Japchae is a classic Korean noodle dish, beloved for its vibrant colors and delightful combination of flavors and textures. Featuring chewy sweet potato noodles, tender slices of beef, and a medley of vegetables, all tossed in a savory-sweet sauce, this dish is a heartwarming favorite across Korean homes. It's perfect for special occasions or a comforting weekday dinner.
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Ingredients
🥩 1 lb thinly sliced steak, Trader Joe's stir fry beef
🥢 8 oz sweet potato noodles, Dangmyeon available at Asian markets
🥄 2 tbsp soy sauce
🥄 1 tbsp sesame oil
🍚 2 tbsp cane sugar
🧄 2 garlic cloves, minced
🌶️ ¼ tsp black pepper
🌿 4 tbsp neutral oil, e.g., avocado oil
🧂 Salt, to taste
🧅 1 onion, thinly sliced
🥕 3 carrots, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks
🌶️ 1 bell pepper, thinly sliced
🍄 1 package cremini mushrooms, stems removed, thinly sliced
🧄 3 garlic, finely minced
🌱 3 green onions, chopped
🥬 3 cups baby spinach
⚪ Sesame seeds, for garnish
Instructions
1- Marinate Beef:
- In a large bowl, mix 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 2 tbsp cane sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Add the thinly sliced steak, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Marinate for around 15 minutes while preparing other ingredients.
2- Cook Noodles:
- Bring a pot of water to boil and cook the 8 oz sweet potato noodles as per package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water, then set aside.
3- Cook Onion & Mushrooms:
- Heat 2 tbsp of neutral oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add the thinly sliced onion and cremini mushrooms, seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Sauté until softened, about 5 minutes, then transfer to a large bowl.
4- Cook Carrots, Bell Pepper & Spinach:
- In the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tbsp of oil.
- Stir in the carrots and bell pepper, cooking until they just start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Season with salt and pepper, then add 1 tbsp sesame oil.
- Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Transfer these vegetables to the bowl with onions and mushrooms.
5- Cook Beef:
- Using the same skillet, cook the marinated beef slices until fully cooked, around 5 minutes.
- Add the cooked beef to the vegetable mixture.
6- Prepare Sauce & Combine:
- In the skillet, mix ¼ cup soy sauce, 2 tsp sugar or honey, 3 finely minced garlic, 1 tbsp sesame oil, ½ tsp salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper.
- Heat the mixture over medium heat for about 1 minute.
7- Add Noodles:
- Introduce the drained noodles to the sauce in the skillet, tossing well to ensure they're evenly coated.
8- Combine All Ingredients:
- Lower the heat and add the cooked vegetables and beef back into the skillet with the noodles.
- Stir and toss to combine all ingredients thoroughly.
9- Finish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and additional sesame oil if desired.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and serve hot.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: ~30 minutes
Total Time: ~45 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 520
Protein: 26g
Fat: 22g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Fiber: 4g
Equipment: Pot, colander, large skillet, knife, cutting board
Cooking Tips
- For convenience, use pre-sliced Trader Joe's stir-fry beef.
- Drain and rinse the noodles to stop them from cooking further and to keep them from sticking.
- Always adjust seasoning to taste at each stage for balanced flavors.
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