Vegetarian Korean Black Bean Sauce Noodles / Jajangmyeon

black bean paste

🥗Healthier: miso

💰Cheaper: soy sauce + black beans

Miso offers a similar umami flavor with fewer calories.

pork

🥗Healthier: chicken

💰Cheaper: tofu

Tofu provides a plant-based protein option at a lower cost.

wheat noodles

🥗Healthier: whole grain noodles

💰Cheaper: rice noodles

Whole grain noodles add fiber, while rice noodles are gluten-free.

sesame oil

🥗Healthier: olive oil

💰Cheaper: vegetable oil

Olive oil is healthier, while vegetable oil is more affordable.

Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and add 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil.

Add 2 cups of chopped onion to the pan and cook slowly for about 5 minutes until they start to get color but are not fully caramelized.

Add 2 cups of chopped cabbage and 1.5 cups of chopped zucchini to the pan, stirring to combine.

If the pan gets dry, add a little more oil. Cook the vegetables until they start to get color and moisture is released, about 5-7 minutes.

Add 2 cups of chopped king oyster mushrooms and 2 cups of chopped portobello mushrooms to the pan, cooking for another 2 minutes until the mushrooms reduce in moisture.

Remove the vegetable mixture from the pan and set aside.

In the same pan, add 1 tablespoon of oil and turn the heat to low. Add the black bean paste and cook without heat to avoid burning.

Add 2 teaspoons of sugar to the black bean paste and cook for 2-3 minutes on low heat.

In a separate bowl, mix 1.5 cups of water with 1/4 cup of corn starch to create a slurry.

Add 2 tablespoons of vegetarian oyster sauce to the black bean paste, then stir in the vegetable mixture.

Pour the corn starch slurry into the pan and crank the heat to high to bring to a boil, stirring until the sauce thickens, about 1-2 minutes.

Cook the noodles according to package instructions, about 5-7 minutes, then rinse them under cold water.

Serve the sauce over the noodles, garnished with additional vegetables if desired.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Dietary

Allergens