Jajangmyeon is a beloved Korean-Chinese noodle dish that has become a staple in Korean cuisine. This dish features thick wheat noodles topped with a rich, savory black bean sauce made from chunjang (black bean paste), pork, and various vegetables. Jajangmyeon is known for its deep, umami flavor and comforting texture, making it a popular choice for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
To prepare Jajangmyeon, you will need the following ingredients:
- Noodles:
- 400g fresh wheat noodles (or dried Jajangmyeon noodles)
- Black Bean Sauce:
- 150g chunjang (Korean black bean paste)
- 200g pork belly or shoulder, diced
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 1 medium zucchini, diced
- 1 medium potato, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup cabbage, chopped
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 2 cups water or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
- Garnishes:
- Cucumber, julienned
- Sesame oil (optional)
Preparation
Preparing the Noodles:
- Cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse with cold water to remove excess starch. Set aside.
Making the Black Bean Sauce:
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chunjang and stir-fry for about 2 minutes. This helps reduce the bitterness of the black bean paste.
- Push the chunjang to one side of the pan. In the same pan, add the diced pork and cook until it starts to brown.
- Add the diced onion, zucchini, potato, and cabbage to the pan. Stir-fry everything together for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables start to soften.
- Sprinkle the sugar over the mixture and stir well. Pour in the water or chicken broth, bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10-15 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Once the vegetables are cooked, stir in the cornstarch slurry to thicken the sauce. Continue to stir until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.
Serving:
- Place the cooked noodles in a bowl. Pour the black bean sauce over the noodles.
- Garnish with julienned cucumber and a drizzle of sesame oil if desired.
Tips
- Balancing Flavor: Adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the sauce by adding more sugar or a dash of soy sauce to taste.
- Texture: For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch slurry. For a thinner sauce, use less slurry or add more broth.
- Meat Options: Pork is traditional, but you can substitute it with chicken, beef, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
- Vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or bell peppers based on your preference.
Variations
- Seafood Jajangmyeon: Replace the pork with a mix of seafood such as shrimp, squid, and scallops for a seafood twist.
- Spicy Jajangmyeon: Add some gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sliced fresh chili peppers to the sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Jajangmyeon: Skip the meat and add more vegetables or tofu to create a vegetarian version of this dish.
Calorie Information
A typical serving of Jajangmyeon contains approximately 600-700 calories, depending on the portion size and the specific ingredients used. The dish is relatively high in carbohydrates from the noodles and contains moderate amounts of protein and fat.
Conclusion
Jajangmyeon is a delightful and comforting dish that brings together the rich flavors of Korean and Chinese cuisines. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it with pork, seafood, or a vegetarian twist, Jajangmyeon is sure to satisfy your cravings for a hearty and flavorful noodle dish.
