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.
Ingredients (Serves 3–4)
Main Ingredients:
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Green beans (string beans) – 300 g
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Pork belly or pork shoulder – 150 g, cut into thin strips
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Dried noodles (medium thickness) – 250 g (can substitute with fresh hand-cut noodles)
Aromatics & Sauce:
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Garlic – 4 cloves, sliced
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Ginger – 1 small piece, sliced
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Scallions – 2 stalks, cut into sections
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Light soy sauce – 2 tablespoons
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Dark soy sauce – 1 tablespoon
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Shaoxing wine – 1 tablespoon
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Salt – to taste
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White pepper – ½ teaspoon
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Sugar – ½ teaspoon
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Cooking oil – 2 tablespoons
Liquid:
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Water or chicken stock – 2½ cups
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare the ingredients
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Rinse and trim the green beans, then cut them into 5–6 cm (2-inch) sections.
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Slice pork into thin strips and marinate briefly with a splash of soy sauce and Shaoxing wine.
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Prepare noodles according to package instructions if using dried noodles (cook until just underdone, about 70% cooked). Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Stir-fry the base
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Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a wok or deep pan.
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Add pork strips and stir-fry until the meat turns light golden.
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Add garlic, ginger, and scallions. Stir-fry until fragrant.
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Add green beans, cooking for 3–4 minutes until slightly blistered.
Step 3 – Build the braising sauce
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Add light soy sauce, dark soy sauce, sugar, and Shaoxing wine. Stir well.
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Pour in about 2½ cups of water or chicken stock. Bring to a boil.
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Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and white pepper.
Step 4 – Add noodles and braise
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Spread the par-cooked noodles evenly over the beans and pork mixture.
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Cover the pot with a lid and reduce heat to medium-low. Let everything braise for about 8–10 minutes.
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During this process, the noodles will absorb the savory broth while steaming from above. Stir once or twice gently to prevent sticking.
Step 5 – Finish and serve
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When the liquid has mostly absorbed and the noodles are tender but still chewy, turn off the heat.
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Toss gently to combine noodles, beans, and pork evenly.
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Garnish with chopped scallions if desired.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve hot as a main dish, ideally with a small side of pickles or a light soup.
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For a vegetarian version, omit the pork and replace it with mushrooms or tofu strips.
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Adjust noodle-to-bean ratio according to your preference—more beans make it lighter, more noodles make it heartier.
Tips for Success
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Do not overcook noodles before braising; they should be slightly firm so they finish cooking in the broth.
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Keep an eye on the liquid level—add a splash of water if it evaporates too quickly.
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The dish should end up relatively dry, with noodles fully coated in the sauce, not soupy.
✨ Dou Jiao Men Mian captures the essence of rustic northern Chinese cooking: simple ingredients transformed into a flavorful, comforting meal through slow braising.
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