Korean Stir-Fried Glass Noodles with Vegetables and Beef
Japchae is a vibrant and flavorful Korean dish featuring chewy glass noodles made from sweet potato starch, known as dangmyeon. While these translucent noodles may look unusual at first, their unique texture and ability to soak up savory flavors quickly win over anyone who tries them.
This dish is a perfect harmony of textures and tastes, combining tender marinated beef, crisp vegetables, and a subtly sweet and savory sauce. Whether served as a side dish or a main course, Japchae is as versatile as it is visually stunning, making it a showstopper on any table.
If you’re looking to impress with a dish that’s both comforting and packed with flavor, Japchae is an excellent choice. Its colorful presentation and satisfying taste make it a true favorite in Korean cuisine!
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Sauce:
For the Vegetables and Beef:
Instructions
Prepare the Egg Garnish:
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In a hot sauté pan, pour the beaten egg yolks and cook as you would a thin crêpe or pancake.
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Cook one side until set, then flip to cook the other side. Set aside to cool, then slice into 1/4 inch strips. This will be used as a garnish later.
Cook the Noodles:
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Bring a pot of water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook for about 7 to 9 minutes, stirring occasionally until they are soft and chewy.
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Once they’re cooked, rinse them quickly in cold water before tossing with sesame oil. This helps maintain their perfect chewy texture.
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Drain the noodles and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables and Beef:
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In the same pan, add a little vegetable oil and sauté the carrots until tender. Remove and set aside.
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Repeat this process with the scallions, red bell pepper, mushrooms, and beef, cooking each ingredient separately and setting them aside as they finish. Sauté the beef until it is cooked through and slightly browned.
Assemble the Japchae:
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In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles with the soy sauce and sugar. Mix well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated. Let them sit for a few minutes before adding the vegetables and beef. This allows the noodles to absorb the flavors more fully.
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Add the sautéed vegetables and beef to the noodles, gently tossing everything together to combine. Garnish with the sliced egg yolks, additional scallions, and a sprinkle of sesame seeds.
Serve:
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Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or a main course. Enjoy the wonderful blend of flavors and textures that make this dish a true Korean favorite.
Maricel's Tips
- Make sure your noodles are fully cooked—no al dente here! These noodles should be soft and chewy for the perfect texture in this dish.
- To make the noodles easier to eat, use kitchen scissors to cut them into 3-4 inch lengths after cooking. This makes them much more manageable and enjoyable to eat.
