01/7Why is 'Jajangmyeon ' a comfort food?

Also known as 'zhajiangmian and chajangmyeon', respectively in China and Japan, Jajangmyeon is a Korean-Chinese dish that has become increasingly popular in Korea and around the world. The dish consists of noodles covered in a thick black bean sauce, along with various vegetables and sometimes meat. There are several reasons why Jajangmyeon has become such a beloved comfort food for many. (Images courtesy: iStock)

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02/7It’s history

It’s history

This dish is the Korean adaptation of its Chinese counterpart ‘Zhajiangmian’, which originated in the Shandong province of China. The dish was introduced to Korea by Chinese immigrants in the early 1900s, during the Japanese occupation of Korea. However, the Korean version of the dish differs from the original Chinese dish in terms of its flavour and ingredients.

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03/7Affordable and accessible

Affordable and accessible

Jajangmyeon is a relatively cheap and easy-to-find dish, making it an accessible option for many people. It is commonly sold in Korean-Chinese restaurants, as well as in instant noodle form in supermarkets.

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04/7Rich Flavour

Rich Flavour

The thick black bean sauce that covers the noodles has a savoury, slightly sweet flavor that is both comforting and satisfying. The combination of noodles, sauce, and vegetables creates a hearty and flavorful meal.


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05/7Nostalgia and tradition

Nostalgia and tradition

Jajangmyeon has been a popular dish in Korea since the early 20th century, and it has become a cultural icon for many Koreans. It is often associated with special occasions and celebrations, as well as childhood memories of family dinners and takeout.

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06/7Emotional Connection

Emotional Connection

Like many comfort foods, Jajangmyeon can evoke feelings of warmth, comfort, and happiness in people. It may remind them of home, family, or a special time in their life, making it a go-to food when they need a pick-me-up.


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07/7How to make it at home?

How to make it at home?
Traditionally, this dish is made with pork, but it can be replaced easily by chicken or mutton. Here’s a simple recipe of making this classic Korean recipe at home.

Ingredients:
450 gms fresh or dried Jajangmyeon noodles
200 gms chicken/mutton boneless
1 onion, finely chopped
1 zucchini, finely chopped
1 potato, finely chopped
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup black bean paste (chunjang)
1 tablespoon sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 cup water
Salt and pepper to taste

Method
To make this dish, cook the Jajangmyeon noodles in boiled water with a little salt for 10 minutes. Once done, drain and set aside. In a wok or large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken/mutton meat, and cook until browned. Add the onion, zucchini, and potato to the pan and stir-fry until the vegetables are tender. In a small bowl, mix the black bean paste, sugar, cornstarch, and water until well combined. Next, add the black bean paste mixture to the pan and stir until the sauce thickens. Finally, season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve the Jajangmyeon noodles on plates, and spoon the sauce on top of the noodles. You can also use cucumber slices to garnish these noodles. readmore