Korean Japchae Noodles

Japchae, a beloved dish in Korean cuisine, is a delightful combination of sweet and savory flavors that captivates the palate. This traditional stir-fried noodle dish is known for its unique texture, vibrant colors, and satisfying taste. Originating from the Korean royal court during the 17th century, Japchae has evolved from a special occasion meal to a staple that can be enjoyed any day of the week. Whether served at a festive gathering or a casual family dinner, Japchae holds a significant place in Korean culinary culture.

Discover the delicious world of Sweet & Savory Korean Japchae Noodles. This iconic dish combines the chewy texture of sweet potato glass noodles with a medley of colorful vegetables and a rich, savory sauce, creating a feast for the eyes and the palate. Perfect for family dinners or festive gatherings, Japchae is both customizable and deeply rooted in Korean culture. Dive into this culinary journey and create a comforting, flavorful meal that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

8 oz sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)

2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided

1 medium onion, sliced

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 medium carrot, julienned

1 bell pepper (any color), sliced into thin strips

1 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped

4-5 shiitake mushrooms, sliced (or any mushrooms of your choice)

2 green onions, sliced

2 eggs (optional, for a topping)

3 tablespoons soy sauce

1 tablespoon sesame oil

2 tablespoons sugar

1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)

Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the Glass Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the sweet potato glass noodles and cook for 6-8 minutes, or until they become translucent and soft. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander and rinse them under cold water to halt the cooking process. Set them aside in a bowl.

Prepare the Vegetables: In a large skillet or wok, heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the pan. Stir-fry for approximately 2 minutes, or until the mixture becomes fragrant and the onion turns translucent.

Add Remaining Vegetables: Next, add the julienned carrots, bell pepper strips, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Continue stir-frying for an additional 3-4 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly. Finally, add the chopped spinach and stir-fry until it wilts, which should take about 1 minute.

Combine Noodles and Season: Now, add the cooked glass noodles to the vegetable mixture in the skillet. In a small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar, mixing until the sugar dissolves. Pour this sauce over the noodle and vegetable mixture, tossing everything gently to ensure an even coating. Season the medley with salt and pepper to your liking.

Optional Egg Topping: If you wish to enhance the dish with a fried egg topping, crack the eggs into a bowl and beat them lightly. In a separate non-stick skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of oil, and pour in the beaten eggs. Swirl the pan to create a thin omelet. Cook until the eggs are set, then flip and cook for an additional minute. Remove from the heat and slice the omelet into thin strips.

Serve: Transfer the Japchae to a serving dish. Garnish generously with sliced green onions and sesame seeds, and place the sliced omelet on top if using. Serve warm and enjoy your delightful Sweet & Savory Korean Japchae Noodles!

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 30 mins | 4 servings