Your cart
There are no more items in your cart
English GB 
中文Japchae, a cherished gem in Korean cuisine, is a dish that artfully marries the unique textures and tastes of glass noodles with a vibrant medley of vegetables and the optional addition of meat. This dish, with its roots in the royal courts of ancient Korea, has evolved into a celebratory staple, gracing tables at festive occasions and cherished family gatherings.
In Japchae, every ingredient plays a pivotal role. The glass noodles, made from sweet potato starch, provide a delightfully chewy texture that is both unique and satisfying. When these are intertwined with crisp, fresh vegetables and succulent slices of meat, the dish becomes a tapestry of textures and flavours. The sweet and savoury sauce, a blend of soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil, delicately coats each strand and morsel, infusing the dish with a depth that is distinctly Korean.
Beyond its delicious taste, Japchae is a visual feast, with its array of brightly coloured vegetables adding aesthetic appeal to its rich profile. With the right authentic ingredients and a faithful recipe, anyone can recreate this quintessential Korean dish in their own kitchen, bringing a slice of Korea's rich culinary heritage to their dining table.
Ingredients
- 200g glass noodles (sweet potato starch noodles)
- 100g spinach, blanched and squeezed dry
- 1 carrot, julienned
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 5 mushrooms (shiitake or button), sliced
- 150g beef (optional), thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Sesame seeds, for garnish
- Strips of nori (seaweed), for garnish
Instructions
Cooking the Noodles: Begin by boiling the glass noodles in water for 5 to 7 minutes, until they soften. After they're cooked, drain the noodles and set them aside for later use.
Stir-Frying the Beef: In a frying pan, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over a medium flame. If you're including beef, add it to the pan and stir-fry until it's fully cooked, then remove it and put it aside.
Sautéing the Vegetables: Using the same pan, add a bit more sesame oil. Sauté the onions, carrots, and mushrooms in it until they become tender and fragrant.
Adding Spinach: Introduce the pre-blanched spinach to the pan, and continue to stir-fry everything together for an additional minute, just to integrate the spinach with the other vegetables.
Preparing the Sauce: In a separate small bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, and minced garlic. This mixture will create the sauce for the Japchae.
Combining Noodles and Vegetables: Return the previously cooked noodles and beef (if used) to the pan with the sautéed vegetables. This is where all the elements of the dish start to come together.
Adding the Sauce: Pour the soy sauce mixture over the noodles and vegetables. Stir everything thoroughly, ensuring the ingredients are well mixed and evenly coated with the sauce.
Final Seasoning: Taste your Japchae and, according to your preference, season with salt and pepper. This step is crucial for balancing all the flavours.
Garnishing: Sprinkle sesame seeds and nori strips over the dish for garnish. These not only add to the presentation but also introduce a delightful texture and taste.
Serving the Dish: Serve your Japchae either warm or at room temperature. It's a versatile dish that's delicious in either state.
This delightful dish is not only visually appealing but also offers a symphony of exotic tastes and textures. Japchae is perfect for a special occasion or as a delicious meal to enjoy any day.