continue to shape who they are. This week, join Maddie and Olivia, two Chinese adoptees, as they cook Zhajiangmian — a simple noodle dish for late night munchies.
Zhajiangmian literally translates to “friend sauce noodles” and is a dish enjoyed throughout China. The exact origins are unknown, but many believe that Zhajiangmian has it origins in the North, and eventually spread across borders to Japan, Korea, and even the United States. Interestingly, in Northern China it is called Zhajiangmian (“friend sauce noodles”), while in the Eastern regions it’s often pronounced Zajiangmian (“mixed sauce noodles”). The two words likely became intertwined over time, since “zha” and “za” sound similar. But whatever you call it, both capture the essence of a classic, comforting Chinese dish that is easy to make.
Zhajiangmian is traditionally made with ground pork and topped with sliced cucumber, but its versatility is what makes it so beloved. Some versions use lamb or chicken; others add vegetables like carrots, eggplant, or even a touch of raw garlic for a sharper flavor. Quick to make, endlessly customizable, and rich in comfort, Zhajiangmian is the Chinese equivalent of a weeknight mac and cheese meal.
Recipe
Ingredients:
- Ground pork
- Medium width noodles
- Green onions
- Tingmianjon (sweet bean sauce)
- Doubanjiang (chili bean paste)
- Cornstarch
- Water
- Cucumber or other veggies for toppings
Directions:
- Boil the noodles until cooked all the way through
- Sauté the ground pork on medium high heat until cooked. Place cooked pork in a separate bowl
- Chop up the whites of the green onion and sauté
- Add in a large spoonful of tingmianjon and doubanjiang sauces into the pan and mix
- Add a 1/4 cup of water to the sauce mixture
- Let cook for a few minutes then add in your ground pork
- In a separate bowl, make a cornstarch rue by mixing cornstarch with a little bit of water
- Add the cornstarch rue into the sauce and mix. This will help thicken the sauce
- Prepare the garnishes. We like sliced raw cucumber but you can top it with whatever veggies you like
- Serve the sauce over the noodles and add your toppings. Optionally, top with extra green inion. Enjoy!
Find a similar recipe here!
