Learn how to make authentic jajangmyeon at home with this easy recipe. This guide walks you through making the perfect bowl of these iconic Korean black bean noodles, complete with savory Chunjang sauce, stir-fried meat and vegetables, all paired with chewy noodles. Turn your kitchen into a Korean-Chinese restaurant today!

A top view of Jajangmyeon (or jjajangmyeon), Korean black bean noodles.

Jajangmyeon holds a special place in the hearts of many Koreans; it’s a nostalgic cornerstone in the realm of Korean noodle dishes. For many Koreans, this black bean noodle delight is a comfort food savored on special occasions, often alongside Jjamppong (Spicy Seafood Noodle Soup) and Tangsuyuk (Sweet & Sour Pork).

But its rich, savory sauce and chewy noodles have universal appeal. Whether you’re revisiting childhood memories or trying it for the first time, this straightforward recipe makes achieving that restaurant-quality Korean jajangmyeon attainable at home. One bite, and you’ll understand the hype—dark sauce smears and all!

Chopsticks twirling jajangmyeon, Korean black bean noodles

What is Jajangmyeon?

Jajangmyeon (자장면), also called Jjajangmyeon (짜장면), is a popular Korean-Chinese fusion dish featuring chewy wheat noodles topped with a savory sauce made from fermented black bean paste called chunjang (춘장), stir-fried meat, and vegetables.

This delicious and satisfying meal has its origins in Chinese cuisine but has been adapted to suit the Korean palate, making it a beloved staple in Korean cuisine.

The Origin:

Adapted from the Chinese ‘Zhajiangmian’ by Shandong immigrants in the late 19th century, jajangmyeon quickly gained popularity in Korea, particularly in Incheon. Using chunjang, a fermented black bean paste, it became a cost-effective meal for urban workers and a staple at celebrations.

Popularity in Korea:

Popularity of this noodles with black bean sauce continued to grow in the 1970s and 1980s with the rise of Korean-Chinese restaurants, which helped spread the dish throughout the country. And with the introduction of instant jjajangmyeon in the 1990s, it became even more convenient and accessible for people to enjoy at home.

As pizza delivery is popular in America, Jajangmyeon is the iconic Korean delivery food, often ordered during busy moving days. Moreover, it’s gained symbolic value as a communal meal on Black Day (April 14th), where singles gather to share these black noodles as a gesture of solidarity.

A bowl of Korean black bean noodles  with jajangmyeon sauce.

Different Types of of Korean Black Bean Noodles

  • Classic Jajangmyeon: This traditional recipe features hand-pulled noodles and a hearty black bean sauce with diced pork and vegetables.
  • Seafood Jajangmyeon: Add an oceanic twist with squid and shrimp.
  • Gan-Jajang: A drier version, with sauce served separately. The sauce is typically meatier and chunkier, and you mix them right before eating.
  • Jajangbap: Replace noodles with rice for a different take.
  • Instant Jajangmyeon: The convenience store option for those on-the-go. Just add hot water, and you have a quick and easy meal.
Two bundles of wheat noodles for jajangmyeon dish.

Best Noodles and Sauce for Homemade Jajangmyeon

Picking the Right Noodles

Noodles are key to jajangmyeon’s chewy, satisfying texture. While hand-pulled noodles are the gold standard, various commercial wheat noodles also do justice to the dish’s hearty sauce.

These can be easily found at most Asian grocery stores, usually labeled as udon and jajangmyeon (우동 짜장면) or jungwhamyeon (중화면).

For the best texture, look for fresh noodles in the refrigerator section of Asian grocery stores. However, if you’re in a pinch and can’t find these specific types, udon or dried spaghetti make acceptable substitutes.

Just keep in mind that dried noodles may not hold their shape as well as their fresh counterparts once cooked.

Jajangmyeon sauce for Korean black bean noodles recipe.

Making the Perfect Sauce

The star of jajangmyeon is its rich, dark sauce made from Korean black soybean paste, chunjang, along with meat and vegetables. This special paste is a blend of fermented soybeans, wheat flour, and a touch of sweetness.

While chunjang can be bitter right out of the package, a quick fry in oil for 2-3 minutes transforms it into a savory delight. You can also find pre-roasted chunjang , which is ready to use without extra frying.

Note: Avoid using Chinese black bean paste; it’s different and will change the flavor of the dish. If you like Chinese black bean flavors, see my recipes for Chinese Beef and Pepper Stir-fry or Twice Cooked Pork.

Chopsticks holding up jajangmyeon (black bean noodles) coated with sauce.

Cooking Tips for Restaurant-Quality Jajangmyeon

  1. Pre-fry the Chunjang Paste in Oil: To enhance the flavor of the sauce, fry the black bean paste in hot oil for 2-3 minutes.
    • This step helps eliminate any bitter taste and creates a more delicious sauce.
  2. Opt for lard when possible: Using lard in your recipe will contribute a deeper, richer flavor to the sauce.
    • If lard is unavailable, you can use oil as a substitute.
  3. Add a Savory Kick: Use Asian leek or green onion for extra umami. Sauté Asian leek or green onion in lard or oil, along with a little amount of sugar, to impart a savory taste.
    • The sugar caramelizes the leek slightly and integrates a smoky flavor into the sauce.
  4. Use Chicken Bouillon Powder: A pinch can add a complex undertone to the sauce.
    • Alternatively, use chicken stock in place of water for the same rich flavor.

