Jajangmyeon

Jajangmyeon

Ingredients
(makes 2-3 servings)

2-3 servings noodles
2 tbsp chunjang sauce (black bean paste)
6-8 oz filet mignon (or any protein, diced into 1/2 inch cubes)
2 tbsp oil
1/2 cup water
1 onion, diced
1 zucchini, diced 1/2 inch
1 cucumber (julienned for garnish topping)

1. Prepare the noodles. Rinse and set aside.
2. Optional: marinate the meat with a little rice wine (mirin), ginger, salt and pepper while preparing the vegetables. Also optional, adding a little flour to vegetables to thicken sauce. (However, we find both unnecessary.)
3. Add 1 tbsp oil to pan, sauté onions few minutes, add zucchini and cook few more minutes. Push aside to pan edges, add meat and sauté in middle few more minutes. Push aside with vegetables and add remaining 1 tbsp oil to the middle of pan. Now sauté the black bean paste in that oil for a minute. Mix everything together and add the water. Let simmer few more miinutes or until the sauce thickens.
4. Portion out the noodles in large bowls, add sauce, top with julienned cucumbers and sprinkle red chili pepper flakes if desired.