Chewy ‘Bunmoza’ Japchae Using Leftover Holiday Vegetables
#ChuseokDish #RepurposedHolidayFood #BunmozaJapchae #JapchaeAlternative #EasyJapchae
A creative recipe to make the most of your leftover Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) vegetables! Instead of traditional glass noodles, we’ll use ‘bunmoza’ for a delightfully chewy texture. This is a fantastic way to repurpose the various side dishes prepared for the holiday. With the addition of savory stir-fried beef as a topping, you’ll have a delicious and unique Bunmoza Japchae. Enjoy the wonderfully chewy bunmoza paired with a colorful medley of seasoned vegetables!
Main Ingredients- 380g wide ‘bunmoza’ noodles
- 1/2 cup stir-fried minced beef (for topping)
- Assorted leftover Chuseok vegetables (as needed)
- 1/4 carrot
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Cut the wide ‘bunmoza’ noodles in half lengthwise. This makes them easier to handle and ensures the sauce coats them better during cooking.
Step 2
Prepare your leftover Chuseok vegetables (such as seasoned radish, bean sprouts, fernbrake, seasoned seaweed stems, stir-fried shiitake mushrooms, stir-fried balloon flower stems, etc.) by chopping them into bite-sized pieces. Thinly slice the carrot. Have your pre-stir-fried minced beef ready for topping. (You don’t need to use all types of leftover vegetables; use what you have available.)
Step 3
Heat a large pan over medium heat, add a generous amount of cooking oil, and then add the sliced garlic and chopped green onions.
Step 4
Sauté the garlic and green onions until fragrant and the onions turn translucent. This step infuses the oil with their aromatic flavors. Cook until the garlic is lightly golden.
Step 5
Once the fragrant oil is ready, add the prepared leftover vegetables and stir-fried beef. Stir-fry them briefly to coat with the oil, especially if they were refrigerated.
Step 6
When the vegetables and beef are slightly warmed through, add the halved ‘bunmoza’ noodles to the pan. Stir-fry them together. The ‘bunmoza’ will soften as it cooks, so you might need a little liquid. (You can add a splash of water if needed.)
Step 7
As the ‘bunmoza’ noodles begin to soften, add the sugar and stir-fry to coat them with sweetness. Then, add the soy sauce and black pepper, and stir-fry until everything is well combined and seasoned. Finish by adding the sesame oil for extra flavor.
Step 8
Your Chewy Bunmoza Japchae, made with leftover Chuseok vegetables, is now complete! Unlike glass noodles, ‘bunmoza’ offers a wonderfully satisfying chewy texture that pairs perfectly with the soy sauce-based seasoning. The variety of vegetables adds to the enjoyable eating experience. Make your table special with this unique Japchae made from holiday leftovers!