Jajangmyeon Recipe: Step-by-Step Guide

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients for making jajangmyeon, Korean black bean noodles.
  • Pork: Preferably loin or shoulder
  • Wheat Noodles: Fresh or dried
  • Chunjang: Essential black bean paste
  • Lard: For richness (or oil as a substitute)
  • Asian Leek or Green Onion: For added flavor
  • Vegetables: A mix of onions, cabbage, and zucchini

How to Cook Jajangmyeon

Step 1. Prep the Sauce

  • In a wok over medium-low heat, heat oil and add chunjang paste. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes.
  • Use a fine mesh strainer to scoop the paste onto a small plate and set aside. Discard the oil and clean the wok.

Step 2. Cook Pork and Aromatics

  • Heat lard in the wok over medium-high heat. Add the leek and sugar, stir-frying until the leek is slightly caramelized.
  • Add pork and cook until no longer pink.

Step 3. Stir-fry vegetables

  • Stir in cabbage and onion, cooking until slightly softened. Add zucchini pieces and toss.
  • Mix in the reserved chunjang paste and oyster sauce, ensuring that all meat and vegetables are coated evenly.

Step 4. Combine

  • Pour in water and chicken bouillon powder, stirring well. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for 3 minutes.
  • Add the starch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.

Step 5. Noodle time

  • Cook noodles as per package instructions and combine with sauce.
A bowl of jajangmyeon, Koran black bean noodles, served with pickled radish slices.

Serving Suggestions

Place a portion of noodles in each bowl and ladle the sauce over them. Garnish with optional cucumber matchsticks, if desired.

Alternatively, you can serve the sauce over cooked rice, creating a dish known as jjajangbap (짜장밥).

Korean black bean noodles have always been served with sliced pickled radish (danmuji, 단무지). However, these days, the new kid on the block is green onion kimchi (pa-kimchi) – and boy, do we love that spicy kick!

A photo of two kids eating jajangmyeon (or jjajangmyeon), Korean black bean noodles.

Related Noodle Dishes You May Love

Enjoy these noodle recipes featuring popular dishes from Hong Kong, Japan and Korea.

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Jjajangmyeon sauce is served over noodles garnished with cucumber slices in a bowl.

Jajangmyeon: How to Make Korean Black Bean Noodles

Learn how to make authentic jajangmyeon at home with this easy recipe. This guide walks you through making the perfect bowl of these iconic Korean black bean noodles, complete with savory Chunjang sauce, stir-fried meat and vegetables, all paired with chewy noodles.
5 from 4 ratings

Recipe Video

Ingredients

  • 4 servings jjajangmyeon noodles, fresh or dried noodles
  • 5 tbsp Korean black bean paste (chunjang)
  • 4 tbsp oil
  • 2 tbsp lard, or oil
  • 1/2 cup chopped Asian leek, or green onion
  • 2 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 lb pork, chopped into small pieces
  • 1/4 small cabbage, chopped
  • 1 small onion, chopped
  • 1/2 zucchini, chopped
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tsp chicken bouillon powder
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch , mixed with 3 tablespoon water
  • 1/4 cucumber, sliced to matchsticks to garnish, optional

Instructions 

For Jajangmyeon Sauce

  • To pre-fry Korean black bean paste (chunjang), heat oil in a wok over medium-low heat, and add chunjang paste. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes. Use a fine mesh strainer to scoop the paste onto a small plate and set aside. Discard the oil and clean the wok.
  • Heat lard in the wok over medium-high heat. Add the leek and sugar, stir-frying until the leek is slightly caramelized. Add pork and cook until no longer pink.
  • Stir in cabbage and onion, cooking until slightly softened. Add zucchini pieces and toss. Mix in the reserved chunjang paste and oyster sauce, ensuring that all meat and vegetables are coated evenly.
  • Pour in water and chicken powder, stirring well. Bring the sauce to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Add the starch slurry and cook until the sauce thickens.

For Noodles

  • Meanwhile bring a pot of water to boil. Add the noodles and cook according to the package direction, and drain. Be careful not to overcook them.
  • Place a portion of noodles in each bowl and ladle the sauce over them. Garnish with optional cucumber matchsticks, if desired. Alternatively, you can serve the sauce over cooked rice, creating a dish known as jjajangbap (짜장밥).
    Note: Jjajangmyeon is traditionally accompanied by pickled radish slices. However, a modern twist involves pairing the dish with green onion kimchi (pa kimchi), which creates a delightful combination.

Notes

Where to find jajangmyeon noodles: You can typically find it at most Asian grocery stores, where they may be labeled as udon and jajangmyeon (우동 짜장면) or jungwhamyeon (중화면). I recommend looking for fresh noodles in the refrigerator section, as they tend to have a better texture. If these noodles are not available, udon noodles or dried spaghetti noodles can be used as a substitute.
Calories: 537kcal, Carbohydrates: 62g, Protein: 23g, Fat: 27g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g, Monounsaturated Fat: 14g, Trans Fat: 0.1g, Cholesterol: 41mg, Sodium: 600mg, Potassium: 538mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 8g, Vitamin A: 605IU, Vitamin C: 33mg, Calcium: 116mg, Iron: 4mg
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