Memories of Murder Jjamppong (짬뽕)
Why this food?
Jjamppong is the ultimate Korean comfort food born from Chinese-Korean fusion cuisine in the 1980s. This spicy seafood noodle soup combines fiery chili broth with tender squid, shrimp, and mussels — the working detective's fuel during long stakeouts in rural Korea. Recreate this movie moment with accessible Walmart ingredients that capture the authentic heat and umami.
🇰🇷 K-Culture Tip
Jjamppong emerged in Korean Chinese restaurants during the 1970s-80s as Korea's answer to spicy seafood dishes. Unlike traditional Korean soups, its bold red chili base and generous seafood reflect both Chinese wok cooking and Korean palates evolving toward bolder flavors. Today it remains a late-night favorite among night-shift workers — the spiritual descendant of the 1986 detective's midnight bowl.
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Substitute Ingredients
All available at Walmart
| Original | Substitute |
|---|---|
Frozen seafood medley 냉동 해산물 모음 | Frozen Seafood Mix Great Value or Store Brand Contains shrimp, squid, and mussels. If unavailable, use frozen shrimp (8 oz) + frozen squid (8 oz) separately. Thaw optional — adds 2 minutes to cooking time. Shop at Walmart |
Korean red chili flakes 고추가루 | Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Flakes) Great Value or McCormick Essential for authentic heat. If gochugaru unavailable, use 2 tablespoons cayenne pepper + 1 tablespoon paprika, though flavor will be slightly less complex. Shop at Walmart |
Ramen noodles 라면 | Fresh Ramen or Instant Ramen Noodles Great Value or Maruchan Fresh ramen cooks faster (2 mins). Instant ramen works fine — discard the seasoning packet entirely as the chili broth seasons everything. Shop at Walmart |
🛒 Can't find it at Walmart? Try a Korean grocery store
Your Shopping List
Walmart edition
- 1 lb (16 oz) Frozen Seafood Mix
- 3 tablespoons Gochugaru (Korean Red Chili Flakes)
- 8 oz (1-2 packages instant) Fresh Ramen or Instant Ramen Noodles
Instructions
- 1
Step 1: Boil 6 cups water in a large pot. Add Walmart frozen seafood mix (or frozen shrimp + squid separately) and simmer 3 minutes until thawed and cooked through.
- 2
Step 2: Stir in 3 tablespoons gochugaru (Korean red chili flakes — check Asian aisle), 2 tablespoons Walmart soy sauce, 1 tablespoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon salt. Simmer 5 minutes to infuse the broth.
- 3
Step 3: Add 8 oz fresh or frozen vegetables (Walmart broccoli florets, sliced carrots, or mushrooms work perfectly). Simmer 3 minutes.
- 4
Step 4: Cook 8 oz fresh ramen noodles or Walmart instant noodles (discard seasoning packet) directly in the pot for 3-4 minutes until tender.
- 5
Step 5: Taste and adjust spice/salt. Ladle into bowls, garnish with green onion if available, and serve immediately with kimchi on the side — just like the detectives did between interrogations.
