Crispy and Delicious Soybean Sprout and Fish Cake Japchae
Quick & Easy! Enjoy the Crispy Texture of Soybean Sprout and Fish Cake Japchae
This simple Soybean Sprout and Fish Cake Japchae is a delightful dish that combines fresh soybean sprouts, chewy fish cakes, and a variety of colorful vegetables, offering both fantastic flavor and satisfying texture! It’s perfect as a side dish for rice or for special occasions.
Main Ingredients- 1 bag Soybean sprouts (approx. 300g)
- 4 sheets Fish cakes (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 1/5 Carrot (julienned)
- 1/4 Cabbage (julienned)
- 1/2 Onion (julienned)
- 1/3 Zucchini (julienned)
- A handful of Mushrooms (e.g., shiitake, king oyster, julienned)
- 1/2 stalk Green onion (finely chopped)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, wash the soybean sprouts thoroughly under running water. Blanch them in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, covered, then rinse with cold water to maintain their crispiness. Lightly season the soybean sprouts with a pinch of salt; this helps in adjusting the overall seasoning later. (Be careful not to over-salt!)
Step 2
Julienne all the vegetables (carrots, cabbage, zucchini, mushrooms, onion) and fish cakes into bite-sized pieces (about 0.5cm thick strips). Preparing the ingredients beforehand will significantly speed up the cooking process.
Step 3
Heat about 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the chopped green onions and minced garlic, and sauté until fragrant, creating a flavorful green onion oil. Be careful not to burn the garlic and onions.
Step 4
Once the green onion oil is aromatic, add the julienned carrots, cabbage, zucchini, mushrooms, onion, and fish cakes to the pan. Stir-fry over high heat for a short time to keep the vegetables crisp. Ensure all ingredients are evenly mixed.
Step 5
When the vegetables are partially cooked, add 1 tablespoon of sugar and stir-fry together. Adding sugar at this stage allows it to naturally sweeten the ingredients and adds a subtle smoky flavor as it caramelizes slightly. We’ll adjust the final seasoning later when mixing with the soybean sprouts.
Step 6
Combine the pre-seasoned soybean sprouts with the stir-fried vegetables and fish cakes. Avoid overcooking the soybean sprouts, as they can become mushy. Gently mix them in at the very end.
Step 7
Now, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2-3 tablespoons of soy sauce (or seasoned soy sauce), and 1 tablespoon of toasted sesame seeds. Gently toss and mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Adjust the seasoning with salt if needed. (Tip: If you enjoy glass noodles, you can pre-cook and rinse them, then add them to the mixture and toss. If you do this, you might need to add a little more soy sauce to compensate for the noodles.)
Step 8
Your crispy and aromatic Soybean Sprout and Fish Cake Japchae is ready! Enjoy this delicious dish with a bowl of freshly cooked rice for a satisfying meal. It’s a fantastic dish to enjoy even when you don’t have much appetite!
