This Homemade Jajangmyeon Recipe Will Ruin Takeout for You (In the Best Way)

Ever watched a K-drama and suddenly found yourself craving that thick, glossy bowl of black bean noodles everyone’s slurping down like it’s the best thing ever? Yeah—same here. That dish, friends, is jajangmyeon (짜장면), and the best part is… you can totally make it at home.

You don’t need to be a pro chef. You don’t even need a fancy wok. This is your no-stress, super-satisfying jajangmyeon recipe that tastes legit and only uses ingredients you can actually find. Let’s dig in.

What is Jajangmyeon, Anyway?

Jajangmyeon is one of Korea’s most iconic comfort foods. It’s made with noodles smothered in a savory black bean sauce, usually served with pork, onions, zucchini, and sometimes potatoes or cabbage. It originated from Chinese-style zhajiangmian but has since evolved into something uniquely Korean.

Fun trivia: Koreans love eating jajangmyeon on Black Day (April 14)—a kind of anti-Valentine’s Day for singles. You can read more about it on Korea.net.

🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for an easy, homemade version of jajangmyeon. No stress, no crazy shopping trips.

For the Sauce:

1. 2–3 tbsp Chunjang (Korean black bean paste) – the star of the show

2. 1 tbsp sugar

3. ½ cup pork belly or ground pork

4. ½ onion, diced

5. ½ zucchini, diced

6. ½ potato, peeled and diced (optional but great for texture)

7. 1 tbsp soy sauce

8. 1 cup water or chicken broth

9. 1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water (to thicken the sauce)

10. 1 tbsp vegetable oil (plus 1 tsp sesame oil at the end, optional)

For the Noodles:

1. 2 servings of fresh or dried wheat noodles (labeled "Jajangmyeon" or "udon-style")

2. Optional toppings: julienned cucumber, boiled egg, sesame seeds

You can grab Chunjang and the noodles at any Korean or Asian market. Or order online via H Mart or KoreanMall.

👨‍🍳 Let’s Make It: Easy Jajangmyeon in 6 Steps

1. Prep the Ingredients

Chop everything ahead of time so you’re ready to roll. Dice the onion, zucchini, pork, and potatoes into small bite-sized cubes.

2. Stir-Fry the Chunjang

Heat 1 tbsp of oil in a pan. Add 2–3 tbsp of Chunjang and fry it gently for about 1–2 minutes. This helps mellow the bitterness and deepens the flavor. Set it aside.

3. Cook the Pork & Veggies

In the same pan, add pork and cook until it’s no longer pink. Add the onions, potatoes, and zucchini. Stir-fry for a few minutes until softened.

4. Combine the Sauce

Add the stir-fried Chunjang back into the pan with the veggies and pork. Pour in 1 cup of water or broth, soy sauce, and sugar. Let it simmer for 5–8 minutes, until everything is tender.

5. Thicken the Sauce

Mix cornstarch with a little water and pour it into the pan while stirring. The sauce should become thick and glossy.

6. Cook and Drain the Noodles

Boil your noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse lightly under cold water to prevent sticking.

🍜 Serve!

Plate the noodles and pour the black bean sauce generously on top. Top with cucumber strips, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, or a boiled egg if you’re feelin’ fancy.

🤤 What Does It Taste Like?

Imagine savory meets slightly sweet with a deep umami punch and chewy noodles soaking up every drop. Jajangmyeon is rich, comforting, and surprisingly balanced. It's not spicy, so it's perfect for all palates—even picky eaters.

💡 Tips for Perfect Jajangmyeon

1. Don’t skip frying the black bean paste — raw Chunjang can taste bitter if not cooked properly.

2. Make a big batch — the sauce keeps well in the fridge for a few days. Great for meal prep!

3. Customize it — go veggie, add shrimp, or toss in mushrooms for your own twist.

Where to Find Chunjang (Black Bean Paste)

Look for Chunjang at Korean supermarkets or online. Make sure you get the uncooked version (the paste, not pre-made sauce) so you can control the flavor. Trusted sources include H Mart, Korean Mall, or Amazon’s Korean food section.

Final Thoughts: Jajangmyeon is the Real Deal

Once you’ve tried real jajangmyeon, it’s hard to go back to instant noodles. There’s something deeply satisfying about those chewy noodles coated in thick, flavorful sauce. And now that you know how easy it is to make at home? You might never order takeout again.

Trust me—this one’s going in your comfort food rotation. Don’t forget to slurp!