Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles) Recipe

Since every Filipino is easy to adapt to any environment, especially in foods that they are eating. Here in our country (Philippines), Korean restaurant is like a mushroom that sprouting everywhere, especially in an urbanized area. Every time I have a chance to visit Korean restaurant with my friends and family, there is a menu that I always looking for.

Today, the recipe that I want to introduce to you on this page is not an authentic Filipino foodie. But this is a 101% recipe made from Korea. I come up to add this dish to my recipe's list because of its simplicity, in terms of preparation and cooking. Plus, the sesame flavor behind of that dish is totally amazing, the unique and pleasant texture of its noodles was surprised. Therefore, curiosity was started on my mind on how the Koreans do the super yummy dish.

"Japchae" other called this "jabchae", "chapchae", "jobchae"," japche" and "jap chae". Whatever its name, or how to pronounce it. One thing for sure is, you would be like it once your bud tastes it.

"Japchae" is a Korean glass noodle stir-fried with vegetables and meat. This flavorful and nutritious dish that can be served as a main meal, snack or appetizer. But traditionally, "Japchae" is served on holidays or special occasions.

I can consider "Japchae" is the counterpart of Koreans to our version of "Pansit Bihon". The difference is that "Japchae" has a sweet-savory taste and it is a little bit oily because of sesame oil. While our "pansit" has a salty taste and it needs "kalamansi" or lemon to enhance its flavor.

The noodles use for "Japchae" is glass noodles also known as sweet potato starch noodles ("Dang-myeon") it is a unique and pleasant texture, and don't feel heavy like flour-based kinds of pasta.

Don't worry where you can buy glass noodles or "Dang-myeon" (Also known as starch noodles or Korean vermicelli, they are all the same.)because it is available in a big supermarket today, and of course, in any Korean or Asian store near you.

If you have an "umay factor" or you feel tired of eating the same food. I don’t hesitate to recommend "Japchae" as an alternative one. You can serve this at any gathering, It’s hard to pass up these chewy, sweet, and slightly slippery noodles with colorful stir-fried vegetables and mushrooms. Its irresistible sesame flavor, a healthy amount of garlic, and light, refreshing taste. Let's try it now!

Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles) Recipe 

Good for serving 3 - 4 persons

Prep time 20 mins

Cook time 20 mins

Total time 45 mins

Ingredients:

• 250 grams beef or pork shoulder, cut into ¼ inch wide and 2½ inch long strips
• 3 to 4 large dried shiitake mushrooms, soaked in warm water for 1 to 2 hours, cut into thin strips
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 4 tablespoons sugar
• 6 tablespoons soy sauce
• 7 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 large egg
• 1 bundle water spinach or "kangkong", washed and drained
• 250 grams of glass noodles or "dangmyeon" (sweet potato starch noodles)
• 2 to 3 green onions, cut crosswise into 2 inch long pieces
• 1 medium onion (1 cup), sliced thinly
• 1 medium carrot (¾ cup), cut into matchsticks
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
• ground black pepper
• salt
• vegetable oil

Cooking Instructions:

1. Marinate the beef and mushrooms:
   1. Put the beef/pork into a bowl.
   2. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic, 2 teaspoon sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper, 3 teaspoons soy sauce, and 2 teaspoons of sesame oil.
   3. Mix it equally by hand.
   4. Cover and keep it in the fridge.
2. Make the egg garnish:
   1. Crack the egg, put into a small bowl then beat with a pinch of salt with a fork.
   2. Add 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil to a heated nonstick pan. Swirl the oil around so it covers the pan, and then wipe off the excess heated oil with a kitchen towel so only a thin layer remains on the pan.
   3. Turn off the heat and pour the egg mixture into the pan. Tilt it around so the mixture spreads thinly. 
   4. Let it cook using the remaining heat in the pan for about minute. 
   5. Flip it over and let it sit on the pan for another minute.
   6. Let it cool and slice it into thin strips.
3. Prepare the noodles and vegetables:
   1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then take it out with a slotted spoon or strainer. Let the water keep boiling to cook the noodles.
   2. Rinse the spinach in cold water to stop it from cooking. Squeeze it with your hands to remove any excess water. Cut it a few times and put it into a bowl. Mix with 1 teaspoon soy sauce and 1 teaspoon sesame oil. Put it into a large mixing bowl.
   3. Put the noodles into the boiling water, cover and cook for 1 minute. Stir them with a wooden spoon so they don’t stick together. Cover and keep cooking for another 7 minutes until the noodles are soft and chewy.
   4. Strain and cut them a few times with kitchen scissors. Put the noodles into the large bowl next to the spinach. Add 2 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, and 1 teaspoon sugar. Mix well by hand or a wooden spoon. This process will season the noodles and also keep the noodles from sticking to each other.
   5. Heat up a skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 teaspoons vegetable oil with the onion, the green onion, and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry about 2 minutes until the onion looks a little translucent. Transfer to the noodle bowl.
   6. Heat up the skillet again and add 2 teaspoons vegetable oil. Add the shiitake mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until softened and a little juicy. Transfer to the noodle bowl.
   7. Heat up the skillet and add 1 teaspoon vegetable oil. Add the carrot and stir-fry for 20 seconds. Add the red bell pepper strips and stir-fry another 20 seconds. Transfer to the noodle bowl.
   8. Heat up the skillet and add 2 teaspoons vegetable oil. Add the marinated beef /pork and stir-fry for a few minutes until the beef/pork is no longer pink. Transfer to the noodle bowl.
4. Mix and Serve:
   1. Add 2 minced garlic clove, 2 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, ½ teaspoon ground black pepper, and 3 teaspoons of sesame oil to the mixing bowl full of ingredients. Mix all together by hand.
   2. Add the egg garnish and 1 tablespoon sesame seeds. Mix it and transfer it to a large plate and serve.
5. Share and enjoy!!!

Source: maangchi.com

Author : phils

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