Jajangmyeon (짜장면) is a popular Korean-Chinese noodle dish made with a savory black bean paste sauce, stir-fried vegetables, and pork (or other meats). It’s a comfort food that is loved by many and can be easily made at home with a few simple ingredients. If you’re craving this delicious dish, follow this step-by-step guide to make your own homemade jajangmyeon.
Ingredients for Jajangmyeon
To make the perfect jajangmyeon, you’ll need the following ingredients:
Noodles:
- 1 package of fresh or dried jajangmyeon noodles (or you can use any wheat-based noodles as a substitute)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons of Chunjang (sweet black bean paste)
- 1 tablespoon of soybean paste (optional)
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 tablespoon of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce (optional for extra umami)
- 1 tablespoon of corn starch (mixed with a little water to make a slurry)
For the Stir-Fried Meat & Vegetables:
- 200 grams of pork belly (you can use beef, chicken, or tofu as alternatives)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1/2 cup of cabbage, chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup of potato, diced (optional, but adds texture)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
Boil the noodles in a large pot of salted water for about 4-5 minutes (or according to the instructions on the package) until they are cooked but still firm. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the stir-fry ingredients:
- Slice the pork into bite-sized pieces.
- Dice the potato and slice the zucchini and onion.
- Mince the garlic.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Meat and Vegetables
In a large pan or wok, heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the pork (or your choice of meat) and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Add the minced garlic, and continue to cook for another minute until fragrant.
Next, add the onion, zucchini, cabbage, and potato (if using). Stir-fry the vegetables for about 5 minutes or until they begin to soften and brown.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the chunjang (black bean paste) with a little bit of water to dissolve it. In the same pan, push the cooked ingredients to one side and add the black bean paste mixture to the empty side of the pan. Let it cook for about 2-3 minutes until the paste becomes fragrant.
Now, add the soy sauce, sugar, and any other seasonings (like oyster sauce). Stir everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes. Add the water and bring the sauce to a simmer.
Step 5: Thicken the Sauce
Once the sauce is simmering, add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with a little water) to thicken the sauce. Stir well to combine and let it cook for another 2 minutes. The sauce should become thick and glossy.
Step 6: Combine the Noodles and Sauce
Add the cooked noodles to the pan with the sauce. Toss everything together so that the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Let it cook for another minute to ensure the noodles soak up the flavors.
Serving Jajangmyeon
Once the jajangmyeon is ready, divide the noodles onto plates. Serve immediately with a side of kimchi or pickled radish (danmuji) for an authentic touch.
Enjoy your homemade jajangmyeon!
Tips and Variations
- can substitute pork with other meats such as chicken or beef. For a vegetarian option, use tofu or mushrooms.
- If you like your jajangmyeon a bit spicy, add some gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce.
- For a more authentic touch, you can also add a bit of finely chopped cucumber or green onion on top of your noodles for garnish.
Conclusion
Jajangmyeon is a comforting and flavorful dish that’s surprisingly easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients, you can recreate this popular Korean-Chinese dish in your kitchen. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a gathering, jajangmyeon is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and delicious.
Q&A
Q: Can I make jajangmyeon ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the sauce and noodles separately and store them in the fridge. When ready to serve, just heat up the sauce and toss it with freshly cooked noodles.
Q: Can I use instant noodles instead of jajangmyeon noodles?
A: While it’s best to use jajangmyeon noodles for an authentic taste, you can substitute with any other wheat-based noodles if necessary. Just be sure to cook them according to the package instructions.
More Delicious Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you loved this recipe, check out other delicious Korean recipes like:
- Bibimbap: A Flavorful Korean Rice Bowl
- Kimchi Jjigae: A Hearty Korean Stew
- Bulgogi: Sweet and Savory Korean BBQ
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