February 14th is widely recognized as Valentine’s Day, a time for love of all sorts to flourish. In response, March 14th is White Day, celebrated by some Asian cultures as an opportunity to give back to those who initiated the romantic gestured, traditionally split along gendered lines. This binary reciprocation is lost on me, but what I can appreciate is the following month, April 14th, that brings us Black Day.

What Is Black Day?

Black Day (블랙데이) is found only in South Korea, observed by single people that missed out on the previous two love fests. The name is a cheeky reference to those with loveless black hearts and their loneliness, as if the world’s population of unattached people are all deeply depressed by remaining independent. Rejecting this theory, I much prefer the implications it has for the traditional celebratory food: Black noodles.

What Are Black Noodles?

Jjajangmyeon (짜장면), thick wheat noodles with an inky black sauce made from fermented bean paste. Full of vegetables and either meat or seafood, it should go without saying that my rendition would automatically be inauthentic, but delicious as a wholly separate dish inspired by this tradition.

What Makes My Take on Jjajangmyeon Special

Beyond being plant-based, there are a few unique twists that make my recipe a unique spin on the Korean classic.

• Food-grade charcoal creates that perfect pitch-black tint.
• Fermented black garlic adds an extra layer of umami funk.
• No added sugar prevents the sauce from the common pitfall of becoming too sweet.
• Extra-chunky cuts on an abundance of vegetables makes for a much more satisfying, hearty meal.

What Are The Best Noodles for Jjajangmyeon?

Fresh wheat noodles are the best choice, but those can be tough to find outside of large Asian markets.

• Dried lo mein are my top choice, with their squared edges and toothsome yet slippery texture.
• Ramen noodles work as well for a springier bite.
• Thick spaghetti can work in a pinch, though they’re my least favorite option, personally.

You don’t have to be single to appreciate a hot bowlful of these black noodles, and you certainly shouldn’t feel sad about it either way. As a prime opportunity to indulge in this savory comfort food, Black Day is always a bright spot on my calendar.

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Yield: Makes 3 - 4 Servings

Vegan Jjajangmyeon

Print

Jet-black sauce full of chunky vegetables and toothsome meatless protein top chewy noodles in this easy version of Jjajangmyeon. Enjoy solo, with with everyone you love; it's a deeply comforting meal for all occasions.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 15 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
• 1 Medium Yellow Onion, Diced
• 1 Teaspoon Fresh Ginger, Minced
• 8 Ounces Tofu Puffs, Seitan Chunks, or Meatless Beef Tips
• 1 Medium Zucchini, Diced
• 1 Medium Idaho or Russet Potato, Peeled and Diced
• 2 Cups Diced Napa Cabbage
• 2 Cups Mushroom Stock or Vegetable Broth
• 1/4 Cup Chunjang (Korean Black Bean Paste)
• 1 Tablespoon Black Garlic Puree (About 3 Cloves, Mashed)
• 1 Tablespoon Mirin, Rice Wine, or Soju
• 1 Tablespoon Soy Sauce
• 1 Tablespoon Potato Starch
• 1 Teaspoon Food Grade Bamboo or Coconut Charcoal
• 6 - 10 Ounces Fresh Wheat Noodles, Ramen Noodles, or Thick Spaghetti, Cooked Al Dente
• 1/4 English Cucumber, Sliced Into Thin Matchsticks

Instructions

1. In a large saucepan over medium heat, add the oil, onion, and ginger. Saute for 3 - 5 minutes, until lightly golden and aromatic. Add your protein of choice and cook for another 4 - 5 minutes to brown the edges. Add the zucchini, potato, and cabbage, stirring to incorporate.
2. In a separate container, whisk together the stock or broth, black bean pasta, black garlic puree, alcohol of choice, soy sauce, potato starch, and charcoal. Stir very thoroughly to make sure there are no lumps of starch remaining.
3. Pour the liquid mixture into the saucepan, stirring gently to incorporate. Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, uncovered, for about 15 minutes. The liquid should have thickened and the potatoes should be fork-tender when ready.
4. To serve, divide the noodles between bowls and top with the chunky black sauce. Finish with a handful of crisp cucumber matchsticks and enjoy right away while piping hot.

Notes

To make this recipe gluten-free, use your favorite gluten-free noodles.

Recommended Products

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you decide to make a purchase after clicking through the link. I have experience with all of these companies and I recommend them because they are helpful and useful, not because of the small commissions I make if you decide to buy something through my links.

• 
  Chinese 5 Spice Nuggets — Always Plant-Based. Always Delicious. Hodo.
• 
  Simply Asia Chinese Style Lo Mein Noodles - Shop Pasta & Rice at H-E-B
• 
  Black Garlic Purée - 7 oz

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 1231Total Fat: 28gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 17gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 1355mgCarbohydrates: 186gFiber: 23gSugar: 13gProtein: 58g

All nutritional information presented within this site are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on BitterSweetBlog.com should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though I try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of my ability, these figures should still be considered estimations.