Papa C. Kitchen: Jajiangmian 炸醬麵

Jajiangmian is noodles with a soybean-based sauce. Every family has its own recipe, but obviously this one is the best. My dad is kind of a free spirit when he's cooking; he doesn't really follow a recipe, so the one below is my best guess from observing him. Keep in mind that you can customize the condiments--the ingredients below is a rough estimate. The two main condiments that you really need are spicy bean paste (豆瓣醬) and sweet bean paste (甜麵醬)--you can get both at any Chinese mart for really cheap.

Also, real men have knife skills. That is all.

Ingredients
2 tablespoons oil
1 small bunch scallions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, chopped
2 tablespoons spicy bean paste (豆瓣醬)
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1 pound lean ground pork
1 medium carrot, finely diced
200 grams tofu (豆乾), finely diced
160 grams sweet bean paste (甜麵醬)
2 teaspoons granulated sugar
2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 teaspoon black pepper powder
4 large handfuls noodles
2 medium cucumbers
Optional: cornstarch

Procedure
In a pan, heat oil and saute scallions and garlic until fragrant. Add spicy bean paste and saute until fragrant. Add onions and pork and saute until the meat is browned. Add carrot, tofu, sweet bean paste, sugar, soy sauce, pepper, and two cups of water, and simmer until carrots are cooked through and desired consistency is achieved (you can always thicken it with one teaspoon of cornstarch mixed with a half cup of water). Meanwhile, cook your noodles in unsalted boiling water and julienne your cucumbers.

Assembly

Noodles

Sauce

Cucumber

Super easy, and if you can't get really good noodles, you can eat it with rice too!