She Strengthens

A Cinematic Culinary Adventure: Recreating Jjapaguri from “Parasite”

Inspiration from the Big Screen

One of the most memorable cinematic experiences of 2019 was Bong Joon Ho’s critically acclaimed film “Parasite.” While watching the movie, I was fascinated by a particular food scene featuring a unique Korean noodle dish called jjapaguri, also known as ram-don. This dish sparked my curiosity, and I couldn’t resist trying to recreate it at home.

What is Jjapaguri?

Jjapaguri is a modern Korean culinary creation that combines two popular instant ramen noodles: Chapagetti and Neoguri. Chapagetti is a black bean noodle dish inspired by jjajangmyeon noodles, while Neoguri is a spicy, seafood-flavored udon-style noodle in a savory broth. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors and textures that will tantalize your taste buds.

A Luxury Twist: Adding Steak to Jjapaguri

In the movie, the characters enjoy jjapaguri with a luxurious twist: a piece of high-end Hanwoo steak. This expensive Korean beef is comparable to Kobe beef, and its inclusion in the dish adds a layer of social commentary. While I couldn’t source Hanwoo steak, I opted for a New York strip steak, which provided a rich, tender contrast to the humble instant noodles.

Recreating Jjapaguri at Home

To make jjapaguri, I followed a recipe video tutorial provided by Nongshim, the parent company of the Korean instant noodles. After cooking the noodles, I combined them with perfectly seared steak cubes and Korean pickled radish (danmuji), a classic accompaniment to jjapaguri. The result was a mouthwatering dish that exceeded my expectations.

Jjapaguri Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Serves: 1 to 2

Ingredients:

• 1 (6- to 8-ounce) steak, preferably sirloin, ribeye, or New York strip
• Salt
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• 1 teaspoon canola oil
• 4 to 5 cups water
• 1 package Chapagetti instant noodles
• 1 package Neoguri instant noodles

Instructions:

1. Cut the steak into bite-size pieces and season with salt and pepper.
2. Bring water to a boil and cook the noodles according to the package instructions.
3. Heat a sturdy pan over medium-high heat and cook the steak to your desired level of doneness.
4. Combine the cooked noodles, steak pieces, and Korean pickled radish (danmuji) in a bowl.
5. Mix everything together and enjoy!

Tips and Variations:

• Serve with kimchi or sliced cucumbers for added flavor and texture.
• Experiment with different types of steak or protein sources for a unique twist.
• Adjust the level of spiciness to your liking by adding more or less of the Neoguri seasoning mix.

Embark on a culinary adventure and recreate this iconic dish from “Parasite.” With its bold flavors and satisfying texture, jjapaguri is sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen.