Japchae is a delicious and popular Korean dish made with stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and often a protein like beef or tofu. Here’s a recipe for Japchae:
Ingredients:
For the Noodles:
- 6 ounces (170g) Korean sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 cups spinach, blanched and drained
- 2 green onions, cut into 2-inch lengths
- 1/2 cup shiitake or button mushrooms, sliced
For the Beef (optional):
- 6 ounces (170g) beef ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Noodles: a. Boil a pot of water and cook the sweet potato glass noodles according to the package instructions (usually about 6-8 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water. Cut the noodles into manageable lengths with scissors.
2. Season the Noodles: a. In a bowl, mix together the minced garlic, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1/2 teaspoon sugar, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. b. Add the cooked noodles to this sauce mixture, toss to coat, and set aside.
3. Prepare the Vegetables: a. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. b. Add the sliced onion, carrots, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they start to soften. c. Add the red bell pepper and green onions, and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes. d. Finally, add the blanched spinach and stir-fry for an additional 1-2 minutes. Set the vegetables aside.
4. Optional: Cook the Beef: a. In the same pan, add the sliced beef along with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. b. Stir-fry the beef until it’s cooked through, about 2-3 minutes.
5. Make the Sauce: a. In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sugar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds.
6. Combine Everything: a. In a large mixing bowl, combine the seasoned noodles, cooked vegetables, and beef (if using). b. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together until well combined.
7. Serve and Enjoy: a. Japchae can be served hot, at room temperature, or even cold. Garnish with extra sesame seeds or green onions, if desired. b. Enjoy your homemade Japchae as a side dish or a main course. It’s a flavorful and satisfying dish with a delightful mix of textures.
Feel free to customize the ingredients and proportions to suit your taste. Japchae is a versatile dish, and you can make it your own with different vegetables and proteins.
