Braised Noodles with Green Beans (Dou Jiao Men Mian, )

Braised Noodles with Green Beans (Dou Jiao Men Mian, )

Introduction
Dou Jiao Men Mian  is a classic northern Chinese dish that combines chewy hand-cut or dried noodles with tender braised green beans, pork, and savory aromatics. Unlike stir-fried noodles, the noodles here are braised directly with the vegetables and sauce, absorbing all the rich flavors. It is hearty, aromatic, and deeply satisfying—perfect as a one-pot family meal.

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Ingredients (Serves 3–4)

Main Ingredients:

• Green beans (string beans) – 300 g

• Pork belly or pork shoulder – 150 g, cut into thin strips

• Dried noodles (medium thickness) – 250 g (can substitute with fresh hand-cut noodles)

Aromatics & Sauce:

• Garlic – 4 cloves, sliced

• Ginger – 1 small piece, sliced

• Scallions – 2 stalks, cut into sections

• Light soy sauce – 2 tablespoons

• Dark soy sauce – 1 tablespoon

• Shaoxing wine – 1 tablespoon

• Salt – to taste

• White pepper – ½ teaspoon

• Sugar – ½ teaspoon

• Cooking oil – 2 tablespoons

Liquid:

• Water or chicken stock – 2½ cups

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Instructions

Step 1 – Prepare the ingredients

1. Rinse and trim the green beans, then cut them into 5–6 cm (2-inch) sections.

2. Slice pork into thin strips and marinate briefly with a splash of soy sauce and Shaoxing wine.

3. Prepare noodles according to package instructions if using dried noodles (cook until just underdone, about 70% cooked). Drain and set aside.

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Step 2 – Stir-fry the base

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or deep pan.

2. Add pork strips and stir-fry until the meat turns light golden.

3. Add garlic, ginger, and scallions. Stir-fry until fragrant.

4. Add green beans, cooking for 3–4 minutes until slightly blistered.

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Step 3 – Build the braising sauce

1. Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine. Stir well.

2. Pour in about 2½ cups of water or chicken stock. Bring to a boil.

3. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper.

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Step 4 – Add noodles and braise

1. Spread the par-cooked noodles evenly over the beans and pork mixture.

2. Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let everything braise for about 8–10 minutes.

3. During this process, the noodles will absorb the savory broth while steaming from above. Stir once or twice gently to prevent sticking.

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Step 5 – Finish and serve

1. When the liquid has mostly absorbed and the noodles are tender but still chewy, turn off the heat.

2. Toss gently to combine noodles, beans, and pork evenly.

3. Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve hot as a main dish, ideally with a small side of pickles or a light soup.

• For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and replace it with mushrooms or tofu strips.

• Adjust noodle-to-bean ratio according to your preference—more beans make it lighter, more noodles make it heartier.

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Tips for Success

• Do not overcook noodles before braising; they should be slightly firm so they finish cooking in the broth.

• Keep an eye on the liquid level—add a splash of water if it evaporates too quickly.

• The dish should end up relatively dry, with noodles fully coated in the sauce, not soupy.

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✨ Dou Jiao Men Mian captures the essence of rustic northern Chinese cooking: simple ingredients transformed into a flavorful, comforting meal through slow braising.