How to Make Jajangmyeon – A Step-by-Step Guide

Have you ever tried jajangmyeon, a classic Korean dish made with black bean paste and noodles? If not, you are in for a treat! Jajangmyeon is a beloved staple in Korean cuisine, and it’s easy to see why. The savory taste of the black bean sauce combined with the chewy texture of the noodles makes for a perfect comfort food.

In this article, we will show you how to make jajangmyeon from scratch. Don’t worry if you’re new to Korean cooking or intimidated by the unfamiliar ingredients – our recipe breaks down the steps into easy-to-follow instructions. So put on your apron and get ready to dive into the world of jajangmyeon!

Ingredients you’ll need for Jajangmyeon

Jajangmyeon is a popular Korean dish that originated from the Chinese dish called zhajiangmian. This savory dish is characterized by its black bean sauce, which is made with fermented black beans, vegetables, and pork. Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make jajangmyeon at home:

1. Noodles
The first step to making jajangmyeon is to cook the noodles. You can use either fresh or dried noodles for this recipe. Fresh noodles are more tender and have a chewy texture, while dried noodles are firmer and have a more toothsome texture.

2. Pork belly
Pork belly is an essential ingredient in jajangmyeon. It is typically used to make the black bean sauce, but you can also add thinly sliced pork belly to the noodles for extra flavor and texture.

3. Black bean paste
The black bean paste is the star of the dish. It gives the noodles a distinct flavor and color. You can buy black bean paste from Asian grocery stores or online.

4. Vegetables
Jajangmyeon is typically served with a variety of vegetables such as zucchini, onion, and potato. You can also add carrots, cabbage, and mushrooms.

5. Soy sauce
Soy sauce is a commonly used seasoning in Korean cuisine. It adds a salty and savory flavor to the dish.

6. Oyster sauce
Oyster sauce is a thick, brown sauce made with oysters. It adds a rich umami flavor to the dish and helps to thicken the sauce.

7. Sugar
Sugar is added to balance out the saltiness of the soy and oyster sauce. It also helps to caramelize the vegetables and pork belly.

8. Cornstarch
Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce. It’s important to dissolve the cornstarch in water before adding it to the sauce to prevent clumps.

9. Cooking oil
Cooking oil is used to fry the vegetables and pork belly. You can use any neutral-flavored oil, such as vegetable or canola oil.

10. Water or broth
Water or broth is added to the sauce to thin it out and create a silky texture. You can use chicken or vegetable broth for extra flavor.

Now that you have all the ingredients, let’s get started on making jajangmyeon!

Ingredients Needed to Make Jajangmyeon

In this section, we will be sharing with you the essential ingredients that you need to make your very own Jajangmyeon at home. The process of making Jajangmyeon may seem a little intimidating, but trust us, once you have all the ingredients in place, it’s as easy as pie!

Here’s a list of all the ingredients you’ll need to make Jajangmyeon:

1. Black Bean Paste: This is the main ingredient and gives Jajangmyeon its signature flavour and colour. You can easily find black bean paste in any Korean or Asian grocery store.

2. Pork Belly: This is the preferred meat for making Jajangmyeon, but you can also use beef or chicken if you prefer.

3. Vegetables: Jajangmyeon is loaded with vegetables, which add to its flavour and texture. You will need onions, zucchini, potato, carrots, Chinese chives, and cabbage.

4. Oil: You can use any neutral oil for this recipe, but we recommend using corn or vegetable oil.

5. Sugar: Jajangmyeon has a slightly sweet taste, and sugar is used to balance out the salty and savoury flavours.

6. Soy Sauce: Soy sauce gives the dish an umami flavour and provides a rich colour to the sauce.

7. Oyster Sauce: This ingredient adds a savory depth to the sauce.

8. Cornstarch: This is used to thicken the sauce and give it a glossy finish.

9. Noodles: For Jajangmyeon, you will need chewy Korean wheat noodles called ‘jjajangmyeon noodles’.

10. Water: This is used to cook the noodles and make the sauce.

Now that you know what you’ll need let’s get started on how to make Jajangmyeon!

Ingredients and Preparation

Ingredients

Pork Belly Preparation

First, you need to prepare the pork belly. Cut it into medium cubes and fry it in a pan until it turns slightly brown. Once cooked, set it aside.

Vegetable Preparation

Dice the zucchini and onions and set them aside.

Making the Sauce

In a new pan, heat up two tablespoons of oil and sauté the diced onions until they are translucent. Add the pork belly, zucchini, and 1/2 cup of black bean paste. Stir the mixture until the ingredients are fully combined. Then, add two tablespoons of soy sauce, one tablespoon of sugar, and two cups of water to the pan. Cover the lid and let it simmer for around 20 minutes.

Noodle Preparation

While waiting for the sauce to simmer, boil the noodles in a separate pot according to package instructions. Rinse and drain the cooked noodles, then add them to the sauce mixture once it is ready.

That’s it! You’re ready to serve your homemade jajangmyeon. Top it off with some sliced cucumbers or carrots for added freshness and crunch. Enjoy!

That’s how you can make jajangmyeon!

I hope this article has been helpful for you in making your own delicious jajangmyeon at home. It may seem daunting at first, but with a little practice, you’ll be a pro in no time. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you come back for more recipes and cooking tips soon. Don’t forget to add your own personal touch to any recipe and make it uniquely yours. Happy cooking!