Savory Beef and Mushroom Japchae: A Festive Korean Noodle Dish
A Must-Have for Lunar New Year! Delicious Japchae with Beef and Mushrooms!
Indulge in the rich flavors of this healthy Japchae, generously packed with premium Hoengseong beef sirloin and dried mushrooms. It’s a perfect, impressive dish for entertaining guests during the Lunar New Year festivities.
Main Ingredients- Hoengseong Beef Sirloin 500g
- Dried Mushrooms 1 handful each (Shiitake, Oyster, King Oyster, Enoki, etc.)
- Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms 1 fistful
- Onion 1 medium
- Carrot 1 medium
- Glass Noodles (Dangmyeon) 300g
Seasoning and Marinade- 1 bottle Bulgogi Marinade (approx. 200g)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin/Sake)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar (or to taste)
- 3 Tbsp Sesame Oil (Perilla Oil)
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Pinch of Black Pepper (for beef)
- 1 bottle Bulgogi Marinade (approx. 200g)
- 2 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin/Sake)
- 1 Tbsp Minced Garlic
- 3 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Sugar (or to taste)
- 3 Tbsp Sesame Oil (Perilla Oil)
- 2 Tbsp Toasted Sesame Seeds
- Pinch of Black Pepper (for beef)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thinly slice 500g of premium Hoengseong beef sirloin. In a bowl, combine the sliced beef with approximately 200g of bulgogi marinade, 1 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated, and let it marinate for a while. This marination step enhances the beef’s depth of flavor.
Step 2
Prepare about a handful each of various dried mushrooms such as shiitake, oyster, king oyster, and enoki. Soak them in warm water until fully rehydrated. Once softened, rinse them under clean water and squeeze out any excess moisture. Trim them into bite-sized pieces. This process revitalizes the mushrooms, bringing out their fragrant aroma and chewy texture.
Step 3
Soak a fistful of dried wood ear mushrooms in warm water until they become pliable. After soaking, carefully trim away the tough, darker core from the base of the wood ear mushrooms and rinse them thoroughly. These mushrooms will add a delightful, slightly crunchy element to the dish.
Step 4
Peel and thinly julienne 1 medium onion and 1 medium carrot. Aim for consistent thickness in your julienned vegetables for even cooking and a more appealing presentation.
Step 5
Heat a pan over medium heat. Add the julienned onions and carrots and stir-fry them lightly. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of salt over the vegetables while cooking; this helps to bring out their natural sweetness. Avoid overcooking them, as you want them to retain a slight crispness.
Step 6
In a separate pan, or after cleaning the first one, add all the prepared rehydrated mushrooms. Add 4 Tbsp of bulgogi marinade and stir-fry them together, ensuring they are well coated. The mushrooms will release their earthy aroma as they cook, creating an enticing fragrance.
Step 7
Using the same pan where the mushrooms were cooked (or a clean one), add the marinated beef. Stir-fry over medium-high heat until the beef is just cooked through, about 2-3 minutes. Cook quickly to retain the juicy tenderness of the sirloin. Once cooked, remove the beef from the pan.
Step 8
It’s best to soak the 300g of glass noodles in warm water beforehand to reduce cooking time. Once rehydrated, boil the noodles in plenty of water for about 3-5 minutes until they are tender but still have a slight chew. If you haven’t pre-soaked them, boil directly for about 8-10 minutes. Drain the cooked noodles immediately in a colander. While still hot, toss them with soy sauce and sesame oil to prevent sticking and give them a glossy finish. Crucially, do NOT rinse the noodles under cold water.
Step 9
In a large mixing bowl, combine the stir-fried vegetables (onions, carrots), mushrooms, and beef. Place the seasoned, drained glass noodles on top. Drizzle 3 Tbsp soy sauce and 3 Tbsp sesame oil over the noodles and gently toss them to coat. Then, add the mixture of stir-fried vegetables and beef to the bowl. Carefully mix everything together, ensuring all ingredients are evenly distributed. Taste the Japchae and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more soy sauce for saltiness or a little sugar for sweetness.
Step 10
Finally, sprinkle generously with 2 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for a final flourish. The combination of the rich flavor of Hoengseong beef sirloin and the chewy, umami-rich texture of the rehydrated mushrooms creates a truly delicious Japchae. Serve immediately while warm for the best taste experience.
