Japchae, also known as Korean glass noodles, is a popular Korean dish made with sweet potato starch noodles, vegetables, and meat. It is typically served as a side dish or main course and is enjoyed by many around the world for its savory and slightly sweet flavor profile.
History: Japchae’s origins can be traced back to the royal cuisine of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), where it was originally known as “japchae-bap,” a rice dish that was made with sliced vegetables and stir-fried meat. Over time, the rice was replaced with sweet potato noodles, and the dish evolved into the japchae we know and love today.
Recipe: To make japchae, you will need:
- 8 ounces of sweet potato starch noodles
- 4 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 carrots, julienned
- 2 cups of fresh spinach
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 cup of sliced mushrooms
- 1 pound of sirloin steak, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds
Instructions:
- Cook the sweet potato starch noodles in a pot of boiling water for 7-8 minutes, or until soft. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent.
- Add the carrots, spinach, bell pepper, and mushrooms to the skillet and sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.
- Add the sliced steak to the skillet and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes, or until the meat is cooked through.
- Add the cooked sweet potato noodles to the skillet, along with the soy sauce mixture. Stir until everything is well coated and heated through.
- Garnish with toasted sesame seeds and serve hot.
Variations: Japchae can be customized to your liking by adding different vegetables, meats, or even tofu. Some common variations include:
- Japchae with chicken: Replace the sirloin steak with chicken breast, sliced into thin strips.
- Vegetarian japchae: Omit the meat and add extra vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas.
- Japchae with shrimp: Replace the meat with peeled and deveined shrimp.
Conclusion: Japchae is a delicious and healthy Korean dish that is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Whether you make it as a side dish or main course, it is sure to satisfy your cravings for something savory and satisfying.
Cooking tips:
- Be sure to rinse the sweet potato starch noodles under cold water after cooking to prevent them from becoming too sticky.
- Use a non-stick skillet to prevent the noodles and vegetables from sticking to the pan.
- Feel free to adjust the sweetness and saltiness of the soy sauce mixture to your liking.
