Four Noodle Dishes to Try Next Time You Eat Korean BBQ

Grilled meat dishes like bulgogi may be the most well-known part of the Korean BBQ trend, but that's not all Korean restaurants serve. Look a little further through the menu and you'll find an array of noodle dishes too. Here are three of the tastiest Korean noodles you have to try.

Japchae

One of the most popular meals in Korea, japchae is a great noodle dish for people who prefer sweet over spicy. The glass noodles used in japchae are made from sweet potatoes. Once the noodles are boiled, they're combined with stir-fried vegetables like mushrooms, scallions and spinach. Some restaurants also add beef or pork to the dish. Finally, the whole meal is seasoned with sesame oil, soy sauce and sugar.

Jajangmyeon

Jajangmyeon is another item you'll find on almost every Korean restaurant menu. This unique noodle dish actually originated in a Chinese restaurant in Korea, making it a true Asian fusion. Jajangmyeon combines thick Chinese noodles with a sauce called jajang. The sauce is made from pork, beef or seafood (or a combination of the three) fried in a viscous sweet bean sauce known as chunjang. This gives the noodles a rich, salty-and-sweet taste. Vegetables like zucchini, onions, and cabbage are often added to the mixture. This dish is commonly served with multiple toppings, including a boiled or fried egg, cucumber and sliced raw onions. If you order jajangmyeon, make sure to stir it carefully, as the sauce can easily make a mess of your clothes.

Jjamppong

Do you prefer seafood to meat? If so, you'll love jjamppong. Jjamppong has the traditionally spicy flavour many people expect from Korean food. Its red broth is flavoured with chili powder and filled with shrimp, squid and mussels for a fiery taste of the sea. Like all other noodle dishes in Korea, it usually includes vegetables like cabbage and carrot too. This dish can be very hot, so it's not for the faint-hearted—although you can always ask your chef if they can make a milder version for you to try.

Naengmyeon

Last but not least is naengmyeon—a noodle dish that's served cold. Don't be put off by the temperature, as this is one of the most delicious Korean meals you can eat when the weather is hot. At its base, naengmyeon consists of cold noodles with broth. However, there are many variations that build on this foundation. Mul naengmyeon is served with the noodles in a cold soup made from chicken or beef. Bibim naengmyeon is served 'dry' with a chilli sauce topping, while the broth is served on the side and can be hot or cold.

For more information, contact a local Korean restaurant.

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