The BEST Korean Noodles, Jjajangmyeon Black Bean Noodles Recipe

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 the black bean paste by adding 1 cup (250 g) of black bean paste and 1/2 cup of vegetable oil to a cold pan or wok over medium heat.

Fry the black bean paste for about 2 minutes, stirring continuously until bubbles form in the middle.

Chop 4 g of ginger, 1 onion into large chunks, and green onion into small pieces.

Slice 6 button mushrooms into quarters and cut pork belly into bite-sized pieces.

Prepare shrimp and squid by blanching them in hot water to reduce fishiness.

In a wok, heat 2 tablespoons of oil over medium heat and add the pork belly, cooking for 2-3 minutes until browned.

Add the chopped ginger and stir-fry for 30 seconds, then add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce and stir for another minute.

Increase the heat to high, add the chopped onion and green onion, and stir-fry for about 2 minutes until slightly soft.

Add the seafood, 1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar, 1 tablespoon of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of chicken bouillon powder, stir-frying for another 2 minutes.

Add 1/2 teaspoon of MSG and 1 1/2 tablespoons of fried black bean paste, stirring for about 2 minutes until well combined.

Reduce the heat to medium, add 1/2 cup of water, and bring to a boil.

Once boiling, carefully add the cornstarch slurry and mix well to thicken the sauce.

Cook the noodles according to package instructions, then drain them.

Add the drained noodles to the boiling sauce and stir-fry for 1-2 minutes to combine everything.

Finish by adding 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame oil and mixing well.

Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sliced cucumbers.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level:

Allergens