Japchae is a traditional Korean dish that is enjoyed by many people around the world. It is made with glass noodles, also known as sweet potato starch noodles, that are stir-fried with various vegetables and sometimes meat. The dish is seasoned with soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and toasted sesame seeds, giving it a unique and delicious flavor. Japchae is often served at special occasions, such as weddings and holidays, but it can also be found in many Korean restaurants and is a popular dish to make at home. The dish is known for its colorful and appetizing appearance and is often enjoyed as a main dish or a side dish.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz glass noodles (sweet potato starch noodles)
- 1/2 lb beef (flank steak or sirloin), sliced into thin strips
- 4-5 dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked in water until soft and sliced
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 4 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds, toasted
Instructions:
- Cook the glass noodles in a pot of boiling water for 5-7 minutes, or until they are soft and translucent. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the beef with soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. Mix well and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef and stir-fry until it’s browned and cooked through. Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of vegetable oil and sauté the onions until they are soft and translucent.
- Add the sliced shiitake mushrooms, red bell pepper, and carrot. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the cooked glass noodles and the cooked beef to the skillet with the vegetables. Stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes, or until everything is well combined.
- Drizzle sesame oil over the top and add the green onions. Stir-fry for another minute or two, or until the green onions are slightly wilted.
- Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the top of the dish.
Serve hot or at room temperature. Japchae can be a main dish or a side dish. Enjoy!