The Ultimate Japchae: A Golden Recipe for a Beloved Korean Dish
Master the Art of Authentic Japchae: The Perfect Recipe for Special Occasions
As the holidays approach, it’s time to prepare a dish that’s a labor of love but incredibly rewarding: Japchae! This beloved Korean noodle stir-fry is a centerpiece of festive meals. Here’s a golden recipe for authentic, delicious Japchae that’s sure to impress.
Main Ingredients- Japchae noodles (dangmyeon) 200g
- Pork for Japchae 200g
- Spinach 1/2 bunch
- Carrot 1/4
- Dried wood ear mushrooms 6
- Dried shiitake mushroom 1
- Eggs 2
- Onion 1/2
- Minced garlic 2 Tbsp
- Soy sauce 8.5 Tbsp
- Oligosaccharide (or corn syrup) 1 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 2 Tbsp
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds to garnish
- Salt to taste
- Cooking oil as needed
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by preparing the japchae noodles. Soak 200g of dangmyeon (sweet potato starch noodles) in cold water until they are fully softened. This forms the base of your delicious Japchae.
Step 2
While the noodles soak, rehydrate the dried wood ear mushrooms by soaking them in warm water until pliable.
Step 3
Wash the 1/2 bunch of spinach thoroughly. Blanch it in boiling water with a pinch of salt for just 20 seconds – you want it tender but still vibrant green. Immediately rinse the blanched spinach under cold water to stop the cooking process. Gently squeeze out excess water and chop it into manageable lengths.
Step 4
Season the chopped spinach with a little salt and 1/2 Tbsp of minced garlic. Gently toss to coat and set aside. This pre-seasoning infuses flavor into the spinach.
Step 5
Prepare the carrot by peeling it and then thinly slicing it into matchsticks (julienne).
Step 6
Heat a little cooking oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the julienned carrots and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry until the carrots are tender-crisp, being careful not to overcook them.
Step 7
Take the dried shiitake mushroom, rehydrate it if you haven’t already, remove the tough stem, and thinly slice it.
Step 8
In the same pan (or a clean one), add a little cooking oil and stir-fry the sliced shiitake mushrooms with a pinch of salt. Once fragrant, add the rehydrated and chopped wood ear mushrooms to the pan and stir-fry briefly.
Step 9
Separate the yolks and whites of the 2 eggs. This will allow you to make distinct yellow and white egg crepes for garnish.
Step 10
Lightly oil a non-stick pan and pour in the egg whites. Cook over low heat until set, then flip and cook briefly. Repeat this process with the egg yolks. Aim for thin, evenly cooked crepes.
Step 11
Once the egg crepes have cooled slightly, stack them and slice them into thin strips for garnish.
Step 12
Peel and thinly slice the 1/2 onion into matchsticks.
Step 13
Heat a little oil in the pan and stir-fry the sliced onions over medium-low heat until they become translucent and slightly softened. This brings out their natural sweetness.
Step 14
In a pan with a touch of cooking oil, stir-fry the 200g of pork. Season it as you cook with 2.5 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Cook until the pork is no longer pink.
Step 15
Prepare the main Japchae seasoning sauce by combining 6 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp oligosaccharide (or corn syrup), 2 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well.
Step 16
Boil the soaked dangmyeon noodles in plenty of water for about 4 minutes, or until al dente. Be careful not to overcook them. Drain the noodles and immediately rinse them under cold water to remove excess starch. Drain them thoroughly in a colander.
Step 17
Now, all your prepared ingredients are ready for assembly! Doesn’t this colorful array of ingredients look appetizing? This is the foundation for a truly spectacular Japchae.
Step 18
In a large pot or wok, combine the drained noodles with the prepared Japchae seasoning sauce. Gently stir-fry over low heat, ensuring the noodles are evenly coated and heated through. This step allows the noodles to absorb the delicious sauce.
Step 19
Once the noodles are well-coated and heated, turn off the heat. Add all the prepared ingredients to the pot: the seasoned spinach, stir-fried carrots, onions, mushrooms, pork, and egg strips. Gently toss everything together.
Step 20
The wonderful aroma of Japchae fills the air! Take a small taste and adjust the seasoning if needed by adding a little more soy sauce or sesame oil. Ensure all components are well-integrated.
Step 21
Finally, sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful garnish. Your delicious, classic Japchae is now complete! This dish is a testament to patience and is incredibly satisfying to make and share.
Step 22
Enjoying a hearty portion of warm Japchae is pure bliss! This golden recipe truly delivers on authentic flavor. Perfect for holidays or any special gathering.
