Jajangmyeon is a very familiar food to Koreans. A large portion of jajangmyeon may seem like just a bigger amount, but within it, there are amazing secrets and interesting stories that we do not know.

Among Korea's top 100 cultural symbols, Jajangmyeon has established itself as a popular dish, with over 6 million bowls consumed daily. As many people love Jajangmyeon, there are times when a single bowl feels insufficient.

At times like this, we tend to order a double portion. However, there are hidden secrets behind the double portion of black bean noodles that we didn't know. Let's uncover five secrets of the black bean noodle double portion now.

 

The first secret is that eating a large portion of Jajangmyeon allows you to consume fewer calories.

 

Generally, a bowl of Jajangmyeon contains 864 kcal, but a large portion is about 1000 kcal. If you order and eat two bowls, you will consume over 1700 kcal in total. Therefore, ordering a large portion may be a healthier choice than eating two bowls.

The second secret is the cooking time.

 

When an order for jjajangmyeon is received, the noodles are boiled and topped with pre-prepared black bean sauce for sale. As a result, it is faster to enjoy a large portion than to make two bowls of jjajangmyeon. In other words, choosing a large portion is also a good option because it saves time.

 

The third secret is that the amount of the double portion is not twice as much.

 

People often mistakenly think that "gobbaegi" means twice the amount of jajangmyeon because of the word. In fact, gobbaegi is about 1.5 times the amount of a single serving. Although it may vary by restaurant, the reason for this is that the price of gobbaegi is usually set about 500 to 1,000 won higher.

 

The fourth secret is the reason why the double-sized portion is affordable.

Even if you order a large portion, you do not receive double the amount of chopsticks, pickled radish, or onions. Additionally, there is no need for an extra serving or table cleaning. Since the amount of noodles is not doubled, the price is also cheaper than ordering two bowls. This is also beneficial to consumers.

 

The fifth and final secret is that if jjajangmyeon tastes sour, it may be recycled jjajangmyeon.

 

The basic recipe for Jajangmyeon does not include vinegar. If a large portion of Jajangmyeon tastes sour, it is likely made with old Jajang or recycled ingredients. In particular, if the main ingredient, onions, are not fresh or are old, the taste can become spoiled.

 

There are several hidden secrets to ordering a large portion of jajangmyeon. By keeping a few tips in mind when ordering jajangmyeon, you can enjoy it much healthier and more deliciously.

 

 

taesung1120@wikitree.co.kr (Kim Taeseong)