| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 40 mins | Difficulty: Medium | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 660 | 30g | 6g | 80g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 10g | 7g | 35g | 2.5g |
Why I Love South Korean Black Bean Noodles
Today, I want to introduce you to something quite unique. I’ve taken my penchant for exploring innovative flavors and dared to venture into Asian cuisine. In particular, a heart-warming South Korean specialty, the revered Black Bean Noodles. This delightful dish has captivated my palate and I am excited to share it here with you.
The Magic of Asian Flavors
As someone who grew up savoring traditional American dishes, stirring up plates of bison burgers and huckleberry pies, diving into Asian cooking was an incredibly refreshing adventure. It was during one of my culinary escapades that I stumbled upon a book on Asian cuisine in a local bookstore (you can find it here on Amazon) and was particularly captivated by a dish that is adored in South Korea – the Black Bean Noodles.
The recipe intrigued me not just for its unique and flavorful ingredients but also the fascinating experience of mixing and cooking them to perfect balance. What came to be was a satisfyingly savory and slightly sweet noodle treat that had me reaching for more.
Inspiration from the East
When I talk about my inspirations, one chef comes to mind – Seung Hee Lee, an expert in Korean cuisine. Her passion for bringing authentic Korean dishes to the global table was contagious and guided me in perfecting this recipe (read more about her here).
Given my background with more hearty, western dishes, I was rather challenged adjusting to the intricacies of Korean cooking – the delicate balance between flavors, the careful slicing and dicing, and the lavish attention to garnish and presentation. With perseverance and fueled by my love for cooking and learning new techniques, I embraced this delectable journey and discovered a delightful plate worthy of any Korean feast.
A Dish That Pairs Well
Looking to pair the Black Bean Noodles with something as exciting? Try Korean-style grilled veggies or perhaps Korean BBQ chicken. The Black Bean Noodles will never fail to complement the flavorful spices and sauces of Korean barbecue, making your dining experience all the more enjoyable.
So, if you’re ready to voyage into a cross-continental culinary journey, put on that apron, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into the rich tastes of the South Korean Black Bean Noodles. You’re in for a delight!
What You’ll Need
- 12 ounces of Jajangmyeon noodles
- 1 1⁄2 cups of black bean paste
- 1⁄2 cup of vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 1⁄2 pounds of pork shoulder, diced
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 medium-sized zucchinis, diced
- 4 cloves of garlic, minced
- 3 cups of cabbage, chopped
- 4 cups of chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, mixed with 4 tablespoons of water
- 3 small-sized cucumbers, julienned for garnish
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
Method
Step One
Begin by boiling the Jajangmyeon noodles as per the instructions on the packaging. Once cooked, drain them and set aside for later use.
Step Two
In a large pan, heat the vegetable oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add in the black bean paste and sugar. Stir everything together until the sugar has completely dissolved.
Step Three
Next, add the diced pork shoulder to the pan. Cook it along with the black bean paste mixture for around 10 minutes or until the pork is fully cooked.
Step Four
After the pork is cooked, add in the diced onion, zucchinis, minced garlic and chopped cabbage to the pan. Stir everything together and allow these ingredients to cook for an additional 10 minutes.
Step Five
Now, pour in the chicken broth and stir again, making sure everything is well combined. Cover your pan with a lid and let the ingredients simmer together for around 20 minutes.
Step Six
After 20 minutes, uncovered your pan and stir in the cornstarch-water mixture. This will thicken up your sauce nicely. If the sauce is too thick, you can add more chicken broth but do so sparingly so your sauce doesn’t become too thin. If it’s too thin, allow it to simmer for a few more minutes until it reaches your preferred consistency.
Step Seven
Finally, season your black bean noodles with salt and black pepper to taste. Move your noodles into serving dishes and top each one with the julienned cucumbers. Your black bean noodles are now ready to serve! Enjoy.
