This Black Bean Noodles recipe is my edible love letter to late-night K-drama binges and the incredible world of Korean comfort food. If you’ve ever watched a character in a Korean drama hungrily devour a bowl of dark, glossy noodles after a long day, you know exactly the kind of craving I’m talking about.
For years, I saw this iconic dish on screen and was completely intimidated. The sauce was so dark and mysterious—I assumed it was incredibly complicated, with a list of ingredients I’d never be able to find. My only option was takeout, which was delicious but often left me feeling sluggish. I was convinced that making authentic Black Bean Noodles at home was a culinary mountain I couldn’t climb.
The turning point came when I finally ventured into my local Korean market and found the key ingredient: a tub of chunjang, the fermented black bean paste that gives the dish its signature flavor. I learned that it wasn’t made from the black turtle beans I knew, but from fermented soybeans. With my secret ingredient in hand, I went home and tried my first batch. The result was absolutely stunning. The sauce was rich, savory, deeply comforting, and so much easier to make than I had ever imagined. This wasn’t just dinner; this was a breakthrough.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Be Obsessed with Black Bean Noodles
This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a whole mood. Here’s why this Black Bean Noodles recipe will become a staple in your home.
- It’s The Ultimate Comfort Food: The thick, rich, savory black bean sauce clinging to chewy noodles is the definition of a hug in a bowl. It’s the perfect meal for a cozy night in.
- A Deep, Savory, and Unique Flavor: This dish is a masterclass in umami. The fermented black bean paste gives it a complex, savory, and slightly sweet flavor that is completely unique and incredibly addictive.
- It’s Faster Than Ordering Takeout: You will be shocked at how quickly this restaurant-quality meal comes together. It’s the perfect impressive dish for a busy weeknight.
The Health Benefits of Black Bean Noodles
While this is a hearty comfort food, making this Black Bean Noodles recipe at home gives you a huge advantage. Restaurant versions can often be high in oil and sodium. When you make it yourself, you have complete control. You can load it with extra vegetables like zucchini, cabbage, and potatoes, boosting the fiber and vitamin content. It’s a wonderfully satisfying meal that will keep you full and energized, making it a much more wholesome choice than you might think.
Perfect Occasions for Black Bean Noodles
- The K-Drama Marathon Meal: There is no better food to accompany your favorite show. It’s part of the authentic experience!
- A Quick and Hearty Weeknight Dinner: When you need a filling and delicious meal on the table fast, this recipe is a guaranteed winner.
- To Satisfy a Takeout Craving: Craving those savory noodles? This homemade Black Bean Noodles recipe will satisfy that craving perfectly, and it’s fresher and healthier.
Get ready to master one of Korea’s most beloved comfort foods. This recipe proves that you don’t need a restaurant to enjoy a perfect bowl of noodles.
Chef’s Notes: Black Bean Noodles
• Toast the chunjang paste – Cooking the black bean paste in oil before adding liquid deepens its flavor and removes bitterness.
• Use starchy vegetables for body – Potatoes and zucchini help thicken the sauce naturally and add satisfying texture.
• Balance sweetness and salt – Cane sugar and vegetarian oyster sauce round out the savory base—adjust to taste for your ideal flavor.
• Simmer gently, not aggressively – A soft bubble allows vegetables to cook evenly and prevents the sauce from breaking.
• Cornstarch slurry = glossy finish – Stir constantly while adding to avoid clumps and achieve a silky, restaurant-style sheen.
• Don’t overcook the noodles – Rinse under cold water to stop cooking and prevent gumminess. Toss with oil to keep strands separate.
• Garnish with crunch and contrast – Cucumber and pickled daikon add brightness and texture that balance the rich sauce.
• Customize your veggie mix – Swap in bok choy, bell peppers, or carrots depending on season and preference.
• Add umami boosters – A spoonful of miso, mushroom powder, or seaweed flakes can elevate the depth of the sauce.
• Serve immediately – The sauce thickens as it cools, so plate and garnish right away for best texture and flavor.
Black Bean Noodles
Get ready to dive into a bowl of rich, umami-packed vegan black bean noodles that’ll transport your taste buds straight to your favorite k-drama scene! This fuss-free recipe swaps pork for hearty shiitake mushrooms and fresh veggies, simmered in a glossy chunjang sauce that’s savory, slightly sweet, and totally crave-worthy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend treat, you’ll love how simple ingredients come together in just 40 minutes for a restaurant-style meal at home. Let’s slurp up some fun!
