Vegan Jajangmyeon (Noodles in Black Bean Sauce)

Our journey to finding the best vegan Jajangmyeon noodles began with a love for bold, comforting flavors and Korean cuisine. We first tried Jajangmyeon at a bustling Korean restaurant and were instantly hooked on its rich, umami-packed sauce and chewy noodles. It was an incredible dish, loaded with Korean black bean paste, shiitake mushrooms, and fresh vegetables like Korean radish and zucchini. Since then, we’ve recreated this iconic Korean-Chinese dish in our own kitchen with a vegan twist, swapping traditional ingredients for plant-based ones that still capture the deep, savory flavors we love.

Vegan Jajangmyeon is a dish that’s hard to resist. Made with vegetarian ingredients like shiitake mushrooms, zucchini, and onion, it’s a quick yet authentic recipe that lets the black bean paste shine. This noodle dish is not only perfect for a cozy dinner but also incredibly easy to make with a packet of instant noodles if you’re in a pinch! Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend treat, our vegan Jajangmyeon brings the best of Korean flavors to the table in every bite.

Table of Contents

• About Vegan Jajangmyeon
• Why You’ll Love Vegan Jajangmyeon Recipe
• What Is In Our Vegan Jajangmyeon Recipe?
• Key Ingredients for Vegan Jajangmyeon Recipe
• How To Make Vegan Jajangmyeon Recipe
• Have It Your Way!
• Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits
• Health Benefits
• Other Recipes You’ll Love
• Vegan Jajangmyeon Recipe

About Vegan Jajangmyeon

Jajangmyeon (짜장면) originated in Korea during the early 20th century, influenced by Chinese immigrants who introduced the concept of noodles with black bean sauce. Over the years, it evolved into a Korean classic, known for its deeply savory flavors and smooth texture. Traditionally made with pork or seafood, this vegan jajangmyeon replaces meat with umami-packed shiitake mushrooms and fresh vegetables, delivering the same beloved flavors in a plant-based way.

In Korea, jajangmyeon is often associated with celebrations, family gatherings, and even moving-day meals, due to its easy and filling nature. It’s a symbol of comfort and togetherness and has become especially popular on Black Day, April 14th, when singles in Korea gather to eat jajangmyeon. The dish is cherished for its rich taste, affordability, and unique cultural identity.

Why You’ll Love Vegan Jajangmyeon Recipe

• Hearty and Flavorful: The black bean paste creates a deep, savory flavor that pairs beautifully with fresh vegetables.
• Umami-Rich: Shiitake mushrooms and black bean paste bring an irresistible umami taste.
• Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap in your favorite noodles, or add more veggies to suit your preferences.
• Nutrient-Packed: High in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants, making it a wholesome, delicious choice.

What Is In Our Vegan Jajangmyeon Recipe?

This delightful dish includes:

• Sweet Potato Starch Noodles: Known as dangmyeon, these chewy noodles are the heart of Japchae.
• Vegetables: A colorful mix of carrots, spinach, bell peppers, mushrooms, and onions.
• Soy Sauce: For a rich, umami flavor.
• Sesame Oil: Adds a nutty aroma and taste.
• Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor with its pungent notes.
• Sugar: Balances the savory elements with a touch of sweetness.
• Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds a crunch and nutty flavor.
• Scallions: For garnish and a fresh, mild onion flavor.

Key Ingredients for Vegan Jajangmyeon Recipe

• Shiitake Mushrooms: Adds a meaty texture and earthy flavor.
• Korean Radish (Mu): Provides crunch and balances the richness of the sauce.
• Zucchini: Adds subtle sweetness and complements the black bean paste.
• Onion: Essential for the base, adding sweetness and depth.
• Black Bean Paste (Chunjang): The main ingredient, providing the characteristic savory, umami taste.
• Garlic: Enhances the sauce’s depth and aroma.
• Noodles: Traditionally wheat-based, these noodles are thick and chewy, perfect for soaking up the sauce.

How To Make Vegan Jajangmyeon Recipe

1. Prepare the Vegetables: In a large pan, sauté onions, Shiitake Mushrooms, Garlic, and Ginger until softened.

2. Add the Vegetables: Add the Radish, Purple Potatoes and Zucchini, stirring for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.

3. Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the black bean paste, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir for 1-2 minutes.

