The Recipe · No.1007 · Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles)

Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles), and where to source it

Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles) — Worth The Hunt WORTH THE HUNT Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles) Korean 5best2buy.com

Fry the chunjang in plenty of oil before anything else. Raw black bean paste is bitter; frying it for a few minutes until it loosens and smells nutty is the single step that turns it into the sweet-savory sauce.

By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026

Prep25 min
Cook25 min
Makesserves 4
CuisineKorean
Cost$$
Dairy-free
Contains  gluten
Make it gluten-free: swap in a gluten-free pasta or noodle (check the other labels too).
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for 4 servings
Chunjang
Korean roasted black bean paste — not Chinese douchi. Fry it before using.
4 tbsp
Local / market
Pork belly or shoulder
Diced small; the fat carries the sauce.
1/2 lb
Source it →
Onion
Diced large and cooked until sweet — it is the bulk of the sauce.
2 onions
Source it →
Zucchini
Diced; the traditional vegetable for body and freshness.
1 zucchini
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Fresh wheat noodles
Thick chewy jjajang noodles or udon; the pull is half the dish.
1 lb
Local / market
Potato
Diced small so it softens into the sauce and thickens it.
1 potato
Local / market
Potato starch
A slurry at the end gives the sauce its signature glossy cling.
2 tbsp
Local / market
Cucumber
Julienned raw as the cool garnish over the top.
1/2 cucumber
Source it →
The Rundown
Greedometer ●●●●● A fair little treat
A reasonable little indulgence.
EffortSome doing
Cook it with
Air fryerOne-pot
The Method
  1. Fry the pasteFry chunjang in a good amount of oil over medium heat until loosened and fragrant; set aside.
  2. Brown the porkRender diced pork until it starts to crisp.
  3. Cook the vegetablesAdd onion, potato and zucchini; cook until the onion is soft and sweet.
  4. Build the sauceStir in the fried chunjang and a little water, simmer, then thicken with the starch slurry.
  5. ServeBoil noodles until chewy, drain, top with sauce and a pile of julienned cucumber.
The Toolkit

Wok · Pasta pot · Ladle

Straight Answers
Can you make Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles) 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 Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles)? — 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 Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles) ahead of time? — Prep ahead

Best fried to order — the crunch fades if it sits. Do the breading or shaping ahead and cook it fresh when you serve.

Is Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles) 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 Jjajangmyeon (Korean Black Bean Noodles) vegan? — No

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

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© 2026 5best2buy · Worth The Hunt · Recipe No.1007