Jajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles) Recipe
Jajangmyeon is a popular Korean-Chinese noodle dish featuring chewy wheat noodles topped with a savory black bean sauce made from fermented black bean paste, pork, and vegetables. This comforting dish balances rich umami flavors with a hint of sweetness and a satisfying texture, perfect for a quick and hearty meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 200g fresh wheat noodles or udon noodles
Sauce
- 150g pork shoulder, diced
- 2 tablespoons Korean black bean paste (Chunjang)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 cup water or chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Prepare the noodles: Boil a pot of water and cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 3 to 5 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and set aside.
- Cook the pork and vegetables: Heat vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add diced pork and cook until browned and cooked through. Add diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
- Add black bean paste and seasoning: Stir in the black bean paste, cooking briefly to release its aroma. Pour in water or chicken broth, add sugar and soy sauce, and mix well. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Thicken the sauce: If desired, add the cornstarch slurry gradually while stirring until the sauce reaches a thick, glossy consistency.
- Toss and serve: Place the cooked noodles in a serving bowl and pour the black bean sauce over them. Mix gently to combine and serve immediately, optionally garnished with sliced cucumber or chopped green onions.
Notes
- Use fresh noodles for the best texture, but dried noodles can be substituted if fresh are unavailable.
- Chunjang (Korean black bean paste) can be found at Asian grocery stores or online.
- Vegetarians can substitute pork with tofu or mushrooms for a vegetarian version.
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free noodles and verify that black bean paste is gluten-free.
- Garnishes like julienned cucumber or boiled egg add an extra layer of flavor and texture.
Keywords: Jajangmyeon, Korean black bean noodles, Korean noodles, black bean sauce, Korean-Chinese cuisine
