Japchae (Korean Stir-Fried Noodles)

Japchae is one of the Korean dishes that most Pinoys have adapted and became a favorite next to bibimbap. Actually japchae is very similar to pancit sotanghon guisado where instead of using bihon in cooking pancit, sotanghon is used. But the noticeable difference is, if you will just look at it and have not tasted it yet, the thick glass noodles is similar to sotanghon (vermicelli).

Those are made from sweet potato starch and called dangmyeon in Korean. In the traditional way of cooking this dish, there are a lot of preparations like most Korean dishes which you have to marinate some of the main ingredients before mixing them together. But the recipe here is an easy one and all you need to do is to stir fry the ingredients and let it simmer for a little while then garnish and serve.

A Korean Delight That Will Satisfy Your Cravings

If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, chances are you’ve heard of japchae. This delectable dish has gained popularity worldwide, and for good reason. It is a flavorful stir-fried noodle dish that combines a variety of ingredients to create a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. In this blog post, we’ll guide you through the process of making this Korean dish, a recipe that will surely delight your taste buds.

Preparation: Setting the Stage for a Flavorsome Dish

Before we dive into the cooking process, it’s important to prepare all the ingredients for a smooth and enjoyable cooking experience. Gathering and prepping your ingredients in advance will make the cooking process more efficient and enjoyable.

Soak and Slice the Dried Mushrooms

To start, soak the dried mushrooms in 1/4 cup of hot water until they become soft. Once softened, strain the mushrooms and slice them into thin strips. Don’t discard the liquid used for soaking, as it will be used later to enhance the dish’s flavor.

Cook and Season the Noodles

Next, cook the noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them with sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together. Set the noodles aside as you prepare the other ingredients.

Create Delicate Egg Strips

In a pan or wok, heat a teaspoon of cooking oil and fry the beaten egg until it sets. Fold the cooked egg in half and slice it into thin strips. These delicate egg strips will add a lovely touch to the final dish.

Season the Beef Slices

Coat the beef slices with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. This simple seasoning will bring out the rich flavor of the beef when stir-fried.

Prepare the Spinach

Blanch the spinach by briefly immersing it in boiling water, then rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Drain the spinach thoroughly and set it aside. This blanching technique helps retain the vibrant green color of the spinach while maintaining a crisp texture.

Cooking: Bringing the Ingredients Together

Now that all the preparations are complete, it’s time to cook the Japchae. Follow these steps to create a delicious and authentic Korean dish that will impress your family and friends.

Stir-Fry the Beef Strips

In a medium-sized wok, heat some oil over high heat. Add the beef strips and stir-fry for about 3 minutes, or until they are cooked to your desired level of doneness. Once cooked, set the beef aside for later use.

Sauté the Aromatics and Vegetables

Using the same wok, sauté garlic until fragrant. Add the soaked mushrooms and continue to stir for half a minute, allowing the flavors to meld together. Then, add the carrots and onions to the wok and stir-fry for about a minute, or until the onions become tender.

Combine the Ingredients

Now, it’s time to bring all the ingredients together. Add the cooked noodles, blanched spinach, bell peppers, beef slices, and the reserved mushroom soaking liquid to the wok. Drizzle soy sauce over the mixture and sprinkle a touch of chili pepper, salt, sugar, and ground black pepper to enhance the flavors. Stir the ingredients until they are evenly mixed.

Finishing Touches

With the ingredients well combined, it’s time to add the final touches to your noodle dish. Turn off the heat and toss in the strips of omelet and roasted sesame seeds. These additions will provide an extra layer of texture and flavor to the dish.

Serve and Enjoy!

Your dish is now ready to be served and enjoyed. Garnish with some additional sesame seeds and green onions, if desired, for an appealing presentation. It can be served as a main dish or as a delightful side dish alongside other Korean favorites such as bulgogi or kimchi.

Experience the Authentic Flavors

It is a versatile and delicious Korean dish that is sure to please both your family and friends. By following this simple recipe, you can create a flavorsome meal that captures the essence of Korean cuisine. So why not give it a try? Prepare and savor the unique combination of flavors and textures that make it a beloved Korean classic.

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How to Cook Japchae (Korean Stir-Fried Noodles)

Japchae is one of the Korean dishes that most Pinoys have adapted and became a favorite next to bibimbap. Actually japchae is very similar to pancit sotanghon guisado where instead of using bihon in cooking pancit, sotanghon is used.

Prep Time10 minutes mins

Cook Time20 minutes mins

Total Time30 minutes mins

Course: Noodles recipe

Cuisine: Korean

Keyword: japchae, korean noodles, stir fried noodles

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 167kcal

Author: Manny

Ingredients

• 400 grams sweet potato vermicelli noodles dangmyeon
• 1/4 kilo beef sirloin slice thinly
• 340 grams spinach
• 1 pc beaten egg
• 1 pc carrot peeled and sliced into strips
• 1 pc white onion sliced
• 1/2 pc red bell pepper slice into strips
• 6 pcs dried shiitake mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 Tbsp sesame oil
• roasted sesame seeds optional
• 1 tsp red hot chili pepper optional
• ground black pepper
• salt to taste
• sugar to taste

Instructions

How to cook Japchae:

• Soak the dried mushrooms in 1/4 cup hot water until soft. Strain then slice into strips. Reserve the liquid for later use.
• Cook the noodles according to package instruction then drain. Toss the noodles with sesame oil so it won't stick together. Then set it aside.
• In a pan or wok, heat a teaspoon of cooking oil and fry the beaten egg until set. Fold into half then slice into thin strips. Set aside.
• Coat the beef slices with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
• Blanch the spinach, and then rinse it with cold water, drain and set aside.
• In a medium size wok, heat some oil in high heat then stir fry the beef strips for about 3 minutes. Set aside.
• In the same wok, saute garlic until fragrant, add mushrooms and continue to stir for half a minute.
• Then add the carrots and onions, stir fry for a minute or until the onions are tender.
• Add the cooked noodles, spinach, bell pepper, beef slices, soy sauce, chili pepper, salt, sugar and ground black pepper.
• Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed then turn off the heat. Toss with strips of omelet and roasted sesame seed.

Notes

Cooking Tips:

1. Properly Cook and Drain the Noodles: To ensure that your noodles have the perfect texture, it's important to cook them according to the package instructions. Overcooking the noodles can result in a mushy texture, while undercooking them will make them too firm. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and toss them with sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together. This step is crucial for achieving the desired consistency and taste.
2. Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: When stir-frying the ingredients, it's essential to use high heat. High heat allows for quick and even cooking, preserving the flavors and textures of the ingredients. It helps to maintain the vibrant colors of the vegetables while giving the beef a delicious sear. Stir-fry each ingredient separately, starting with the beef, to ensure that they are cooked properly and retain their individual flavors.