Another day, another instant ramen review! This is another Korean ramen, this time, chacharoni blackbean sauce ramen (also known as jajangmeon).
Strangely, the packet shouts loudly about the inclusion of olive oil. I’m not sure why, maybe it makes it seem healthier or more appealing? couldn’t taste the olive oil so I can’t say whether it brought anything to the dish.
Blackbean is a popular flavour for noodles in Korea and there are plenty of instant ramens on the market with this flavour. This particular one, by Samyang, is good and I enjoyed it a lot. For me, blackbean sauce has to be thick and unctuous, coating the noodles and this does just that.
Preparation
This is quick and easy, definitely on the ‘instant’ end of the spectrum. The usual block of freeze dried noodles along with a packet of flake (green onion, cabbage and peas) plus a sachet of soup mix. Rather than powder as often found, this is a thick syrupy sauce.
Add the noodles and the flake mix to 500ml (I always use slightly less) boiling water and cook for 5 mins. Drain, put in a bowl and add the soup, stirring to get the sauce coated on all the noodles.
The non-instant version usually has diced vegetables or meat in it – often pork. For a quick fix beyond the instant noodles as they come, you could definitely use these as a base and add more to bulk the dish out. In fact, I think I’ll do that next time!
Scores
- Flavour – 8/10
- Texture – 8/10
- Ease of making – 8/10
Total: 24/30
Buy again? YES.
I got these from Oriental Mart for 89p in April 2021.
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Dave
You just can’t beat a good Ramen for lunch – and this one sounds like a great instant one.
We have a Korean supermarket chain here. I am going to have to look out for these the next time I go to Hmart. I have never before explored Korean ramen – now you have inspired me to do so.
These noodles sound so interesting and flavourful! Blackbean sauce is a unique and intriguing flavour for me. You make me crave to try it out – I’m not sure I can find this here in Bangalore, India.
Here in Dubai we have the Buldak version of Jajjangmyeon instant Ramyeon and while I love it a lot. It’s so spicy that the sweetness of the Black bean is lost. Gonna have to look out for these ones next. Hopefully I can find a halal version.
We have the Buldak noodles here too – I’ve not tried the jajjang version so will have to give them a whirl! I do like the black bean flavour but also love the spice so will check them out – thanks for the recommendation.