Colorful Vegetable-Packed Japchae
Colorful Vegetable-Packed Japchae
Make Japchae with What You Have in Your Fridge!
This recipe introduces how to make a rich and flavorful Japchae, generously loaded with mushrooms and using vegetables you have on hand. It’s perfect for holidays, special occasions, or even a delightful everyday meal.
Main Ingredients- 1 bunch soaked glass noodles (approx. 100g)
- 1 onion (medium size)
- 1/4 carrot
- 1.5 king oyster mushrooms
- 5 dried wood ear mushrooms (or a handful of fresh wood ear mushrooms)
- 1 handful spinach (blanched and prepared)
Japchae Seasoning- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/3 Tbsp ginger concentrate (or a little minced ginger)
- 1/3 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp plum extract (maesilcheong)
- 1/3 Tbsp ginger concentrate (or a little minced ginger)
- 1/3 Tbsp sesame oil
- 1/2 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, lightly grease a pan with cooking oil and stir-fry the sliced onion over medium-low heat until translucent. The onion adds a natural sweetness that enhances the Japchae’s flavor. Once the onion is somewhat cooked, add the sliced carrot and stir-fry together. Be careful not to overcook the carrot, as it can become mushy; stir-fry it just enough to retain a slight crispness.
Step 2
Add the sliced king oyster mushrooms and stir-fry. King oyster mushrooms provide a satisfying chewy texture, making the Japchae even richer. Continue to stir-fry until the mushrooms are lightly browned.
Step 3
Add the soaked wood ear mushrooms and stir-fry briefly. Wood ear mushrooms add a delightful chewy element to the Japchae. Avoid overcooking them, as they can become soft.
Step 4
Add the soaked glass noodles and mix well with all the vegetables. Stir-fry, using a spatula to separate the noodles so they don’t clump together. Then, add the soy sauce, plum extract, and ginger concentrate. Stir-fry thoroughly until the seasoning is evenly distributed throughout the noodles. Cook until the noodles turn a rich, appealing color.
Step 5
Finally, add the blanched spinach and drizzle in the sesame oil. Adding spinach after turning off the heat helps preserve its vibrant color and maintain a tender texture. Gently mix everything together.
Step 6
To finish, generously sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma. Your delicious Japchae is now complete! Let it cool slightly before serving for the best flavor. While delicious when hot, allowing it to cool a bit allows the flavors of the ingredients to meld together for a deeper taste.
