If you're a lover of Asian cuisine, you've probably heard of chapaguri , better known as ramdon (actually, chapaghetti is just one of the two types of noodles used to prepare it, the other being neoguri).
This Korean dish has become famous worldwide, not only for its irresistible flavor, but also for its role in the 2019 film "Parasite," where it won over audiences with its unique combination of noodles and meat.
In this article, I'll guide you through this tasty, simple, and quick recipe, which will let you savor the heart of Korean cuisine right in your own home.
What is Korean Ramdon?
Ramdon is a dish that combines two types of instant noodles, chapaghetti and neoguri . The combination of these noodles, along with a blend of special sauces, creates a rich, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying dish.
The beauty of this recipe is that it can be prepared in very little time , yet the result is a dish rich in umami, with the perfect noodle texture and a flavor that will win you over from the first bite.
Ingredients to prepare Ramdon
The strength of this dish is that the ingredients are easy to find and the recipe doesn't take long to prepare. In this reel, you can see how we prepared chapaghetti at Mood Market (without adding neoguri), leaving more broth than usual (usually, chapaghetti are more like dry noodles than soupy ones).
Here's what you'll need:
- 1 pack of Chapaghetti (Korean instant noodles)
- 1 pack of Neoguri (another type of Korean instant noodles)
- 150g beef (preferably a sirloin steak, cut into thin strips)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon gochujang chili paste (optional for those who like a touch of spice)
- 1 tablespoon miso paste (optional, but adds depth to the flavor)
- 1 egg (optional, but recommended)
- Fresh vegetables such as spring onions and carrots (optional for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
How to prepare Parasite Ramdon
1. Cook the noodles : Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add the Chapaghetti and Neoguri noodles separately, as they have slightly different cooking times (usually 3-4 minutes for each). Cook until tender, then drain and set aside. Reserve some of the cooking water for the next step.
2. Prepare the meat : While the noodles are cooking, cut the beef into thin strips. In a nonstick skillet, heat the sesame oil and add the beef strips. Cook the meat over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes, until golden brown and crispy on the outside. Add a little soy sauce and sugar for added flavor and caramelization. Stir well and cook for another minute. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
3. Mix the noodles and sauce : In the same pan, add a little of the noodle cooking water to create a rich sauce. Pour in the sauce found in the noodle packets, whether for Chapaghetti or Neoguri . If you'd like to add a little spiciness, you can also stir in a spoonful of gochujang , the famous Korean chili paste. Toss everything together well, making sure the noodles are well-seasoned and the sauce is evenly distributed.
4. Finish the dish : Once the noodles are well seasoned, add the cooked beef. Stir gently to combine the flavors. At this point, if you like, you can cook an egg in a separate pan and add it on top of the dish, creating a sort of fried egg "lid" over the noodles. Garnish the dish with fresh vegetables like spring onions and thinly sliced carrots for a touch of freshness and crunch.
5. Serve : Once the noodles are ready, serve them hot. Add a few sesame seeds for a crunchy touch and a drizzle of sesame oil to enhance the flavors. The dish is ready to enjoy!
