Japchae Recipe

Japchae, a classic Korean dish, is a savory and slightly sweet stir-fry of glass noodles and vegetables. It's often made with beef, but you can also use chicken, pork, or make it vegetarian. Here’s a recipe for you to try:

Ingredients:

For the Noodles and Vegetables:

• Dangmyeon (Sweet Potato Noodles): 250 grams
• Spinach: 1 bunch
• Carrot: 1 medium, julienned
• Onion: 1 medium, thinly sliced
• Bell Pepper: 1, thinly sliced (optional)
• Mushrooms (shiitake or any preferred variety): 1 cup, sliced
• Green Onions: 2, cut into 1-inch lengths
• Sesame Seeds: for garnish

For the Beef (Optional):

• Beef: 200 grams, thinly sliced (sirloin or ribeye works well)
• Soy Sauce: 1 tablespoon
• Sugar: 1 teaspoon
• Sesame Oil: 1 teaspoon
• Garlic: 1 clove, minced

For the Sauce:

• Soy Sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Sugar: 2 tablespoons
• Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
• Pepper: to taste

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Beef (if using):

   • Marinate the beef slices in soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic for at least 15 minutes.

2. Cook the Noodles:

   • Boil the sweet potato noodles according to package instructions until cooked but still chewy.
   • Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

3. Blanch the Spinach:

   • Blanch the spinach in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then quickly rinse under cold water.
   • Squeeze out the excess water and set aside.

4. Stir-fry the Ingredients:

   • In a large pan or wok, stir-fry the marinated beef until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
   • In the same pan, add a bit more oil if necessary, and stir-fry the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and mushrooms until they are just tender.
   • Add the cooked noodles and beef back to the pan.

5. Add the Sauce:

   • Mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and pepper in a small bowl.
   • Pour the sauce over the noodle and vegetable mixture in the pan. Stir well to combine everything evenly.

6. Combine with Spinach and Green Onions:

   • Add the blanched spinach and green onions to the pan. Stir-fry for another minute or two.

7. Serve:

   • Garnish with sesame seeds and serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips:

• Japchae is often served as a side dish but can also be a main dish.
• Feel free to adjust the types and amounts of vegetables to your preference.
• The key to a good Japchae is the balance of flavors and textures, so make sure the noodles are not overcooked.

Enjoy your homemade Japchae!