Jajangmyeon (짜장면)

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 20 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4 servings

Country of Origin

Korea (Korean-Chinese fusion)

A Korean-Chinese classic featuring thick, chewy wheat noodles coated in a rich, shiny, black sauce made from roasted sweet bean paste (chunjang), pork belly, diced onions, and zucchini.

Presentation & How It's Eaten

Served in deep bowls with fresh cucumber matchsticks on top. Diners mix noodles and sauce thoroughly using chopsticks. Often served with yellow pickled radish (danmuji) on the side.

Ingredients

• 4 portions fresh wheat noodles (Jajangmyeon noodles)

• 250g (9 oz) pork belly, diced into 1/2-inch cubes

• 5 tbsp chunjang (Korean black bean paste)

• 2 large yellow onions, diced

• 1 cup zucchini, diced

• 1 cup cabbage, diced

• 2 cups water or chicken stock

• 2 tbsp cornstarch slurried with 2 tbsp water

• 2 tbsp vegetable oil

• 1 tbsp sugar

• Julienne cucumber for garnish

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Fry Black Bean Paste: Heat oil in a wok or skillet over medium heat. Fry chunjang paste for 2–3 minutes to remove raw bitterness. Set paste aside, keeping remaining oil in pan.

2. Sauté Meat & Veggies: In same oil over high heat, brown diced pork belly. Add onions, cabbage, and zucchini; stir-fry for 4 minutes until onions soften.

3. Simmer Sauce: Stir fried chunjang paste and sugar back into meat and veggies. Pour in water/stock, bring to boil, and simmer 5 minutes.

4. Thicken: Drizzle cornstarch slurry into simmering sauce while stirring continuously until thick and glossy.

5. Cook Noodles & Assemble: Boil wheat noodles according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under warm water. Divide into bowls, ladle hot black bean sauce over noodles, and garnish with cucumber.

Cooking Tips

• Pre-Fry Chunjang: Frying black bean paste in oil beforehand eliminates bitter undertones and unlocks its sweet, savory aroma.

Nutrition Facts

(Estimated per serving)

• Calories: ~620 kcal

• Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 7g

• Cholesterol: 40mg

• Sodium: ~1100mg

• Total Carbohydrates: 82g

• Dietary Fiber: 5g

• Sugars: 8g

• Protein: 22g