Japchae is a popular and traditional Korean dish made from sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon) stir-fried with various vegetables, meat (typically beef), and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It is known for its sweet and savory flavor and its delightful mix of textures. Japchae is often served as a side dish during Korean festive holidays or special occasions. It can be served hot or cold, making it versatile and enjoyed at any meal.
Ingredients:
- 250 grams of sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon)
- 150 grams of beef, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bunch of spinach, blanched and squeezed dry
- 5 shiitake mushrooms, soaked in warm water and sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons of soy sauce (for the beef)
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (for the beef)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce (for the noodles)
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of sugar (for the noodles)
- 2 green onions, chopped
- 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds
- Vegetable oil, for cooking
Appliances and Special Utensils:
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Frying pan or wok
- Colander (for draining noodles)
- Mixing bowl
- Kitchen knife and cutting board
- Tongs or chopsticks (for mixing and serving)
Instructions:
- Prepare the noodles:
- Boil a large pot of water and cook the sweet potato noodles according to the package instructions, usually about 5-7 minutes until they are soft.
- Drain the noodles in a colander, rinse under cold water, and set aside.
- Prepare the beef:
- In a bowl, marinate the beef slices with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Heat a little vegetable oil in a frying pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Stir-fry the vegetables:
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the onions and carrots, stir-frying until they start to soften.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and continue to stir-fry for a couple of minutes.
- Finally, add the blanched spinach and stir everything together until well mixed. Season with salt and pepper.
- Mixing everything together:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, cooked beef, and stir-fried vegetables.
- Add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon of sugar to the mixture. Toss well to combine all the ingredients and to coat the noodles evenly.
- Final touches:
- Transfer the japchae to a serving dish. Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Japchae can be enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish, and is perfect for gatherings as it can be prepared in advance and served at room temperature.