Moist and Delicious Japchae for Special Occasions
The Secret to Japchae That Never Gets Soggy! Easy Japchae Recipe for Beginners
Japchae is a must-have for banquets and special occasions! Follow this recipe to create delicious Japchae where the noodles stay perfectly firm, the vegetables retain their crispness, and the savory flavor is enhanced, sure to impress everyone. With just a few tips, anyone can make it easily. Shall we start now?
Main Ingredients- 200g glass noodles
- 1/2 onion
- 1/4 each of bell peppers (various colors)
- 1 Cheongyang chili or red chili (optional)
- A little cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, let’s prepare the glass noodles. Place the glass noodles in boiling water and soak them for about 30 minutes. Soaking them thoroughly this way makes the noodles chewy and prevents them from becoming soggy, significantly improving their texture. Once cooked, drain the noodles in a colander.
Step 2
Now, prepare the vegetables for your Japchae. Slice the onion thinly and julienne the bell peppers similarly. If you’d like a touch of spiciness, thinly slice a Cheongyang chili or red chili (optional). Feel free to add other vegetables you have on hand, such as carrots or mushrooms, according to your preference. Get creative with your choices!
Step 3
It’s time to marinate the drained glass noodles. In a bowl, combine the glass noodles with 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated. Marinating them beforehand allows the flavors to penetrate the noodles, making them much more delicious. Gently loosen the noodles to prevent clumping.
Step 4
Next, we’ll stir-fry the vegetables. Lightly oil a pan and add the sliced onions first. Adding a pinch of salt to the onions while stir-frying enhances their sweetness and helps them become translucent and tender. Sauté the onions over medium heat until they turn transparent.
Step 5
Once the onions are somewhat cooked, add the julienned bell peppers and chili peppers (if using) and other prepared vegetables to the pan. Stir-fry them together. To maintain a crisp texture, avoid overcooking; you want the vegetables to be vibrant and slightly crunchy. Preserving the texture of each vegetable is key.
Step 6
When the vegetables are cooked to your liking, it’s time to add the marinated glass noodles to the pan and stir-fry everything together. Make sure to loosen the noodles as you add them to prevent them from sticking together.
Step 7
Finally, let’s complete the flavor with the stir-frying sauce. Add 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of sesame oil to the pan. Toss gently to ensure the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce or sugar according to your preference. Keep the heat at medium during this stage.
Step 8
Reduce the heat to low and gently mix everything together until well combined. It’s important to keep stirring to prevent the noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pan. Once the noodles are tender and have absorbed the sauce, turn off the heat. Let it rest for a moment in the residual heat to allow the flavors to meld further, then stir once more. This step is one of the secrets to making Japchae that stays firm and glossy.
Step 9
Transfer the finished Japchae to a serving dish and sprinkle generously with toasted sesame seeds for a beautiful garnish and added flavor. The trick to my Japchae that never gets soggy is soaking the noodles thoroughly before stir-frying and adding a good amount of sesame oil at the end. This method keeps the noodles springy and firm while ensuring the Japchae remains moist and flavorful. Enjoy your delicious meal!
