Jjolmyeon (Korean Spicy Chewy Noodles)

Jjolmyeon (쫄면) is a popular Korean cold noodle dish known for its incredibly chewy texture and bold, spicy-sweet flavor. It's a refreshing and satisfying meal, especially enjoyed in the warmer months. The noodles are tossed in a vibrant gochujang-based sauce and topped with fresh, crunchy vegetables for a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

🛒 Ingredients (Serves 2) 

For the Noodles & Toppings:

• 200g (7oz) jjolmyeon noodles (or thick wheat noodles with a chewy texture)
• 1/2 cucumber, julienned
• 1/2 carrot, julienned (optional)
• 4 lettuce leaves, shredded
• 1 boiled egg, halved
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Spicy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red chili paste)
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1 tbsp honey or sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• 1 tsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes, optional for extra spice)

👩‍🍳 Instructions 

Step 1: Cook the Noodles

1. Bring a pot of water to a boil.
2. Add the jjolmyeon noodles and cook (usually 3–4 minutes).
3. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold running water to cool them down and maintain their chewy texture.

Step 2: Make the Sauce

1. In a bowl, mix gochujang, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey (or sugar), sesame oil, minced garlic, and gochugaru.
2. Stir until the sauce is smooth and well combined.

Step 3: Assemble the Dish

1. In a large bowl, toss the cold noodles with the spicy sauce until they are evenly coated.
2. Arrange the seasoned noodles in serving bowls.
3. Top with cucumber, carrot, lettuce, and half of a boiled egg.
4. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Step 4: Serve & Enjoy

• Mix everything together before eating to combine the flavors.
• Enjoy the chewy, spicy, and tangy taste of jjolmyeon!

🍜 Tips for the Best Jjolmyeon

Pair with Grilled Dumplings or Meat – Jjolmyeon tastes even better when served with crispy pan-fried mandu(dumplings) or grilled pork belly (samgyeopsal). The savory flavors of the meat balance the spicy and tangy noodles perfectly!