Quick & Delicious Japchae: No Soaking Required!
Quick & Delicious Japchae: No Soaking Required!
Japchae Recipe: The Secret to Making it Without Soaking Noodles
Save time on your next gathering with this ingenious Japchae recipe that skips the noodle soaking step entirely! Learn how to create moist, flavorful glass noodles and a vibrant mix of vegetables and meat for a truly satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.
Main Ingredients- 250g Korean Glass Noodles (Dangmyeon)
- 200g Sliced Pork or Beef for Japchae
- 1/2 Onion (julienned)
- 1/3 Carrot (julienned)
- 1/2 bunch Spinach
- 1 handful Mushrooms (e.g., Shiitake or Oyster, sliced)
Japchae Seasoning- 10 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 20 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Oligodang)
Meat Marinade- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 tsp Mirin (Rice Wine)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
- 10 Tbsp Soy Sauce
- 20 Tbsp Corn Syrup (or Oligodang)
Meat Marinade- 1 tsp Soy Sauce
- 1 tsp Minced Garlic
- 1 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 tsp Mirin (Rice Wine)
- Pinch of Black Pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the meat marinade to infuse it with flavor. You can use either pork or beef, as long as it’s sliced thinly for Japchae. Place the prepared meat into a mixing bowl.
Step 2
Add all the meat marinade ingredients (1 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp sesame oil, 2 tsp mirin, and a pinch of black pepper) to the bowl. Gently massage the marinade into the meat with your hands, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it marinate for about 20 minutes for maximum tenderness and flavor.
Step 3
Now, it’s time to cook the glass noodles. In a large pot, bring 1.6 liters of water to a rolling boil over high heat. Once boiling, carefully add the 250g of Korean glass noodles directly into the water. Cook for 11 minutes, stirring occasionally with chopsticks to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Step 4
While the noodles are cooking, prepare your vegetables. Wash and peel the onion and carrot, then julienne them into thin, uniform strips. Trim the spinach, blanch it in boiling water with a pinch of salt for just 2 minutes, then immediately rinse under cold water and squeeze out any excess moisture. Prepare the mushrooms by removing any tough ends and slicing them. Blanch these as well in boiling water for about 2 minutes.
Step 5
Once the noodles have finished boiling for 11 minutes, drain them and rinse them briefly under cold running water to remove excess starch. This step helps them achieve a chewier texture and absorb sauce better. Drain them thoroughly in a colander.
Step 6
In a pan, combine the Japchae Seasoning ingredients (10 Tbsp soy sauce and 20 Tbsp corn syrup). Bring this mixture to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add the cooked glass noodles to the pan. Stir-fry over high heat, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat the noodles. When the sauce has reduced slightly, lower the heat to low and continue to cook for another 3 minutes. This technique ensures the noodles remain perfectly al dente and don’t get mushy.
Step 7
Clean the pan you used for the noodles or use a separate one. Add the marinated meat and stir-fry over medium heat, using chopsticks to separate the meat strands until it’s fully cooked and no longer clumped together. Ensure the meat is cooked through and tender.
Step 8
Now, add all the prepared vegetables (julienned onion and carrot, blanched spinach, and mushrooms) to the pan with the cooked meat. Stir-fry quickly over high heat. Avoid overcooking the vegetables to maintain their pleasant crispness. Cooking everything in one pan makes the process incredibly convenient and reduces cleanup!
Step 9
Transfer the seasoned, slightly cooled noodles and the stir-fried meat and vegetables into a large mixing bowl. Use chopsticks or a spatula to gently combine all the ingredients, ensuring everything is evenly distributed without breaking the noodles.
Step 10
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made delicious Japchae without the hassle of soaking the noodles. Enjoy this wonderfully quick and flavorful dish immediately while warm, or let it cool slightly for a different, equally delightful taste.
