JapChae

Japchae is a classic Korean dish made from stir-fried glass noodles (dangmyeon) mixed with a variety of vegetables, meat, and a savory-sweet sauce. The word "japchae" comes from "jap" meaning "mixed" and "chae" meaning "vegetables." Originally, japchae was a royal dish made only with vegetables, but over time, sweet potato starch noodles were added, giving it the unique chewy texture it is known for today.

JapChae

  • SERVE : 2

  • PREP : 30 mins

  • COOK : 30 mins

  • Ingredients

    • 250g glass noodles
    • 150g spinach
    • 2/3 cup (110g) pork
    • 1/2 cup (3g) dried wood ear mushrooms
    • 2 cups (180g) onion
    • 2/3 cup (40g) green onion
    • 2/3 cup (40g) carrot
    • 4 tbsp (30g) soy sauce
    • 2 tbsp (22g) brown sugar
    • 4 tbsp (25g) sesame oil
    • 1/2 tbsp (15g) minced garlic
    • 4 tbsp (25g) cooking oil
    • 1/3 tbsp (2g) fine salt
    • 1/2 tbsp (4g) sesame seeds
    • 1/3 tbsp (2g) MSG
    • 1g ground pepper
    • 1g caramel

Directions for preparing ingredients

  • Noodles

    • Soak the glass noodles in water for about 30 minutes.

  • Dried wood ear mushrooms

    • Soak the dried wood ear mushrooms in water for about 30 minutes, then tear or cut them into bite-sized pieces.

  • Vegetables

    • Remove the roots from the spinach and separate the leaves.
    • Slice the onion lengthwise into thin strips.
    • Julienne the carrot and diagonally slice the green onion.

  • Meat

    • Cut the pork into thin strips and lightly season with salt or soy sauce.

Directions for making

  • Step 1

    • Heat 1 tbsp of cooking oil in a pan and stir-fry the pork until cooked through. Set aside.
    • Wipe the pan clean, add 1 tbsp of cooking oil, and stir-fry the onion with a pinch of ground pepper over medium heat until slightly tender. Set aside.

  • Step 2

    • In the same pan, add 1/2 tbsp of cooking oil and stir-fry the carrot with a pinch of salt over medium heat. Set aside.
    • Stir-fry the soaked wood ear mushrooms in 1/2 tbsp of cooking oil over medium heat. Set aside.
    • Finally, stir-fry the green onion in 1/3 tbsp of cooking oil over medium heat. Set aside.

  • Step 3

    • Blanch the spinach in boiling water with a pinch of salt for about 12 seconds.
    • Rinse under cold water and squeeze out excess moisture.

  • Step 4

    • Boil the soaked noodles in the pot until they are cooked.
    • Rinse under cold water and drain well.
    • Cut the noodles into manageable lengths.

  • Step 5

    • In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, all stir-fried ingredients, blanched spinach, and minced garlic.
    • Add soy sauce, brown sugar, fine salt, sesame oil, ground pepper, MSG, and caramel.
    • Mix well until everything is evenly coated.

  • Step 6

    • Transfer the japchae to a serving plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds.