Jjajangmyeon noodles

jjajangmyeon_noodles

Jjajangmyeon, also known as black bean noodles, is a popular Korean dish that has become a favorite among many all over the world. It is a savory dish that is made up of a rich, thick sauce made with fermented black bean paste and vegetables such as onions, zucchini, and potatoes. The sauce is then poured over hand-made or store-bought noodles.

The dish originated from China, specifically from the Shandong province. Jjajangmyeon first made its way to Korea during the early 20th century when a group of Chinese immigrants started selling the dish in Incheon, a port city west of Seoul. Over time, Korean cuisine has modified the recipe to suit their local taste and it has become a staple of Korean cuisine, just like kimchi and bibimbap.

Traditionally, Jjajangmyeon was served on special occasions like birthdays and weddings, but it has now become a comfort food for many Koreans. It’s a popular dish to order for delivery or takeout, especially in big cities like Seoul where it’s common to see many Jjajangmyeon restaurants.

The noodles used for Jjajangmyeon are similar to Chinese wheat noodles or ramen but the sauce is what makes the dish unique. The black bean paste is the key ingredient of the sauce and gives the dish its distinct umami flavor. The paste is made from fermented soybeans and roasted black beans that have been ground into a paste. To balance out the flavors of the sauce, Korean home cooks often add a spoonful of sugar while cooking the vegetables.

Although it may seem like a daunting task, making Jjajangmyeon is relatively simple. The ingredients for the sauce can be found at most Asian grocery stores or online. However, it does require some time and effort to make the sauce from scratch. Once the sauce is made, it can be stored in the fridge for up to a week and used for multiple meals.

The dish has also become popular in Korean dramas and movies, making its way into pop culture. It’s often seen as a food of comfort for many Korean characters and has become an iconic dish in its own right.

In conclusion, Jjajangmyeon is a delicious and comforting dish that has become a staple of Korean cuisine. Its history and cultural significance make it more than just a simple noodle dish. With a rich and savory sauce that complements the chewy noodles, it’s an experience you can savor while at home.

Ingredients:

  • 1 package of Jjajangmyeon noodles
  • ½ cup of vegetable oil
  • 4 tablespoons of black bean paste (Jjajang)
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves of garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 lb of pork belly, diced
  • 2 cups of water
  • 2 tablespoons of cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons of water
  • 2 cucumbers, diced
  • 2 tablespoons of vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon of sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon of salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Prepare Jjajangmyeon noodles according to package instructions.

  2. In a pan, heat the oil over medium heat.

  3. Add the black bean paste and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant.

  4. Add the sugar, onion, garlic, and pork belly to the pan and stir-fry for another 5-7 minutes.

  5. Add the water and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 10-15 minutes.

  6. In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Add to the pan and stir until thickened.

  7. Meanwhile, prepare the cucumber salad by mixing the diced cucumber, vinegar, sugar, salt, and black pepper in a bowl.

  8. Drain the cooked noodles and divide them into bowls. Spoon the Jjajang sauce over the noodles and top with the cucumber salad.

  9. Serve hot and enjoy your delicious Jjajangmyeon noodles!