Japchae: The Star of Holiday Feasts, A Delicious and Glossy Recipe
Japchae: The Star of Holiday Feasts, A Delicious and Glossy Recipe
How to Make Japchae: An Essential Holiday Dish, Easy and Delicious
Japchae is an indispensable dish for any Korean holiday gathering, loved by people of all ages! This recipe will guide you through making delicious Japchae that’s perfect for special occasions. The chewy glass noodles, fresh vegetables, and tender meat create a fantastic flavor combination. Let’s get started!
Main Ingredients- Glass noodles (Dangmyeon) 400g
- Pork (for stir-frying) 200g (Beef sirloin or tenderloin can be substituted)
- Green bell peppers 2
- Carrot 1/4 (approx. 50g)
- Onion 1 (medium size)
- Shiitake mushrooms 3
- Chives 15-20 stalks
Seasoning and Others- Soy sauce 10 Tbsp (approx. 1/2 standard Korean paper cup)
- Oyster sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 6 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds, a pinch
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Cooking oil, a little
- Soy sauce 10 Tbsp (approx. 1/2 standard Korean paper cup)
- Oyster sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 6 Tbsp (adjust to taste)
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds, a pinch
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Cooking oil, a little
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Prepare the vegetables, which are key to the deliciousness of Japchae! Wash the bell peppers, carrots, onions, and shiitake mushrooms thoroughly, pat them dry, and then julienne them into similar thicknesses and lengths (about 5cm). Wash the chives and cut them into 5cm lengths.
Step 2
Marinate the pork (200g). Mix with 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Marinate for at least 10 minutes to tenderize the meat. (Optional: If using beef, marinate it the same way.)
Step 3
The cooking time for the glass noodles depends on whether they were pre-soaked. ① If soaked in water for 30-40 minutes beforehand, boil for about 3 minutes. ② If using dry noodles without soaking, boil for about 6 minutes. ③ If soaked overnight, briefly blanch them in boiling water for just 10 seconds, then rinse with cold water. After cooking, immediately rinse the noodles under cold water to remove excess starch and drain them well in a colander.
Step 4
Stir-fry the marinated pork in a pan with a little cooking oil over high heat. It’s best to stir and break up the pork with chopsticks as it cooks to prevent clumping. Once the pork is fully cooked, set it aside in a separate bowl.
Step 5
Now, let’s stir-fry the vegetables. Add a little cooking oil to the pan and quickly stir-fry the prepared onions, carrots, bell peppers, and shiitake mushrooms over high heat. It’s important to maintain the crispiness of the vegetables, so don’t overcook them. Season lightly with a pinch of salt.
Step 6
Once the onions start to turn translucent, turn off the heat and set the stir-fried vegetables aside temporarily. This step helps prevent the vegetables from releasing too much water when mixed with the noodles later and preserves their individual flavors and textures.
Step 7
Cut the drained glass noodles into manageable pieces, about 15-20cm long, using scissors.
Step 8
Now it’s time to give the noodles a beautiful color. Heat 3 Tbsp of cooking oil in a clean pan. Add the drained glass noodles and stir-fry over medium heat for about 1 minute. Stir-frying the noodles beforehand helps them stay chewy and prevents them from becoming mushy.
Step 9
As the noodles start to turn slightly translucent, add 4 Tbsp soy sauce and 2 Tbsp sugar. Stir well to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce, continuing to stir-fry until they achieve a nice, browned color.
Step 10
Add the stir-fried pork and all the vegetables to the colored noodles. Turn off the heat. Taste and adjust the seasoning with 6 Tbsp soy sauce, 4 Tbsp sugar, and 1 Tbsp oyster sauce. **Tip:** It’s a good idea to adjust the sugar amount according to your preference. Try adding a little less sugar initially and add more after tasting. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined.
Step 11
Finally, add the prepared chives, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, a pinch of toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of black pepper. Toss gently to combine. Chives wilt quickly when heated, so adding them at the end and mixing lightly helps maintain their crispness and fresh aroma. Your delicious Japchae is now ready!
Step 12
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season with this homemade Japchae, shared with your beloved family. Enjoy your meal!