4. Add Water or Broth: Pour in the water or vegetable broth and let it simmer for 10 minutes.

5. Thicken: To thicken, mix cornstarch with water, and add to the sauce. Stir until it reaches desired consistency.

6. Cook Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions. Drain well.

7. Combine: Pour the black bean sauce over the noodles, mix well, and serve julienned cucumbers, sesame seeds, and chili oil.

Have It Your Way!

• Make It Spicy: Add Korean chili paste (gochujang) or red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Protein Boost: Toss in some firm tofu or tempeh for added protein.
• Sweeten It Up: A touch of maple syrup can add sweetness to balance the flavors.

Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits

Nutritional Facts (per serving, approximately):

• Calories: 370 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 60g
• Protein: 10g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 6g
• Vitamin C: 25% DV
• Iron: 12% DV
• Calcium: 4% DV

Health Benefits

1. High in Fiber: The vegetables and noodles provide dietary fiber, aiding digestion and helping with satiety.
2. Rich in Antioxidants: Shiitake mushrooms contain antioxidants like selenium, which may help protect cells from damage.
3. Low in Saturated Fat: A great low-fat alternative to traditional jajangmyeon, supporting heart health.
4. Good Source of Plant-Based Protein: Mushrooms, paired with noodles, contribute protein to this dish.
5. Boosts Immune Function: The garlic and shiitake mushrooms both support immune health with their anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.

Other Recipes You’ll Love

• Scissor Cut Noodles Stir Fry
• Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles Stir Fry)
• Vegetable Udon Noodles Stir Fry (Yaki Udon)
• Vegan Dan Dan Noodles
• Chili Garlic Noodles

Vegan Jajangmyeon Recipe

Vegan Jajangmyeon

Berry Berry Life

Vegan Jajangmyeon is a flavorful, savory noodle dish loaded with umami-rich black bean paste, shiitake mushrooms, Korean radish, zucchini, and onion. With its roots in Korean-Chinese cuisine, jajangmyeon has become a favorite across the world. This vegan version captures the traditional flavors while keeping it plant-based, making it perfect for a comforting, delicious, and nutritious meal.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Asian, Korean

Servings 4

Calories 370 kcal

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• ▢ 1 Cup Shiitake Mushrooms diced
• ▢ 1 Cup Korean Radish diced
• ▢ 1 Cup Purple Potato diced
• ▢ 1.5 Cup Onions diced
• ▢ 1 Cup Zucchini diced
• ▢ 2 tbsp. Garlic minced
• ▢ 1 tbsp. Ginger grated
• ▢ 1 tbsp. Corn Starch Slurry
• ▢ ¼ Black Bean Paste
• ▢ salt to taste
• ▢ black pepper to taste
• ▢ 1 tbsp. Brown Sugar
• ▢ 2 packets Jjajang Noodles
• ▢ 2 Cups Water

Optional Garnish:

• ▢ Cucumbers julienned
• ▢ Sesame Seeds
• ▢ Sesame Oil roasted
• ▢ Chili Oil or Chili Crisp

Equipment

• HexClad 12in Wok

Instructions

 

• Prepare the Vegetables: In a large pan, sauté onions, shiitake mushrooms, garlic, and ginger until softened.
• Add the Vegetables: Add the radish and zucchini, stirring for 5 minutes until they begin to soften.
• Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, add the black bean paste, salt, black pepper, and sugar. Stir for 1-2 minutes.
• Add Water or Broth: Pour in the water or vegetable broth and let it simmer for 10 minutes.
• Thicken: To thicken, mix cornstarch with water, and add to the sauce. Stir until it reaches desired consistency.
• Cook Noodles: Prepare noodles according to package instructions. Drain well.
• Combine: Pour the black bean sauce over the noodles, mix well, and serve julienned cucumbers, sesame seeds, and chili oil.

Notes

Recipe Notes

• Adjusting Saltiness: Black bean paste can be salty. Adjust the amount to your preference or use low-sodium soy sauce to balance it.
• Add Vegetables: Feel free to add carrots, bell peppers, or bok choy for extra texture and flavor.
• Noodle Alternatives: Use any thick noodles, such as udon or rice noodles for a gluten-free option.
• Serving Tip: Top with fresh cucumber for a refreshing contrast to the rich sauce.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 370kcal

Keyword Asian, Korean, Noodles

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