Jajangmyeon — Ad-Free Recipe, Ingredients First

This Korean-Chinese classic depends on chunjang, a fermented black bean paste that must be fried in oil before anything else to knock out its raw bitterness. Get that step right and you get a dark, glossy, savory-sweet sauce; skip it and the sauce tastes chalky and sharp.

The Ingredients — and where to get them

Cook for 4 servings

Pork shoulder

Diced pork gives the sauce its meaty base; a little fat keeps it from drying out.

1/2 lb

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Wheat noodles

Thick chewy noodles hold the heavy sauce; fresh jajang noodles are ideal.

1 lb

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Unrefined sugar

A spoonful balances the salty-bitter black bean paste.

1 tbsp

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Toasted sesame oil

Finishes the sauce with aroma after the heat is off.

1 tsp

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Chunjang, onion, zucchini, potato

Fermented black bean paste is the flavor; onion caramelizes into the sweet backbone of the sauce.

1/4 cup paste, 2 onions

Onion →

Using pork shoulder (boston butt / picnic)? It behaves the way it does for a reason — what this cut is for and how to cook it →

The Rundown

Greedometer ●●●●● Barely a splurge

A light hand — your arteries say thanks.

EffortSome doing

Cook it with

Air fryerOne-pot

The Method

Fry the pasteFry chunjang in 3 tablespoons oil over medium heat 2-3 minutes until it smells nutty and loosens. This single step removes the raw bitterness and is non-negotiable.
Brown the porkIn another pan, brown diced pork, then add onion, potato, and zucchini and cook until the onion goes soft and sweet, about 8 minutes.
CombineStir the fried paste into the pork with sugar and a cup of water, then simmer 10 minutes. Slurry in a little cornstarch to thicken to a glossy coat.
ServeBoil the noodles until chewy, drain, top with sauce and a drizzle of sesame oil, and mix at the table.

The Toolkit

Wok · Wok spatula · Noodle pot · Chef knife · Fine strainer

Straight Answers

Can you make Jajangmyeon in an air fryer? — Yes

Yes — this is exactly what an air fryer does well. Work in a single layer so the air can move, and shake or flip halfway for even crisping. It runs a touch faster than the oven, so check early.

Can you freeze Jajangmyeon? — Yes

Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Can you make Jajangmyeon ahead of time? — Yes

Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.

Is Jajangmyeon gluten-free? — Not as written

Not as written — it contains gluten. Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).

Is Jajangmyeon vegan? — No

No — it contains meat, so it isn’t vegetarian or vegan.

Community Notes

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© 2026 5best2buy.com · Recipe No.570

Jajangmyeon, and where to source it