Korean ingredient guide
Chunjang
Black bean paste, 춘장
Chunjang is one of those ingredients that makes Korean cooking at home easier. This guide explains how to use it, where to find it, and which recipes work well with it.
Recipes using this ingredient
Full ingredient guide
Chunjang (춘장) is a dark Korean bean paste and the key seasoning used to make jjajangmyeon and Korean jjajang sauce. It has a strong, salty and slightly bitter flavor that becomes more balanced as it cooks with the other ingredients in the sauce.
When making jjajang sauce, chunjang is cooked and is often briefly fried in oil first. It is then combined with ingredients such as onions, vegetables and, depending on the recipe, meat. The result is the dark, savory sauce served with noodles or rice.
Chunjang is generally not used straight from the package as a dipping sauce. If you want to make Korean jjajangmyeon at home, look specifically for chunjang or Korean black bean paste rather than a general black bean sauce.
You can usually find chunjang at Korean or Asian grocery stores and through Korean food shops online. After opening, keep the package well sealed and follow the storage instructions on the product.
Where to buy it
- Asian grocery store
- Korean online shop
- Large supermarkets with an Asian food section
How to use it
- Korean home cooking
- Banchan and side dishes
- Easy everyday meals
What to check
- Check the ingredient list and flavor.
- Start with a small package if you are new to it.
- Store it according to the package instructions after opening.
Can you substitute it?
If you cannot find it, use a simple alternative and adjust the flavor carefully. Fermented ingredients are often hard to replace exactly.
Frequently asked questions
Where can I buy Chunjang?
Asian grocery store, Korean online shop, Large supermarkets with an Asian food section
How do I use Chunjang?
Korean home cooking, Banchan and side dishes, Easy everyday meals
Can I substitute Chunjang?
If you cannot find it, use a simple alternative and adjust the flavor carefully. Fermented ingredients are often hard to replace exactly.
How should I store Chunjang?
Follow the storage instructions on the package.