Savory and Spicy: A Guide to Making the Perfect Jajang Hot Pot

Ingredients

  • 500g pork belly, chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 large onions, chopped
  • 2 large potatoes, peeled and chopped
  • 2 medium-sized zucchinis, chopped
  • 1 cup carrots, chopped
  • 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 200g black bean paste
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch, dissolved in 2 tablespoons water
  • 4 cups water
  • 200g fresh noodles
  • 1 cucumber, julienned for garnish

Steps and instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat.
  2. Add the pork belly pieces and cook until they are browned on all sides.
  3. Remove the pork from the pot and set it aside.
  4. In the same pot, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil and the onions. Cook until the onions are translucent.
  5. Add the black bean paste and sugar to the pot, stirring well to combine with the onions.
  6. Add the potatoes, zucchinis, and carrots to the pot. Stir well to coat the vegetables with the black bean paste.
  7. Return the cooked pork to the pot.
  8. Add the water to the pot, stirring well to combine. Bring the mixture to a boil.
  9. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
  10. While the hot pot is simmering, cook the fresh noodles according to the package instructions.
  11. Add the cornstarch mixture to the hot pot, stirring well to thicken the sauce.
  12. Place the cooked noodles in serving bowls. Pour the hot pot mixture over the noodles.
  13. Garnish with the julienned cucumber before serving.

Tools for making

Recipe variations

  • Substitute pork belly with chicken breast or tofu for a meat-free option.
  • Add mushrooms such as shiitake or oyster mushrooms for extra flavor.
  • Include other vegetables such as bell peppers, broccoli, or snow peas.
  • Add spicy ingredients like gochujang or chili flakes for a spicier version.
  • Experiment with different types of noodles such as udon, ramen, or rice noodles.
  • Include seafood such as shrimp, squid, or clams for a seafood twist.
  • Try using a different type of sauce or paste such as spicy bean paste or miso paste.
  • Add garlic, ginger, or other aromatic ingredients to enhance the flavor.
  • Include additional seasonings such as soy sauce or sesame oil for extra depth of flavor.
  • Garnish with chopped green onions or cilantro for added freshness.

Recipe overview

This Jajang Hot Pot recipe is a wonderfully comforting and hearty dish, perfect for a cozy night in. Originating from Korean-Chinese cuisine, it's packed with delicious flavors from the black bean paste, tender pork belly, and a mix of vegetables. The dish is completed with fresh noodles and a garnish of julienned cucumber for a refreshing crunch. The process of making this hot pot involves a simple set of steps, starting with browning the pork, sautéing the veggies, and simmering all the ingredients together to let the flavors meld. It's then served over freshly cooked noodles for a satisfying and complete meal. Get ready to experience a delightful bowl of Jajang Hot Pot that will leave you wanting more.

Common questions

  1. Can I use a different type of meat instead of pork belly?
    Yes, you can use other types of meat such as beef or chicken if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked.
  2. Can I substitute the black bean paste with something else?
    No, the black bean paste is a key ingredient that gives the dish its distinct flavor. It may be difficult to replicate the taste with a substitute.
  3. Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
    Yes, you can make a vegetarian version of this recipe by omitting the pork and using vegetable broth instead of water. However, finding a suitable substitute for the black bean paste can be challenging for vegans.
  4. Can I adjust the spiciness of the hot pot?
    Yes, you can adjust the spiciness by adding or reducing the amount of black bean paste. You can also add red pepper flakes or chili paste if you prefer a spicier flavor.
  5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    While it is best to serve the hot pot immediately after cooking, you can make the broth and prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Assemble and cook the hot pot just before serving for the best results.

Serving dishes and utensils

  • Large pot - Needed to cook the hot pot ingredients
  • Cooking spoon or spatula - For stirring and mixing the ingredients in the pot
  • Knife - To chop the onions, potatoes, zucchinis, and carrots
  • Chopping board - To safely chop and prepare the vegetables and pork belly
  • Measuring cup - For accurately measuring the water
  • Tablespoon - For measuring and adding the black bean paste and sugar
  • Cornstarch - To dissolve in water for thickening the sauce
  • Fresh noodles - The type of noodles to be cooked and served with the hot pot
  • Serving bowls - To serve the hot pot and noodles
  • Cucumber - To julienne and use as a garnish for the dish

Origin stories

Jajang Hot Pot takes inspiration from Jajangmyeon, a popular Korean-Chinese noodle dish. The origins of Jajangmyeon date back to the early 1900s when Chinese workers in Incheon, the port city of South Korea, created it as a quick, cheap, and filling meal. It's made from a black bean paste called chunjang, which is actually derived from a Chinese black bean sauce known as tianmianjiang. However, the Koreans gave it their own spin, and it has since become a beloved staple, with its own celebratory day called "Black Day". On this day, which falls on April 14th each year, single people in South Korea eat Jajangmyeon to commiserate their solo status. This Jajang Hot Pot recipe, a hearty, warm variant of the traditional Jajangmyeon, is just as satisfying and shares the same rich, savory flavors of its noodle counterpart.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.