Ingredients:
- 200g (7 oz) sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)
- 150g (5.3 oz) beef ribeye, thinly sliced
- 60ml (1/4 cup) soy sauce
- 30g (2 tbsp) sugar
- 30ml (2 tbsp) sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium onion, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 100g (3.5 oz) spinach, blanched
- 150g (5.3 oz) shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 egg, beaten and fried into a thin omelet
- 5g (1 tsp) sesame seeds, toasted for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil. Add 200g (7 oz) sweet potato glass noodles and cook for 6-7 minutes until they become translucent and tender. Drain and cut the noodles with kitchen scissors into manageable lengths. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Marinate the Beef
In a mixing bowl, combine 150g (5.3 oz) thinly sliced ribeye beef with 60ml (1/4 cup) soy sauce, 1 clove minced garlic, 30ml (2 tbsp) sesame oil, and 30g (2 tbsp) sugar. Mix well and let the beef marinate while you prepare the vegetables.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 15ml (1 tbsp) sesame oil in a large frying pan or wok over medium heat. Add the sliced onion, julienned carrot, and red bell pepper. Stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until the vegetables are tender yet still crisp. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
In the same pan, add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until just cooked through. Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove these from the pan.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
Return the noodles, sautéed vegetables, beef, and blanched spinach to the pan. Add the remaining 30ml (2 tbsp) soy sauce and 15g (1 tbsp) sugar. Toss everything together on medium heat for about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
Transfer your Japchae to a serving platter. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and julienned strips of the fried egg omelet. Serve the dish warm or at room temperature.
Conclusion
You’ve just created an authentic Korean Japchae, showcasing a vibrant tapestry of flavors and textures that epitomize Korean culinary traditions. Whether enjoyed as a main dish or a side, Japchae is a delicious addition to any meal. Its adaptable nature means you can play with different vegetables or proteins to suit your preferences. Enjoy the harmony of tastes in every bite, and happy cooking!
