Quick & Easy Japchae (Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry)
Lightning-Fast Japchae Using Fridge Staples
Watching actress Kim Hye-ja prepare Japchae on TV recently sparked a sudden craving! I decided to whip up this super speedy version using whatever ingredients I had on hand in my refrigerator. It’s perfect for busy days or when you need a delicious dish in a pinch.
Main Ingredients
- 1 handful dried glass noodles (approx. 100g)
- 90g dried shiitake mushrooms
- 1/3 bunch spinach (approx. 100g)
- 1/2 carrot, julienned
- 1/2 zucchini, julienned
- 1 green bell pepper, julienned
- 5 imitation crab sticks, shredded
Shiitake Mushroom Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp crushed toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 Tbsp sesame oil
Spinach Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp crushed toasted sesame seeds
Noodle Seasoning (Pre-cooking)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp crushed toasted sesame seeds
- 1/4 Tbsp sesame oil
Spinach Seasoning
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 1/2 Tbsp sugar
- 1/2 Tbsp crushed toasted sesame seeds
Noodle Seasoning (Pre-cooking)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- 4 Tbsp soy sauce (regular)
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, soak a handful of dried glass noodles in lukewarm water for about 15-20 minutes until they become soft and pliable. Using the warm water from rehydrating the shiitake mushrooms is a great tip! Ensure the noodles are thoroughly softened.
Step 2
While the noodles are soaking, let’s season the rehydrated shiitake mushrooms. In a bowl, gently mix them with the shiitake mushroom seasoning: 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp crushed toasted sesame seeds, and 1/4 Tbsp sesame oil. For the spinach, after washing and blanching, squeeze out excess water. Then, lightly season it with the spinach seasoning: 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, and 1/2 Tbsp crushed toasted sesame seeds. (Note: This recipe used leftover seasoned spinach from the previous day.)
Step 3
The seasoned shiitake mushrooms will be used directly without stir-frying. This method preserves their rich, earthy flavor wonderfully.
Step 4
Now, let’s prepare the Japchae filling. Julienne the carrots, zucchini, and green bell pepper. Lightly stir-fry each vegetable in a pan with a little oil until tender-crisp. Shred the imitation crab sticks. Combine these stir-fried vegetables, shredded crab, seasoned shiitake mushrooms, and seasoned spinach in a large bowl to create the Japchae filling.
Step 5
By now, your glass noodles should be perfectly rehydrated. Be careful not to over-soak them, as you want a pleasant chewy texture.
Step 6
Add the softened glass noodles directly into boiling water. Pour in the noodle seasoning (4 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine) and cook them together. This step infuses the noodles with a subtle savory flavor even before the main seasoning.
Step 7
While the noodles are cooking, prepare the overall seasoning. In a separate bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp onion extract or natural powder (any store-bought brand works well), 1/3 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and 1 Tbsp sesame oil. Whisk everything together until well blended. This mixture will be used to season the entire dish at the end.
Step 8
Thoroughly mix the ingredients for the overall seasoning. Ensuring all components are evenly distributed is key for a balanced flavor.
Step 9
Since the glass noodles were pre-soaked, they cook very quickly. Boil them for just about 3-5 minutes until they reach a nice al dente texture.
Step 10
Drain the cooked noodles well using a colander. Immediately pour the prepared overall seasoning mixture over the hot noodles. Toss quickly and thoroughly. Seasoning the noodles while they are still warm allows the flavors to penetrate deeply, resulting in a much tastier Japchae.
Step 11
Finally, add the prepared Japchae filling from Step 3 into the bowl with the seasoned noodles. Gently toss everything together. Be careful not to overmix or mash the noodles; you want them to remain distinct and slightly separated.
Step 12
And there you have it – a delicious and visually appealing ‘Quick & Easy Japchae’! Even though it was a spontaneous creation inspired by a TV show, the taste is absolutely fantastic.
Step 13
Doesn’t it look mouthwatering? You can almost smell the delightful flavors wafting from the screen!
Step 14
This homemade Japchae is perfect served over rice and mixed with a little spicy chili paste for a satisfying meal. Enjoy this delicious dish with your whole family!
