Colorful Japchae Everyone Loves
The Ultimate Japchae Recipe: Perfect Taste Every Time!
Introducing a hearty and delicious Japchae recipe that’s perfect for the whole family. Experience the delightful harmony of various vegetables and meat, combined with chewy glass noodles, creating a festive dish that’s easy to make at home. With this golden ratio recipe, you’ll achieve perfect Japchae every time. Discover more helpful tips in the detailed steps below!
Main Ingredients- 300g Glass noodles (Dangmyeon)
- 200g Spinach
- 150g Carrot
- 140g Pork tenderloin (for Japchae)
- 1 pack Enoki mushrooms (approx. 100g)
- 1 medium Onion
- 1/2 Red bell pepper
- 1/2 Yellow bell pepper
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the pork tenderloin, slicing it thinly for Japchae. In a bowl, combine the pork with 1/2 tsp soy sauce, 1 tsp minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix and let it marinate for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Step 2
Prepare all the vegetables. Slice the onion into thin strips. Julienne the carrot and bell peppers after removing the seeds. Tear or slice the enoki mushrooms into manageable pieces.
Step 3
Rinse the enoki mushrooms thoroughly under running water. Blanch them in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then immediately remove. Overcooking will make them mushy, so a quick blanch is key. Rinse the blanched mushrooms in cold water and squeeze out excess moisture.
Step 4
Wash the spinach clean. Bring a pot of water to a boil with 1/2 tsp of salt. Add the spinach and blanch for about 1 minute. This step helps retain the vibrant green color and a slightly crisp texture.
Step 5
Rinse the blanched spinach in cold water and gently squeeze out all the water. Place the spinach in a bowl, add a pinch of roasted salt and 1 Tbsp of sesame oil. Mix well by hand until evenly coated. This seasoned spinach adds a wonderful aroma to the dish.
Step 6
Heat 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the blanched enoki mushrooms and stir-fry. Season with a pinch of roasted salt and 1 tsp minced garlic. Cook until the mushrooms are tender and fragrant. Bringing out the mushroom’s natural flavor is important.
Step 7
Add a little more vegetable oil to the same pan. Stir-fry the julienned carrots with a pinch of roasted salt and 1/2 tsp minced garlic. Cook just until the carrots are slightly tender-crisp; avoid overcooking to maintain their texture.
Step 8
Next, stir-fry the bell peppers. Add vegetable oil to the pan and stir-fry the red and yellow bell peppers. Season with a pinch of roasted salt and 1/2 tsp minced garlic. Cook briefly to keep them crisp and vibrant. Maintaining the colorful appearance is key.
Step 9
Now, stir-fry the onions. Onions are magical ingredients that add sweetness and depth to any dish! Add vegetable oil to the pan and stir-fry the sliced onions until they become translucent. Season with a pinch of roasted salt. Be careful not to overcook them until they are mushy.
Step 10
It’s time to cook the marinated pork. Lightly oil the pan and add the seasoned pork. Stir-fry until the pork is fully cooked, breaking up any clumps. This step ensures the pork remains juicy and flavorful in the Japchae.
Step 11
In a large pot, bring plenty of water to a boil. Once boiling, add the glass noodles and cook for about 6 minutes. Cooking time may vary depending on the type of noodles, so it’s best to test one noodle for doneness. Cook until the noodles are chewy but not mushy.
Step 12
Drain the cooked glass noodles but do not rinse them with cold water. Immediately transfer them to a large bowl for seasoning. This prevents the noodles from becoming sticky and helps them absorb the sauce better.
Step 13
While the noodles are still hot, add 4 Tbsp soy sauce and 1.5 Tbsp sugar directly to the noodles. Mix well to coat the noodles evenly and season them. Adding seasoning while the noodles are hot allows the flavors to penetrate deeply.
Step 14
As you toss the noodles to absorb the seasoning, add all the stir-fried vegetables (mushrooms, carrots, bell peppers, onions) and the cooked pork to the bowl. Gently mix everything with the noodles. (Remember to add the seasoned spinach at the end).
Step 15
Finally, add 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, and optionally a little perilla oil for extra aroma. Toss everything together. Using toasted sesame seeds not only adds a nutty flavor but also prevents the noodles from clumping or becoming mushy. Adjust the overall seasoning with roasted salt if needed, as the ingredients are already seasoned.
Step 16
Gently mix all the ingredients until well combined, and your vibrant, visually appealing Japchae is ready! Enjoy the rich sesame aroma and the delightful textures of all the ingredients. This recipe will help you present the best dish that everyone will love, perfect for holidays or special occasions!
