Jajangmyeon
A beloved Korean-Chinese comfort food featuring thick, chewy noodles coated in a rich, savory, and slightly sweet black bean sauce, studded with tender pieces of pork and crisp vegetables.
🧂 Ingredients
- 400 g Fresh jajang noodles (or thick udon noodles)(Fresh noodles are preferred for their chewy texture. If unavailable, thick udon noodles can be a good substitute.)
- 4 tbsp Chunjang (Korean black bean paste)(This is a fermented soybean paste, distinct from Chinese black bean sauce. Look for brands specifically labeled for Jajangmyeon.)
- 200 g Pork belly(Diced into small, bite-sized pieces (about 1 cm or 1/2 inch).)
- 1 medium Yellow onion(Diced into small, bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the pork.)
- 1 medium Zucchini(Diced into small, bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the pork and onion.)
- 1 medium Potato(Peeled and diced into small, bite-sized pieces, similar in size to the pork and onion. This adds a subtle sweetness and helps thicken the sauce.)
- 1/2 Cucumber(Julienned finely for garnish. This provides a refreshing crunch.)
- 1 tbsp Sugar(Granulated sugar helps to balance the savory and slightly bitter notes of the chunjang.)
- 2 tbsp Cornstarch(To be mixed with water to create a slurry for thickening the sauce.)
- 1/2 cup Water(For the sauce base.)
- 3 tbsp Cooking oil(Neutral oil like vegetable or canola oil for frying the paste and stir-frying.)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil(Optional, for finishing the sauce.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the chunjang: Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat. Add the chunjang and fry, stirring constantly, for about 3-5 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly darker. This process mellows the raw, bitter taste of the paste. Remove the fried chunjang from the wok and set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 2
Stir-fry the pork: Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of cooking oil to the same wok over medium-high heat. Add the diced pork belly and stir-fry until it is browned and slightly crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Drain off excess fat if desired.
⏱️ 7 minutes - 3
Sauté vegetables: Add the diced onion, zucchini, and potato to the wok with the pork. Continue to stir-fry for about 5-8 minutes, until the vegetables begin to soften and the onion becomes translucent.
⏱️ 8 minutes - 4
Make the sauce: Push the pork and vegetables to one side of the wok. Add the fried chunjang and sugar to the cleared space. Stir-fry briefly for about 30 seconds, then mix everything together. Pour in the 1/2 cup of water and bring the mixture to a simmer.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Thicken the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly. Continue to cook and stir until the sauce thickens to a glossy, gravy-like consistency, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the optional sesame oil for extra flavor.
⏱️ 3 minutes - 6
Cook the noodles: While the sauce is thickening, bring a large pot of unsalted water to a rolling boil. Add the fresh jajang noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 5-8 minutes, until al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).
⏱️ 8 minutes - 7
Assemble and serve: Drain the cooked noodles thoroughly. Divide the noodles among serving bowls. Ladle the hot jajang sauce generously over the noodles. Garnish with the finely julienned cucumber. Serve immediately.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Frying the chunjang paste is crucial to remove its raw, bitter taste and develop a deep, savory flavor.
- ✓Ensure all diced ingredients (pork, onion, zucchini, potato) are cut to a similar size for even cooking.
- ✓The sauce should be thick and glossy, coating the noodles beautifully. Adjust cornstarch slurry if needed.
- ✓Serve immediately after assembling for the best texture of noodles and sauce.
- ✓Mix the sauce and noodles thoroughly before eating to ensure every strand is coated.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) or a small amount of chili oil when stir-frying the vegetables.
- Add other vegetables like mushrooms (shiitake or button), cabbage, or green peas for extra flavor and texture.
- Use different proteins like chicken thigh or firm tofu (cubed and pan-fried) for a variation.