Golden Ratio Japchae
Effortlessly Master Japchae: The Key to Celebratory Feasts
A must-have dish for birthdays and celebrations, Japchae is a beloved Korean noodle stir-fry. This recipe breaks down the process into simple steps, making it achievable even for beginners. Loaded with colorful vegetables and a savory-sweet sauce, it’s perfect for making any occasion special.
Main Ingredients
- 1 handful glass noodles (approx. 100g)
- 1 sheet fish cake
- 2 Tbsp pork (for japchae)
- 1 king oyster mushroom
- 1/6 carrot
- 1/2 onion
- 20 stalks chives
Japchae Sauce
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 tsp minced garlic
- 3 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 Tbsp sugar
- 0.5 tsp minced garlic
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Thoroughly wash and prepare all the ingredients for your Japchae. Thinly slice the king oyster mushroom. Julienne the carrot and onion into similar lengths. Slice the fish cake into bite-sized strips. If you’re using beef (for Japchae) or other mushrooms like shiitake or oyster mushrooms, prepare them at this stage. Ingredients like bell peppers or spinach are great for adding color, so feel free to include them based on your preference.
Step 2
Prepare the glass noodles by either boiling or soaking them. To boil, submerge the noodles in boiling water for about 8 to 10 minutes. Be careful not to overcook them, as they can become mushy. Soaking the noodles in cold water beforehand can significantly reduce the cooking time and help achieve a chewier texture. After boiling, rinse them under cold water to maintain their springiness.
Step 3
Lightly season the prepared vegetables, fish cake, and pork with a pinch of salt. Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan. Stir-fry each ingredient separately over high heat. Cooking them individually ensures they retain their texture and flavors without becoming soggy. Briefly blanch the spinach, and set aside the chives to be added at the very end.
Step 4
Now, let’s make the delicious sauce that defines Japchae! In a bowl, combine 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 1.5 Tbsp sugar, and 0.5 tsp minced garlic. Whisk them together until well blended. Taste the sauce and add a little more sugar if you prefer a sweeter profile. Achieving the right balance between soy sauce and sugar is key to a perfect Japchae.
Step 5
Once the glass noodles are boiled and rinsed, drain them thoroughly in a colander. It’s important to remove as much excess water as possible to prevent the Japchae from becoming watery. Add the drained noodles to a large bowl containing the stir-fried vegetables, fish cake, and pork.
Step 6
Gradually pour the prepared Japchae sauce over the ingredients in the bowl, mixing as you go. A pro tip: it’s best to first toss the noodles with the sauce until they are evenly colored. Then, add the stir-fried ingredients and mix everything together. This method ensures the sauce is distributed evenly and prevents the noodles from clumping. Taste and adjust the seasoning by adding more sauce if needed.
Step 7
With all the ingredients mixed and seasoned, it’s time to give everything a final stir-fry in the pan. Add the mixture to a pan without any additional oil or sesame oil. Stir-fry over medium-high heat. As you cook, the moisture from the ingredients will evaporate, concentrating their flavors. Sprinkle in 1 Tbsp of toasted sesame seeds for added nutty aroma.
Step 8
Now for the final touch to enhance the aroma and flavor! Just before turning off the heat, drizzle in a little sesame oil for gloss and fragrance. Add the prepared chives and stir-fry briefly. Chives lose their crispness quickly, so it’s best to add them right at the end and cook only until they’re slightly wilted. If you’ve made a large batch of Japchae, consider keeping the chives separate and adding them in small portions when serving, stir-frying them lightly just before eating to enjoy their fresh crunch.
Step 9
There you have it – a beautifully finished Japchae! Serve it attractively on a plate, and you’ve successfully prepared a delightful feast-worthy dish that the whole family can enjoy.
