Korean Japchae Noodle Stir Fry
Instructions
- 1
Cook the sweet potato noodles in boiling water for 6-7 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain and rinse with cold water. Cut into shorter lengths with scissors.
- 2
Mix 2 tablespoons soy sauce with 1 tablespoon sugar and minced garlic. Marinate the sliced beef in this mixture for 15 minutes.
- 3
Beat eggs and cook as a thin omelet. Let cool and slice into thin strips.
- 4
Julienne the carrot, slice the onion thinly, cut bell pepper into strips, and slice mushrooms.
- 5
Blanch spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds, rinse in cold water, squeeze out excess water, and season with a pinch of salt and sesame oil.
- 6
Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large wok or pan. Stir-fry the marinated beef until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- 7
In the same pan, stir-fry carrots for 2 minutes, then add onions, bell peppers, and mushrooms. Cook until softened.
- 8
Add the cooked noodles to the pan with remaining soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes.
- 9
Add the cooked beef, spinach, egg strips, and chopped green onions. Toss to combine and heat through.
- 10
Season with salt and pepper to taste, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve hot or at room temperature.
Chef's Note
"Japchae is my go-to Korean celebration dish - the glossy sweet potato noodles perfectly absorb all the savory-sweet flavors while each vegetable adds its own texture and color. Don't worry if it seems like many ingredients; once your prep is done, it all comes together beautifully in the pan!"