Authentic Jjajangmyeon: Restaurant-Style & 7-Minute Recipes

Jjajangmyeon, or black bean noodles, is a beloved Korean-Chinese dish that boasts a rich, savory, and slightly sweet flavor profile. The intensely dark, almost black sauce, made from fermented black beans, chunjang, is the star of the show, coating thick wheat noodles in a symphony of umami. This iconic dish, a staple of Korean cuisine, transcends simple noodles; it's a culinary experience, offering a delightful blend of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. Its popularity stems from its versatility – easily customizable to individual spice preferences and dietary needs.

Beyond the enticing aroma and delicious taste, jjajangmyeon holds a special place in Korean culture, often enjoyed as a comforting family meal or a celebratory feast. Whether you're a seasoned foodie or a curious beginner, this article will guide you through both a restaurant-style and a remarkably quick 7-minute recipe, ensuring you can savor the authentic flavors of jjajangmyeon regardless of your time constraints. Ready to dive into the step-by-step instructions?

Tools Needed

  • Frying pan
  • Bowl

Ingredients

  • Onion
  • Green onion
  • Cucumber
  • Pork belly (200g): 200g
  • Chang Jang black bean paste (Korean): 200g
  • Vegetable oil
  • Minced ginger: 1/2 teaspoon (optional)
  • Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Sugar: 2 1/2 tablespoons
  • Oyster sauce: 1 tablespoon
  • Chicken stock: 1/2 tablespoon
  • Potato starch: 1/2 tablespoon
  • Water
  • Noodles (fresh or ramen)
  • Kimchi (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1. Prepare Sauce Base

  • Fry 200g of black bean paste in vegetable oil until fragrant and dark (medium heat, 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly).
  • Add oil to the pan, add sliced pork and fry until dark golden brown. Add minced ginger (optional).
  • Add soy sauce, half of the green onion, and stir-fry.
  • Add sugar, oyster sauce, chicken stock, remaining green onion, and fried black bean paste. Stir-fry.
Fry black bean paste: Fry 200g of black bean paste in vegetable oil until fragrant and dark (medium heat, 3-5 minutes, stirring constantly).Stir-fry pork: Add oil to the pan, add sliced pork and fry until dark golden brown. Add minced ginger (optional).Add aromatics: Add soy sauce, half of the green onion, and stir-fry.Add sauce ingredients: Add sugar, oyster sauce, chicken stock, remaining green onion, and fried black bean paste. Stir-fry.
Prepare Sauce Base
  • Add water, bring to a boil, and simmer for more than 5 minutes. Mix potato starch with water, then add to the sauce to thicken.
Simmer and thicken: Add water, bring to a boil, and simmer for more than 5 minutes. Mix potato starch with water, then add to the sauce to thicken.
Prepare Sauce Base

Step 2. Prepare Noodles

  • Cook noodles according to package directions. Rinse with cold water if using fresh noodles.
Cook noodles: Cook noodles according to package directions. Rinse with cold water if using fresh noodles.
Prepare Noodles

Step 3. Prepare Garnishes

  • Chop onion, green onion, and cucumber.
Prepare vegetables: Chop onion, green onion, and cucumber.
Prepare Garnishes

Step 4. Combine and Serve

  • Place noodles in a bowl, pour sauce over the noodles, and garnish with cucumber and kimchi (optional).
Combine and serve: Place noodles in a bowl, pour sauce over the noodles, and garnish with cucumber and kimchi (optional).
Combine and Serve

Read more: Glass Noodle Stir-fry with Shrimp & Veggies: Easy Korean Recipe

Tips

  • For authentic flavor, use Korean Chang Jang black bean paste.
  • Deep-frying the black bean paste enhances flavor.
  • Fry the pork for a long time to extract its flavor into the oil.
  • Stir the sauce immediately after adding the starch mixture to prevent clumping.
  • Letting the sauce sit for 1-2 hours before serving enhances the flavors.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 600-800
  • Fat: 30-45g
  • Carbs: 70-90g
  • Protein: 25-35g

FAQs

1. What is chunjang and where can I find it?

Chunjang is fermented black bean paste, the key ingredient in jjajangmyeon. You can usually find it in Asian grocery stores or online.

2. Can I substitute ingredients in the 7-minute recipe?

While some substitutions are possible (e.g., different vegetables), using chunjang is crucial for authentic flavor. Adjusting spices is fine to your taste.

3. How do I make the sauce thicker or thinner?

For thicker sauce, simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry. For thinner sauce, add a little water or broth during simmering.


From quick weeknight meals to impressive weekend feasts, mastering jjajangmyeon opens a world of culinary possibilities. We hope these recipes have inspired you to embark on your own jjajangmyeon journey, whether you choose the authentic route or opt for a faster, equally delicious alternative. Now go forth and enjoy the rich, savory satisfaction of this iconic Korean-Chinese dish!