Recipe Jjapaguri or Ram-don

Jjapaguri, also known as Ram-don, gained global fame after its appearance in the award-winning film "Parasite." This Korean dish combines two instant noodle varieties, Chapagetti and Neoguri, resulting in a unique and flavorful dish that's both easy to make and satisfying to eat. Here's how you can recreate this culinary sensation in your own kitchen.

Ingredients:

• 1 package of Chapagetti (Korean black bean instant noodles)
• 1 package Neoguri (Korean spicy seafood instant noodles)
• 1/2 cup beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 1/4 cup onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup scallions, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: 1/4 cup mushrooms, sliced
• Optional: 1/4 cup carrots, julienned
• Optional: 1/4 cup spinach

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Noodles: Cook Chapagetti and Neoguri noodles separately according to package instructions. Drain and set aside, but reserve about 1/2 cup of the Chapagetti cooking water.

2. Prepare the Beef: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add thinly sliced beef and cook until browned about 2-3 minutes. Remove the meat from the skillet and set aside.

3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced onion (and optional vegetables if using) and sauté until softened, about 2-3 minutes.

4. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add cooked Chapagetti and Neoguri noodles to the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the Chapagetti seasoning sauce over the noodles, followed by the Neoguri seasoning powder. Mix well until the noodles are evenly coated.

5. Add Beef: Return the cooked beef to the skillet with the noodles and mix until everything is heated, about 1-2 minutes. If the noodles seem dry, add some reserved Chapagetti cooking water to loosen them up.

6. Serve: Transfer the Jjapaguri or Ram-don to serving bowls. Garnish with chopped scallions and serve hot.

Tips:

• Customize the dish by adding your favorite vegetables or proteins such as shrimp, chicken, or tofu.
• Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Neoguri seasoning powder.
• For a richer flavor, add a pat of butter or a drizzle of sesame oil before serving.
• Be careful not to overcook the noodles, as they can become mushy.

Variations:

• Spicy Jjapaguri: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dollop of gochujang (Korean chili paste) for an extra kick of heat.
• Vegetarian Jjapaguri: Omit the beef and add more vegetables or tofu for a meatless version.
• Seafood Jjapaguri: Add cooked shrimp, squid, or mussels for a seafood twist.

Nutritional Information:

The exact calorie count for Jjapaguri or Ram-don can vary depending on the ingredients used and portion size. However, a typical serving (without additional protein or vegetables) is estimated to contain around 400-500 calories per serving.

Conclusion:

Jjapaguri or Ram-don is a delightful fusion of flavors that combines the convenience of instant noodles with the bold and savory taste of Korean cuisine. You can create a satisfying meal perfect for any occasion with just a few simple ingredients. Experiment with different variations and enjoy this delicious dish straight from your kitchen!