Jjajangmyeon (K-drama Style)

If you have ever watched a K-drama and felt your stomach growl during a jjajangmyeon scene, this recipe is for you. Rich, glossy black bean noodles with tender pork and chunky vegetables — it is the ultimate Korean comfort bowl and surprisingly straightforward to make at home.

Ingredients

• 2 portions fresh jjajang noodles (or thick udon)
• 150 g pork belly, diced into small cubes
• 3 tbsp chunjang (Korean black bean paste)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 1 small zucchini, diced
• 1 small potato, diced
• 1 tbsp vegetable oil
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (slurry)
• Cucumber strips, for garnish

Singapore Swap

• Chunjang (black bean paste): Available at Korean grocery stores and Don Don Donki. Look for the Sajo or CJ brand tubs.
• Fresh jjajang noodles: Available frozen at Don Don Donki and Korean grocery stores. Thick udon from FairPrice works as a substitute.
• Pork belly: Any wet market or FairPrice butcher counter.

Instructions

1. Dice the pork belly, onion, zucchini, and potato into roughly 1 cm cubes. Keep them separate.
2. Heat oil in a large pan or wok over high heat. Fry the pork belly until the fat renders and the edges start to crisp, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the onion and cook for 2 minutes until softened. Add the chunjang and stir-fry everything together for another minute to cook out the raw paste flavour.
4. Pour in the water and sugar. Add the zucchini and potato. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes until the potato is tender.
5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for 1 more minute until the sauce is thick and glossy.
6. Meanwhile, boil your noodles according to the packet, drain well, and portion into bowls.
7. Ladle the black bean sauce over the noodles. Garnish with cucumber strips and serve with danmuji (yellow pickled radish) on the side.

Tips

• Frying the chunjang in oil before adding liquid removes the raw, bitter taste and deepens the flavour.
• Make extra sauce and freeze it in portions — it reheats perfectly for a quick weeknight meal.
• Add a fried egg on top for extra richness, K-drama style.