Jjolmyeon, a popular Korean noodle dish, is known for its chewy texture and spicy, tangy sauce. Often enjoyed as a refreshing meal, especially during the hot summer months, jjolmyeon combines a variety of fresh vegetables and a flavorful sauce that makes it both delicious and nutritious. This dish is not only tasty but also quite simple to prepare at home.
Ingredients
To make jjolmyeon, you'll need the following ingredients:
Noodles and Vegetables
- 300g jjolmyeon noodles (available in Korean grocery stores)
- 1 cucumber, julienned
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 cup bean sprouts, blanched
- 4-5 leaves of lettuce, shredded
- 1 hard-boiled egg, halved
- 1/4 cup red cabbage, thinly sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup radish sprouts (optional)
Sauce
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes) - optional for extra spice
- 1 teaspoon roasted sesame seeds
Garnish
- Sesame seeds
- Green onions, chopped
Preparation and Serving Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
- Boil the Noodles: In a large pot of boiling water, cook the jjolmyeon noodles according to the package instructions (usually about 5-7 minutes). Be careful not to overcook, as the noodles should retain a chewy texture.
- Rinse and Drain: Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool them down. Drain well and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
- Julienne the Vegetables: Julienne the cucumber and carrot. Shred the lettuce and slice the red cabbage thinly, if using. Blanch the bean sprouts briefly in boiling water and rinse under cold water to cool.
- Arrange the Vegetables: Arrange all the prepared vegetables on a large serving plate or individual bowls.
Step 3: Make the Sauce
- Combine Ingredients: In a bowl, mix together gochujang, soy sauce, sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and gochugaru (if using).
- Adjust Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning according to your preference. You can add more sugar for sweetness or more gochujang for spiciness.
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled noodles and pour the sauce over them. Mix well until the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Plate the Noodles: Place the sauced noodles on top of the arranged vegetables.
- Garnish: Add the hard-boiled egg halves, sprinkle sesame seeds, and chopped green onions on top.
Step 5: Serve
- Serve Immediately: Jjolmyeon is best served immediately while the noodles are still cool and the vegetables are fresh.
- Mix Before Eating: Encourage diners to mix the noodles and vegetables together before eating to enjoy the combination of flavors and textures.
Tips
- Noodle Texture: The key to good jjolmyeon is the chewy texture of the noodles. Be careful not to overcook them.
- Spice Level: Adjust the spiciness of the sauce by varying the amount of gochujang and gochugaru. If you prefer a milder version, reduce these ingredients.
- Fresh Vegetables: Use fresh and crisp vegetables to contrast the chewy noodles. Feel free to add other vegetables you like.
Variations
- Protein Addition: Add grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
- Vegetarian Version: For a vegetarian version, use tofu or additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.
- Different Noodles: If jjolmyeon noodles are not available, you can use other types of chewy noodles like udon or soba as a substitute.
Calorie Information
The calorie content of jjolmyeon can vary based on the portion sizes and specific ingredients used. On average, a serving of jjolmyeon (about 400g) can contain approximately 350-450 calories. This includes:
- Noodles: 200-250 calories
- Vegetables: 50-70 calories
- Sauce: 100-130 calories
- Garnish: 10-20 calories
Conclusion
Jjolmyeon is a delightful Korean dish that offers a perfect blend of textures and flavors. Its chewy noodles, fresh vegetables, and spicy sauce make it a popular choice for a refreshing and satisfying meal. Whether you're new to Korean cuisine or a seasoned foodie, jjolmyeon is a dish worth trying. Enjoy preparing and savoring this delicious meal at home!
