Recipe for Jjajangmyeon, Black Bean Noodles

 

Hello everyone! Today, I’m excited to share a recipe for a beloved Chinese dish: Jjajangmyeon (Black Bean Noodles). Did you know you can recreate this delicious restaurant-quality dish at home? Let’s dive right in and make it together!

Ingredients for Jjajangmyeon

Basic Ingredients (Serves 2)

• Chinese wheat noodles: 2 servings
• Pork (ground or diced): 200g
• Onion: 1
• Potato: 1
• Zucchini or carrot: 1/2
• Green onion: 1 stalk
• Minced garlic: 1 tablespoon

Sauce Ingredients

• Black bean paste (chunjang): 3 tablespoons
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Soy sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Water: 1 cup (200ml)
• Starch (potato or corn starch): 1 tablespoon + 2 tablespoons of water (mix together)
• Cooking oil: as needed

How to Make Jjajangmyeon

1. Prepare the Ingredients

1. Dice the onion, potato, and zucchini (or carrot) into small cubes.
2. Chop the green onion and prepare the pork in small pieces or use ground pork.

2. Stir-Fry the Black Bean Paste

1. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium heat and stir-fry the black bean paste (chunjang).
2. When the paste starts to glisten, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and mix well. Remove from heat and set aside.

3. Cook the Ingredients

1. Heat oil in the pan again and stir-fry the chopped green onion and minced garlic until fragrant.
2. Add the pork and cook until lightly browned.
3. Add the diced onion, potato, and zucchini (or carrot) and stir-fry everything together.

4. Make the Sauce

1. Add the pre-cooked black bean paste back into the pan and mix well with the other ingredients.
2. Pour in 1 cup of water and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce, then let it simmer over low heat.
3. Cook until the potatoes are tender.

5. Thicken the Sauce

1. Gradually add the starch water mixture to the sauce while stirring to reach your desired thickness.
2. Once the sauce is thick and glossy, turn off the heat.

6. Cook the Noodles

1. Boil the Chinese wheat noodles according to the package instructions.
2. Rinse the cooked noodles under cold water to remove excess starch and drain well.

7. Assemble and Serve

1. Place the cooked noodles in a bowl and generously pour the black bean sauce over the top.
2. Garnish with julienned cucumber or a boiled egg for added flavor and texture.

Tips for a Perfect Jjajangmyeon

• Stir-frying the black bean paste with sugar helps to reduce its bitterness and enhances its umami flavor.
• For a richer taste, add a drizzle of sesame oil to the sauce before serving.
• If you prefer a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sliced chili peppers.

And there you have it – a simple yet delicious jjajangmyeon recipe you can easily try at home! It’s perfect for a special meal with your loved ones. I hope you enjoy making and savoring this dish. Thank you for reading, and I’ll be back with more tasty recipes soon! 😊