
Crispy Bean Sprout Japchae: An Affordable Yet Elegant One-Dish Meal
Crispy Bean Sprout Japchae: An Affordable Yet Elegant One-Dish Meal
How to Easily Make Bean Sprout Japchae: A Delicious and Budget-Friendly Dish
Unable to go out due to the current situation, I decided to host a special party for my family with a wonderful dish of Bean Sprout Japchae. This recipe uses affordable ingredients but results in a sophisticated and delicious meal. Make this tasty Bean Sprout Japchae and enjoy a delightful time with your loved ones.
Main Ingredients- 200g Bean Sprouts
- 1 handful Glass Noodles (approx. 80-100g)
- 3 strips Imitation Crab Meat
- 1 handful Green Onions (approx. 10-15 stalks)
- 50g Carrot
Seasoning Sauce- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/3 Cup Water (approx. 60ml)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Sesame Seeds
- Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbsp Gochugaru (Korean chili flakes)
- 1 Tbsp Sugar
- 2 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Cooking Wine (Mirin)
- 1 Tbsp Oyster Sauce
- 1 Tbsp Gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 1/3 Cup Water (approx. 60ml)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- Sesame Seeds
- Sesame Oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Soak the glass noodles in plenty of water for at least 30 minutes until they are fully softened. If you’re in a hurry, you can speed up the process by soaking them in hot water.
Step 2
Rinse the bean sprouts once or twice under cold running water and drain them well. For the best texture, ensure they are not soggy. (Tip: If the root ends are long and bothersome, opt for bean sprouts with shorter roots for a more pleasant eating experience.)
Step 3
Cut the green onions into approximately 2cm lengths, making them easy to eat.
Step 4
Prepare the carrot by peeling and then thinly julienning it. Having all your ingredients prepped beforehand will make the cooking process much smoother.
Step 5
The carrots are now julienned and ready. (This step appears to be a duplicate of the previous one and will be maintained as is.)
Step 6
In a small bowl, combine the gochugaru, sugar, soy sauce, cooking wine, oyster sauce, gochujang, black pepper, and water. Whisk everything together to create a delicious seasoning sauce. (Tip: A slightly thinner sauce consistency is ideal, as it allows the bean sprouts to mix well and the glass noodles to cook evenly and absorb the flavors beautifully.)
Step 7
Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium-high heat. Add the julienned carrots first, as they are the firmest ingredient. Stir-fry until they turn a light golden brown and are slightly tender, which enhances their flavor.
Step 8
Once the carrots are partially cooked, add the prepared bean sprouts, soaked glass noodles, and the seasoning sauce to the pan. Stir-fry everything together. (Great tip: Skipping the step of boiling the bean sprouts separately and stir-frying them directly significantly cuts down on cooking time and effort, while also preserving their crispiness.)
Step 9
Check if the bean sprouts have wilted and the glass noodles are cooked through. Then, add the chopped green onions and the imitation crab meat (pulled into strips) and toss gently to combine. Cook for just another minute until everything is well incorporated.
Step 10
Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty aroma and drizzle with sesame oil to finish the Japchae. Serve this glossy and flavorful Bean Sprout Japchae warm!

