Shandong Lamian (Zha Jiang Mian)

This is a delicious recipe from the Shandong region of China. Generally these noodles are made and stretched by hand. However, you can purchase dried versions of these noodles from Asian grocery stores. The spicy brown bean sauce can also be substituted by peking duck sauce or hoisin sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb of shandong lamian noodles
• 1 tbsp of oil
• 2 cloves of garlic, sliced into slivers
• 1 lb of ground pork
• 2 tbsp of sherry or brandy
• 1 cup of diced spiced dried tofu
• 4 tbsp of spicy brown bean sauce
• 1 tbsp of soy sauce
• 1 tbsp of dark soy sauce
  
• 1/2 cup of chicken stock
• 1 cup of diced cucumber, skin and seeds removed

Directions

1. Cook the noodles in water according to directions on package.
2. Meanwhile, heat the oil in a large pan.
3. Add the garlic slivers to pan and saute for 1 minute.
4. Add the ground pork and the sherry or brandy, saute until the meat is browned.
5. Add the tofu and stir for 2 minutes.
6. Mix in the bean sauce, soy sauce, tamarind, and chicken stock. Cook for 2 more minutes.
7. Add the noodles to the mixture and mix well.
8. Serve with diced cucumbers.