Noodles with blackbean sauce (Jjajangmyeon: 짜장면)

Introduction

In this tutorial, you will learn how to make delicious Korean Jjajangmyeon, a dish featuring noodles served with a savory black bean sauce. This guide will walk you through each step of the cooking process, ensuring your dish is flavorful and satisfying.

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Gather and prepare all the ingredients needed for Jjajangmyeon.

• Vegetables:

  • 1 cup potatoes, peeled and cubed (soaked in cold water)
  • 1 cup Korean squash (or zucchini), cubed
  • 1.5 cups onions, chopped
  • 1 cup radish, cubed (adds flavor to the broth)

• Meat:

  • 1 cup pork shoulder (or pork belly), chopped into small pieces

• Other Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup black bean paste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 2 tablespoons potato starch (for thickening)
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • Noodles (one serving per package, typically four portions)

Step 2: Cook the Meat

Start by cooking the pork to create a flavorful base for the sauce.

1. Heat a pan over high heat and add 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Add the chopped pork and stir-fry until crispy. This should render the fat and leave you with crunchy pieces. Avoid eating the excess fat that renders out.

Step 3: Add the Vegetables

Incorporate the prepared vegetables into the pan.

1. Add the radish first, as it takes longer to cook.
2. Follow with the potatoes, onions, and zucchini.
3. Stir continuously until the potatoes are slightly translucent.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Prepare the black bean sauce that will coat the noodles.

1. Create an empty space in the center of the pan and add 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil.
2. Add 1/4 cup of black bean paste to the center and stir-fry it for about one minute in the heated oil.
3. Pour in 2 cups of water and stir everything together.
4. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 10 minutes until all vegetables are fully cooked.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

Make the sauce thicker and more cohesive.

1. In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of potato starch with 1/4 cup of water and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
2. Gradually stir this mixture into the sauce. You’ll notice it thickening almost immediately.
3. Add 1 teaspoon of sesame oil for flavor and remove from heat.

Step 6: Cook the Noodles

Prepare the noodles to serve with the sauce.

1. Boil water in a separate pot.
2. Add the noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually a few minutes until done.
3. Once cooked, rinse the noodles under cold water to enhance their chewiness.

Step 7: Serve the Dish

Assemble your Jjajangmyeon for serving.

1. Reheat the sauce if necessary.
2. Place the cooked noodles in a bowl and top with the black bean sauce.
3. Garnish with thin strips of cucumber or your favorite green vegetable.
4. Optionally, serve with yellow pickled radish (danmuji) on the side.

Conclusion

You have now prepared a delightful dish of Jjajangmyeon! This savory black bean noodle dish is perfect for sharing or enjoying on your own. Remember to experiment with the ingredients and make it your own. Enjoy your meal!