Chewy Noodles (Jjolmyeon): Spicy & Tangy Delight
Summer Jjolmyeon! How to Make the Perfect Spicy Sauce for a Delicious Meal
On a hot summer day, a bowl of refreshingly spicy and tangy Jjolmyeon is the perfect dish to revive your appetite! Enjoy this delightful noodle dish at home as a satisfying late-night snack. All you need is some pre-made Jjolmyeon noodles, and you can create a fantastic meal by making your own special sauce.
Main Ingredients
- Jjolmyeon noodles, 1 serving
- Bean sprouts, 1/3 handful
- Lettuce, 2 leaves
- Perilla leaves, 5 leaves
- Cabbage, a small amount
- Carrot, 1/5 quantity
- Hard-boiled egg, 1
- Toasted sesame seeds, 0.5 Tbsp
Perfect Jjolmyeon Sauce
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 3 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar, 3 Tbsp
- Sugar, 2 Tbsp
- Maesil-cheong (green plum syrup), 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp
- Gochujang (Korean chili paste), 3 Tbsp
- Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), 1 Tbsp
- Vinegar, 3 Tbsp
- Sugar, 2 Tbsp
- Maesil-cheong (green plum syrup), 1 Tbsp
- Soy sauce, 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil, 1 Tbsp
- Minced garlic, 0.5 Tbsp
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the fresh vegetables to accompany your Jjolmyeon. Feel free to use whatever vegetables you have in your refrigerator! I’ve julienned lettuce, perilla leaves, cabbage, and carrots for a nice crunch, and also prepared some bean sprouts.
Step 2
Wash the bean sprouts thoroughly. Boil them in water for about 4-5 minutes until they are crisp-tender. Immediately rinse them under cold water and drain them well. Don’t discard the water used to boil the bean sprouts! You can use this broth to cook the Jjolmyeon noodles for added flavor.
Step 3
Now it’s time to make the star of the dish: the Jjolmyeon sauce! Combine gochujang, gochugaru, vinegar, sugar, maesil-cheong, soy sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a bowl according to the quantities listed. Mix everything thoroughly until well combined. Your delicious Jjolmyeon sauce is ready!
Step 4
When boiling the Jjolmyeon noodles, gently loosen them so they don’t clump together. As the water comes to a boil and starts to overflow with foam, add a little cold water. Repeating this process prevents the noodles from becoming mushy and keeps them satisfyingly chewy.
Step 5
Jjolmyeon noodles are best when they are not too firm, so boiling them for over 5 minutes is recommended. Cook them until the noodles are chewy yet tender, and the boiling water becomes slightly thickened. Be careful not to overcook them, as they might break apart easily. Adjust the cooking time as needed.
Step 6
Once the Jjolmyeon noodles are cooked, drain them in a colander. Rinse them thoroughly under cold running water, rubbing them gently. This rinsing step removes any starchy residue, resulting in a cleaner taste. Drain them very well, then coil the noodles and arrange them neatly in a serving bowl.
Step 7
Arrange the prepared fresh vegetables attractively around the noodles in the bowl. Generously spoon the delicious Jjolmyeon sauce over the center. Finally, top with the hard-boiled egg and a sprinkle of savory toasted sesame seeds for a truly appetizing presentation!
Step 8
Making this Jjolmyeon with care and serving it to your loved ones is a wonderful way to show you care. Since the amount of noodles can vary by brand, it’s a good idea to adjust the sauce seasoning to your preference and make a generous batch. Enjoy mixing and eating your delicious Jjolmyeon!
