**Introduction**
Jjajangmyeon is a beloved Korean-Chinese noodle dish that features thick wheat noodles topped with a rich, savory black bean sauce. It’s a comforting meal loved across Korea for its unique balance of sweet, salty, and deep umami flavors. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner, Jjajangmyeon offers a hearty, satisfying experience that’s both simple to prepare and utterly delicious. Today, let me introduce you to this iconic dish and guide you through making one serving of authentic Jjajangmyeon at home.
**Main Content**
**Ingredients for One Serving:**
– Fresh wheat noodles or udon noodles: 120g
– Pork belly (cut into small cubes): 70g
– Yellow onion (medium, diced): 80g
– Korean black bean paste (Chunjang, 춘장): 2 tablespoons (about 30g)
– Potato (small, diced): 50g
– Zucchini (small, diced): 50g
– Cabbage (optional, chopped): 30g
– Sugar: 1 teaspoon (5g)
– Water or chicken broth: 200ml
– Cornstarch: 1 tablespoon (mixed with 2 tablespoons water)
– Cooking oil: 2 tablespoons
– Minced garlic: 1 teaspoon (5g)
– Cucumber (julienned, for garnish): 30g
**Step-by-Step Recipe:**
1. **Prepare the noodles:** Boil the fresh or udon noodles according to package instructions (usually 3-4 minutes). Drain and set aside.
2. **Cook the pork:** Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add the pork belly cubes and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, about 4 minutes.
3. **Add vegetables:** Add minced garlic, diced onion, potato, zucchini, and optional cabbage. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until vegetables soften.
4. **Fry black bean paste:** In a separate small pan, heat 1 tablespoon oil and add the black bean paste. Stir-fry the paste for about 1 minute. This helps reduce its bitter taste and enhances aroma. Then add this to the pork and vegetable mix.
5. **Simmer sauce:** Pour 200ml of water or chicken broth into the pan, stir well, and bring to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon sugar to balance flavors. Simmer for about 7-8 minutes until potatoes are tender.
6. **Thicken sauce:** Slowly add the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. Cook until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy.
7. **Assemble dish:** Place cooked noodles in a bowl, pour the black bean sauce generously over the noodles. Garnish with fresh julienned cucumber for a refreshing crunch.
**Conclusion**
Jjajangmyeon is more than just a noodle dish; it’s a comforting slice of Korean food culture that’s both hearty and satisfying. Its savory black bean sauce perfectly coats chewy noodles, making every bite a delight. Whether you’re new to Korean cuisine or looking for a cozy homemade meal, Jjajangmyeon is an excellent choice you can recreate easily in your kitchen. Try this recipe and enjoy a taste of Korea anytime!
