How to Make Japchae - A Traditional Korean Dish

Japchae is one of Korea's traditional dishes, known for its soft texture and delicious taste. Typically made with sweet potato starch noodles (called "japchae noodles"), various vegetables, and meat, it is seasoned with a mixture of soy sauce and sesame oil. Let's explore the process of making japchae.

Ingredients:

• Japchae noodles (sweet potato starch noodles): 200g
• Beef (ribeye or sirloin): 150g
• Carrot: 1
• Spinach: 1 bunch
• Bell pepper: 1
• Onion: 1
• Shiitake mushrooms: 2
• Eggs: 2
• Sesame oil: 2 tablespoons
• Soy sauce: 3 tablespoons
• Sugar: 1 tablespoon
• Minced garlic: 1 teaspoon
• Sesame seeds: a pinch

1. Soak the japchae noodles in water until they are soft, usually about 1 hour. Drain the soaked noodles and cut them into 15cm lengths.
2. Slice the beef thinly and marinate it with soy sauce and minced garlic. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to develop flavor.
3. Cut the carrot, onion, bell pepper, and shiitake mushrooms into thin strips.
4. Separate the egg whites and yolks. Beat the eggs and make thin egg crepes. Slice the egg crepes thinly.
5. Stir-fry the carrot without oil. Once the carrot softens slightly, add the onion and bell pepper.
6. Add the marinated beef to the stir-fried vegetables and cook until the beef is done. Then, add the spinach and shiitake mushrooms and continue cooking.
7. Add the cooked japchae noodles to the mixture along with soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Stir-fry everything together.
8. Mix in the soaked japchae noodles with the stir-fried ingredients.
9. Finally, add the sliced egg crepes and sesame seeds, and mix well.
10. Plate the japchae and garnish with fresh vegetables for presentation.

Your japchae is now ready to be enjoyed! Dive into this traditional Korean dish and savor its flavors.