Super Simple Japchae in 30 Minutes! Non-Soggy Recipe
30-Minute Japchae: Delicious, Non-Soggy Noodles with Pantry Staples
Japchae is a beloved Korean dish, often gracing festive tables. However, making it traditionally can be quite time-consuming and labor-intensive. If you’ve ever hesitated to make japchae due to its complexity, this recipe is for you! In just 30 minutes, you can whip up a fantastic, non-soggy japchae using common ingredients from your pantry. The secret lies in the perfectly balanced soy sauce-based dressing. When the sauce is flavorful, even plain noodles are delicious! Plus, this japchae holds up beautifully, making it great for leftovers that can be reheated without losing its texture. Enjoy a delicious and hassle-free japchae experience!
Main Ingredients
- Glass noodles (dangmyeon) 1 handful (approx. 100-120g)
- Carrot 1/2 medium
- Onion 1/2 medium
- Mushrooms (shiitake, wood ear, oyster, etc.) 1 handful
- Pork (bulgogi-cut or for stir-fry) 200g
- Imitation crab sticks 3 strips
Japchae Soy Sauce Dressing
- Soy sauce 1/2 cup (100ml)
- Oligosaccharide or corn syrup 1/2 cup (100ml)
- Cooking oil 2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper to taste
- Soy sauce 1/2 cup (100ml)
- Oligosaccharide or corn syrup 1/2 cup (100ml)
- Cooking oil 2 Tbsp
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Toasted sesame seeds 1 Tbsp
- Black pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Boil the glass noodles in water for about 10 minutes until tender. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold running water. This rinsing step helps prevent them from sticking together and maintains a pleasant chewy texture.
Step 2
Julienne the carrot, onion, and mushrooms. Slice the pork into similar lengths. Shred or slice the imitation crab sticks. Heat 1 tablespoon of cooking oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. First, stir-fry the pork until it’s mostly cooked through. Then, add the julienned vegetables, mushrooms, and crab sticks. Stir-fry everything quickly until the vegetables are slightly softened but still retain some crispness. Avoid overcooking, as this can release excess water.
Step 3
Prepare the sauce: In a small pot or pan, combine 1/2 cup of soy sauce and 1/2 cup of oligosaccharide (or corn syrup). Bring to a boil, then add 1/2 cup of water. Let the sauce simmer and reduce slightly until it thickens a bit. This creates a richer, more flavorful sauce.
Step 4
Pour the prepared sauce into a large pan or wok. Add the boiled glass noodles and toss them gently over medium heat until the noodles absorb the sauce. Once the noodles are slightly loosened, add the stir-fried vegetables, pork, and crab sticks. Continue to toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Step 5
Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds, and a pinch of black pepper for added aroma. Give it a final gentle toss to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the delicious sauce. Your quick and tasty Japchae is ready!