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes408
kcal40
minutesKeep the screen of your device on
Ingredients
- Noodle Base
8 oz dry udon or spaghetti noodles
1 tsp neutral oil to prevent sticking
- Aromatics Sauces
3 tbsp black bean paste (chunjang)
3 tbsp neutral oil (canola or sunflower)
4 cloves garlic finely minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
2 tbsp cane sugar
2.5 tbsp vegetarian oyster sauce or low-sodium soy sauce
1 tsp toasted sesame oil optional finish
- Vegetable Medley
1 cup shiitake mushrooms thinly sliced (about 6 medium caps)
1 cup russet potato peeled and ½-inch diced (soaked briefly in cold water)
1 cup zucchini diced into ½-inch cubes
1.5 cups green cabbage chopped small
3 stalks green onions thinly sliced (reserve a few for garnish)
- Liquid Components
2 cups vegetable broth
2 cups hot water for mushroom soak, optional if using dried
- Thickening Slurry
1.5 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot)
0.25 cup room-temperature water
- Garnishes (optional)
Julienned cucumber
Pickled daikon radish (danmuji)
- Alternative Ingredients
Udon or Spaghetti replaces dry wheat noodles
Arrowroot starch replaces cornstarch for gluten sensitivities
Tamari or liquid aminos replaces soy sauce gluten-free
Coconut sugar replaces cane sugar lower GI
Olive oil replaces neutral oil distinct flavor
Pearl or baby bok choy adds crunch in place of cabbage
Rice vinegar addition replaces part of sugar for tanginess
Button mushrooms replaces shiitake if unavailable
Directions
- Soaking Prepping Mushrooms – If you’re using dried shiitakes, pour 2 cups of boiling water over 4–5 dried caps and let them plump for 15–20 minutes. Drain, reserve the soaking broth, and finely chop the mushrooms. This soaking liquid adds extra depth.
- Cooking Noodles – Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of noodles and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and remove surface starch. Toss with 1 tsp oil to prevent sticking.
- Building the Sauce Base – Heat 3 tbsp of neutral oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add garlic and ginger, stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes. This step unlocks deep aromatics.
- Developing Flavor – Stir in 3 tbsp black bean paste and toast it in the oil for 2 minutes. Watch it bubble and darken to deepen its savory punch. Add the chopped mushrooms, potatoes, zucchini, and cabbage; toss to coat for about 2–3 minutes.
- Simmering Vegetables – Pour in 1½ cups of vegetable broth (plus mushroom soak liquid if any). Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat to medium, cover, and let veggies cook until potatoes soften—around 5–6 minutes. Uncover and stir.
- Thickening Seasoning – In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch slurry until smooth. Stir the sugar, oyster sauce, and pepper into the pan. Slowly drizzle the slurry in a steady stream while stirring constantly; cook until sauce thickens, about 1–2 minutes. Adjust consistency with extra broth or water if needed. Finish with sesame oil if using.
- Plating Garnishing – Divide the noodles into four bowls. Ladle the black bean sauce over noodles. Top each with julienned cucumber and pickled daikon for brightness and crunch. Mix before eating and enjoy!
Equipment
- Chef Knife
- Cutting Board
- Nonstick Pan
- Mixing Bowls
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Colander
- Silicone Spatula Set
Notes
- For extra depth, stir in a splash of rice wine or mirin when adding broth.
- Serve alongside kimchi, steamed edamame, or a simple cucumber salad for contrast.
- Swap udon for rice noodles for a gluten-free twist.
- Boost umami by mixing in a teaspoon of miso or a handful of chopped seaweed.
- Leftover sauce keeps well in the fridge up to 5 days; reheat with a splash of water and toss with freshly cooked noodles.
Nutrition Facts
- Serving Size: 1g
- Calories: 408kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 1g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1374mg
- Potassium: 443mg
- Carbohydrates: 71g
- Fiber: 7g
- Sugar: 16g
- Protein: 13g
- Vitamin A: 275IU
- Vitamin C: 30mg
- Calcium: 35mg
- Iron: 1mg
FAQs: Black Bean Noodles
Can I use spaghetti instead of udon?
Yes. Spaghetti works well and mimics the chewy texture of traditional jjajangmyeon noodles.
Is this dish spicy?
Not inherently. Add chili oil, gochugaru, or fresh chili if you want heat.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use rice noodles, tamari instead of soy sauce, and arrowroot instead of cornstarch.
What’s a good substitute for chunjang?
Try Chinese fermented black bean paste or mix miso with soy sauce for a similar savory profile.
Can I use fresh mushrooms?
Yes. Shiitake, oyster, or button mushrooms all work—just slice thinly for even cooking.
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