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The BEST Japchae Recipe (Korean Glass Noodle Stir Fry) | 잡채 — AhNest Kitchen

Japchae, a beloved Korean dish, is renowned for its vibrant colours, delightful textures, and harmonious blend of flavours. It is a stir-fried noodle dish made with sweet potato glass noodles, known as "dangmyeon," which are celebrated for their chewy texture and ability to absorb flavourful sauces. At AhNest Kitchen, we believe that the best Japchae is a labour of love, combining fresh vegetables, succulent meats, and a fragrant soy-sesame seasoning. Join us as we guide you through our favourite Japchae recipe that will transport your taste buds straight to Korea!

Ingredients

For the Noodles:

• 200g sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), sliced
• 100g shiitake mushrooms, sliced (fresh or dried)
• 100g spinach, washed and roughly chopped
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 spring onions, finely sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced

For the Protein (optional):

• 200g beef (sirloin or tenderloin), thinly sliced, or chicken or tofu for a vegetarian option

For the Sauce:

• 3 tablespoons soy sauce (can adjust to taste)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Glass Noodles

1. Soak the Noodles: Place the sweet potato glass noodles in a bowl and cover them with warm water, letting them soak for about 30 minutes or until they become tender. Drain the noodles and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables and Protein

1. Sauté the Protein: In a large frying pan or wok, heat a splash of oil over medium-high heat. Add your chosen protein (beef, chicken, or tofu) and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until cooked through. Once done, remove from the pan and set aside.

2. Cook the Vegetables: In the same pan, add a little more oil if necessary and toss in the minced garlic and onions. Sauté until fragrant and slightly translucent. Next, add the carrots and bell peppers, cooking for another 2-3 minutes, followed by the mushrooms. Stir-fry everything together for 5-6 minutes until the vegetables are tender but still vibrant.

Step 3: Combine Everything

1. Add the Spinach: Toss the chopped spinach into the pan, mixing until it wilts down.

2. Combine the Noodles and Protein: Add the drained glass noodles and cooked protein back into the pan with the vegetables.

Step 4: Season the Japchae

1. Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and black pepper. Pour it over the noodle mixture and stir well, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Continue stirring for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

1. Final Touches: Off the heat, sprinkle the toasted sesame seeds and sliced spring onions over the top. Give it a gentle toss to incorporate.

2. Serve Warm: Japchae can be enjoyed hot or at room temperature. Serve it as a main dish or as a side alongside other Korean delights like bulgogi or kimchi.

Additional Tips

• Vegetarian/Vegan Options: Feel free to experiment with your choice of vegetables and protein. Mushrooms, zucchini, and bell peppers are excellent additions for a vegetarian dish.

• Meal Prep: Japchae keeps well in the fridge and can be reheated, making it perfect for meal prepping.

• Adjusting the Flavour: The beauty of Japchae lies in its versatility; adjust the soy sauce for saltiness, add more sugar for sweetness, or a hint of chilli paste for spice to cater to your taste.

Conclusion

AhNest Kitchen’s Japchae recipe offers not just a meal but an experience steeped in Korean culture. The combination of chewy noodles, fresh vegetables, and seasoned protein creates a dish that is as hearty as it is healthy. Whether you’re enjoying a family dinner or hosting friends, this Japchae will surely impress. We hope you enjoy making and savouring this quintessential Korean dish as much as we do! Happy cooking!

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