Jjamppong is a popular Korean-Chinese dish known for its bold, spicy flavor and hearty combination of seafood, vegetables, and chewy noodles. This dish is a staple in Korean-Chinese restaurants and has gained popularity worldwide due to its satisfying heat and rich, savory broth. The name "Jjamppong" originates from the Japanese word "champon," meaning to mix or combine, which perfectly describes the amalgamation of diverse ingredients in this dish.
Ingredients
To make a delicious bowl of Jjamppong, you will need the following ingredients:
For the Broth:
- 6 cups of water or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes)
- 2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon of fish sauce
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 small piece of ginger, sliced
- 1-2 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked and sliced
- 1/2 cup of Napa cabbage, chopped
- 1/2 cup of zucchini, julienned
- 1/2 cup of carrots, julienned
- 1/2 cup of green onions, chopped
- 1/2 cup of bell peppers, sliced
For the Seafood and Protein:
- 200g of shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 200g of mussels, cleaned
- 200g of squid, cleaned and sliced
- 100g of pork belly, sliced thinly (optional)
- 200g of fresh or dried wheat noodles
For Garnish:
- Sliced green onions
- Sesame seeds
- Chili flakes (optional)
Preparation Instructions
1. Prepare the Broth:
- In a large pot, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic, sliced onion, and ginger. Sauté until the onions become translucent.
- Add gochugaru, gochujang, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and fish sauce to the pot. Stir until the mixture becomes fragrant.
- Pour in the water or chicken broth, and bring it to a boil. Add the dried shiitake mushrooms and simmer for about 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
2. Cook the Vegetables:
- Add the Napa cabbage, zucchini, carrots, and bell peppers to the simmering broth. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still slightly crisp.
3. Add the Seafood and Protein:
- Add the pork belly (if using) and cook until it's no longer pink.
- Add the shrimp, mussels, and squid to the pot. Simmer for about 5-7 minutes until the seafood is cooked through and the mussels have opened.
4. Cook the Noodles:
- In a separate pot, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Divide the cooked noodles into serving bowls.
5. Assemble and Serve:
- Ladle the hot broth, vegetables, and seafood over the noodles in each bowl.
- Garnish with sliced green onions, sesame seeds, and additional chili flakes if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy the spicy, flavorful goodness of Jjamppong!
Tips for Making Perfect Jjamppong
- Adjust the spice level: If you prefer a milder version, reduce the amount of gochugaru and gochujang. For more heat, add more chili flakes or fresh chili peppers.
- Seafood freshness: Use the freshest seafood available for the best flavor. You can also add clams or other shellfish based on your preference.
- Vegetable variety: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables according to what's in season or what you have on hand.
Variations
- Vegetarian Jjamppong: Replace the seafood and pork with tofu or mushrooms for a plant-based version of this dish. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- Chicken Jjamppong: Substitute the seafood with sliced chicken breast for a different protein option.
- Instant Jjamppong: If you're short on time, you can use instant noodles and pre-made Jjamppong broth available in some Asian grocery stores.
Calorie Information
A typical serving of Jjamppong contains approximately 400-500 calories, depending on the ingredients used. The dish is rich in protein from the seafood and provides a good amount of fiber from the vegetables. It can be a balanced meal when enjoyed in moderation.
Conclusion
Jjamppong is a flavorful and satisfying dish that brings together the best of Korean and Chinese culinary traditions. Its spicy broth, combined with fresh seafood, chewy noodles, and crisp vegetables, makes it a perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you stick to the traditional recipe or experiment with variations, Jjamppong is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
