Step 1

Let’s start by preparing all the ingredients for our delicious Japchae! Wash and trim everything thoroughly. The secret to great Japchae begins with careful preparation.

Step 2

The secret to perfectly cooked glass noodles! While you can follow the instructions on the package, if you don’t have time to soak them, boiling them directly is acceptable. However, soaking them in cold or lukewarm water for at least 30 minutes beforehand will result in a chewier and softer texture.

Step 3

Add the prepared glass noodles to a large pot of boiling water. Cook over medium heat for about 8 minutes. It’s important to stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking together.

Step 4

Once cooked, drain the glass noodles in a colander and rinse them quickly under cold running water. This step stops the cooking process, prevents the noodles from becoming mushy, and maintains their chewy texture.

Step 5

Here’s a pro tip for extra-firm noodles! If you have ice water, submerge the rinsed noodles in it to chill them quickly, almost like an ice bath. After draining them on a colander, ensure all excess water is removed. This will give the noodles a wonderfully firm bite.

Step 6

Briefly blanch the sliced fish cakes in boiling water. This helps to remove any excess oil, resulting in a cleaner and more delicate flavor.

Step 7

Now, let’s cut the vegetables. Julienne the carrot and onion. Slice the fish cakes into similar-sized strips. Trim the base of the enoki mushrooms and separate them into smaller clumps. Cut the chives into approximately 5cm lengths. Uniformly cut ingredients ensure even cooking and easier eating.

Step 8

Time to stir-fry the vegetables! Heat a generous amount of cooking oil in a pan over medium-low heat. Add the julienned carrots and onions and stir-fry until the onions become translucent and the carrots are slightly tender. Sprinkle about 1/3 Tbsp of salt to season the vegetables. Pre-seasoning the vegetables adds depth to the overall flavor of the Japchae.

Step 9

Add the sliced fish cakes and prepared enoki mushrooms to the pan. Stir-fry together and add 1 Tbsp of soy sauce for added flavor and aroma. Continue to cook until the mushrooms are tender and the fish cakes are lightly golden.

Step 10

In a separate pan, lightly heat some cooking oil. Add 5 Tbsp of soy sauce, 3 Tbsp of sugar, and a pinch of black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil over medium heat. This sauce is key to flavoring the noodles. Let it simmer until the sugar dissolves and the sauce slightly thickens.

Step 11

Add the cooked and rinsed glass noodles to the simmering sauce. Gently toss with a spatula to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until the noodles absorb the sauce and turn a uniform color.

Step 12

The final step! Add the stir-fried vegetables, fish cakes, and enoki mushrooms to the sauced noodles. Gently mix everything together. Finish by drizzling in 2 Tbsp of sesame oil, a little more black pepper, and a generous amount of toasted sesame seeds for enhanced aroma. Give it one final gentle toss to meld all the flavors.

Step 13

Your delicious Enoki Mushroom and Chive Japchae is ready! Serve it beautifully on a plate while warm.

Step 14