Cereal and Pasta Dishes
Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles with Pork and Vegetables)
Jjajangmyeon is a Korean-Chinese noodle dish of thick chewy wheat noodles topped with a glossy black sauce of fried chunjang (Korean fermented black soybean paste), pork belly, onions, potato, zucchini, and cabbage. The dish was developed in 1905 by Chinese immigrants at the Gonghwachun restaurant in Incheon's Chinatown, adapted from Beijing zha jiang mian to suit Korean tastes — sweeter, with caramelized chunjang and starchier vegetables. Today it is one of Korea's national comfort foods, sold in every neighbourhood and traditionally eaten on Black Day (April 14) by single people who got no Valentine's gift. Active work is 35 minutes, no long simmer needed. Serves 4 with 200 g noodles and 250 ml sauce per portion, topped with julienned cucumber for fresh contrast.
