Japchae (korean sweet potato noodles)
Japchae is a traditional Korean dish made with chewy sweet potato noodles, marinated beef, and an array of vegetables, offering a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors. This colorful stir-fried dish is perfect for special occasions and easy to prepare at home.
Cook time 20 min
Prep time 10 min
Ingredients:
1 cup rice noodles1 tbsp sesame oil
1/4 cup soy sauce
3 cups spinach
1 tbsp olive oil
1 carrot
1 onion
5 shallots
1/2 cup mushrooms
1/2 lb beef
2 garlic cloves
2 tbsp sugar
Japchae is a popular Korean dish made from sweet potato noodles (also known as glass noodles or 'dangmyeon'). Traditionally served on special occasions, it's a colorful and flavorful dish that's packed with a variety of vegetables and often includes beef for added taste and texture. With a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, Japchae is not only delicious but also visually appealing.
Instructions:
- Cook the sweet potato noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, this involves boiling them in water for around 7-10 minutes until they are soft but chewy. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles with 1 tablespoon of sesame oil and 1/4 cup of soy sauce. Mix well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated. Set aside while preparing the other ingredients.
- Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch it for about 1-2 minutes until it wilts. Drain and rinse the spinach under cold water to stop the cooking process. Squeeze out any excess water and set the spinach aside.
- Peel and julienne the carrot.
- Thinly slice the onion, shallots, and mushrooms.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add the sliced onions, shallots, and carrot to the pan. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Push the vegetables to one side of the pan and add the sliced beef. Cook the beef for about 3-5 minutes until it is browned and cooked through.
- Add the sliced mushrooms and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until they are tender.
- Add the noodles and spinach to the pan with the cooked vegetables and beef. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of sugar over the mixture.
- Toss everything together until well combined and heated through. Adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce if needed.
- Transfer the Japchae to a serving dish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or sliced green onions for garnish if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Japchae!
Japchae is a versatile and delectable Korean dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish. With its vibrant mix of colors and flavors, it's sure to be a hit at any dinner table. By following these steps and tips, you can create an authentic Japchae experience at home. Enjoy the delightful taste of this Korean classic!
Japchae (korean sweet potato noodles) FAQ:
Cook the sweet potato noodles according to the package instructions, typically around 7-10 minutes in boiling water. They should be soft but retain a chewy texture. Test a strand to ensure it's cooked to your liking before draining.
Yes, you can prepare Japchae ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm it gently in a pan or microwave, adding a splash of water if needed to maintain moisture.
You can substitute beef with chicken, tofu, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking time as necessary based on the choice of protein.
A large skillet or wok works best for making Japchae, as it provides enough space to sauté the vegetables and mix all the ingredients together without overcrowding.
Absolutely! Japchae is versatile; you can add bell peppers, zucchini, or even broccoli. Just ensure they are cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
Tips:
- For best results, use Korean sweet potato noodles, but rice noodles can be a substitute if you can't find the traditional kind.
- Make sure to prepare all your vegetables and meat ahead of time. This helps in maintaining the stir-frying process smooth and quick.
- Blanch the spinach first to retain its vibrant green color and to avoid overcooking it when combining with other ingredients.
- Use a mix of different mushrooms, like shiitake and button mushrooms, to add a variety of textures and flavors.
- Adjust the seasoning to your preferred taste by balancing the soy sauce and sugar according to your preference for saltiness and sweetness.
- If you like a bit of a kick, add a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) or some red pepper flakes.
- Sesame oil adds a distinctive, nutty flavor, so don't skip it or try to replace it with other oils.
Nutrition per serving
4 ServingsCalories 360kcal
Protein 22g
Carbohydrates 33g
Fiber 3.75g
Sugar 15g
Fat 18g
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