Jajangmyeon - Black Bean Sauce Noodles

Jajangmyeon is a popular Chinese Korean dish consists of thick chewy noodles tossed in savory black bean sauce and packed with meat and lots of veggie. I used to order Jjajangmyeon from Korean takeout, so often that I finally decided to make them myself at home. It is perfect for those days when you are craving something filling and comforting. It is super easy to make at home and tastes better than takeout!

Ingredients:
Noodles
1/2 lb pork belly, cut into strips
1 cup daikon radish, diced
1 cup zucchini, diced
1 cup potato, diced
1/2 onion, chop into large chunks
2 tbsp oil
1/3 cup black bean paste
1/2 tsp salt
1 cup water
Cornstarch slurry: mix 2 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water
Garnish: thinly sliced cucumber

Directions:
1. Cook noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set it aside.
2. In a large pan or pot, add 1 tbsp of oil. Once the oil is hot, add pork belly and stir fry until the pork is cooked and slightly browned.
3. Add radish, zucchini, potato, and onion. Stir fry for 3-4 minutes or until the radish, and onion are translucent.
4. Make a hole in the center and add 2 tbsp of oil. Add 1/3 cup of black bean paste on top of the oil and fry the paste for about 2 minutes. Mix everything together and stir fry until everything is coated with bean paste.
5. Add water and salt to the pan and bring to a simmer. Slowly stir in cornstarch slurry. Continue mixing and simmering until the sauce is thickened.
6. Ladle the sauce over noodles. Garnish with thinly sliced cucumber. Serve hot and enjoy!