How to make delicious Jjajangmyeon (black bean noodles) at home!

black bean paste

🥗Healthier: miso paste

💰Cheaper: soy sauce + cocoa powder

Miso provides umami flavor with fewer calories.

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu is a budget-friendly protein alternative.

wheat noodles

🥗Healthier: whole wheat noodles

💰Cheaper: rice noodles

Rice noodles are gluten-free and often less expensive.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Vegetable oil is a more affordable cooking oil.

Prepare a pot of water to cook the noodles, turning on the heat later while cooking the sauce.

Cut 5 oz of pork shoulder into 3/4 inch pieces.

Marinate the pork with 1/2 inch minced ginger, 1 tbsp rice wine, black pepper, and a pinch of salt.

Dice 1 medium onion (about 7 oz) into small pieces.

Dice 4 oz of zucchini into 3/4 inch pieces.

Prepare green cabbage and potatoes, cutting them into the same size as zucchini and precooking them by boiling or microwaving if desired.

Cut cucumber into matchsticks for garnish.

Heat a couple of tablespoons of oil in a skillet and fry the chunjang (Korean black bean paste) for 2-3 minutes to remove bitterness.

Transfer the fried chunjang back to a bowl, adding some oil to the skillet for frying the pork and vegetables.

Turn the heat on for the noodles to medium-high.

Add the pork to the skillet and stir-fry until browned, then add 1/2 tbsp soy sauce and cook until the pork is fully cooked.

Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, then add the green cabbage and zucchini, stirring until vegetables are cooked.

Add the fried chunjang back to the skillet along with 1 tbsp oyster sauce (if using) and mix well.

Pour in 1/2 cup chicken stock (or vegetable broth for vegan option) and bring to a boil for 2-3 minutes.

Add potato starch (or corn starch) to thicken the sauce, stirring until it reaches the desired consistency.

Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then rinse quickly in cold water to keep them from sticking.

Drain the noodles and return them to hot water to warm them up before serving.

Place the noodles in a bowl and spoon the sauce over them, garnishing with cucumber matchsticks.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens