Golden Recipe: Stir-fried Peppers and Meat (Gochu Japchae) – A Symphony of Textures
Authentic Chinese Delicacy: Master the Art of Delicious Gochu Japchae at Home
Experience the perfect harmony of crisp vegetables and tender meat in this Gochu Japchae, a delightful dish that pairs exquisitely with warm, fluffy steamed buns. It’s a culinary journey that delights both the eyes and the palate!
Main Ingredients
- 1 green bell pepper
- 1 red bell pepper
- 1 yellow bell pepper
- 200g thinly sliced beef or pork for stir-fry (Japchae-yong)
- 2 Tbsp oyster sauce
- 1 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- 4-6 steamed buns (Hwaban)
Meat Marinade
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Begin by thoroughly washing all the colorful bell peppers and paprika. Trim off the tops and remove the seeds. Slice them into uniform, appealing strips about 0.5 cm thick. While thinly sliced beef or pork specifically labeled for Japchae is ideal, you can certainly use bulgogi-cut meat from your freezer. If using bulgogi meat, simply cut it into longer strips.
Step 2
In a mixing bowl, combine the prepared meat with the marinade ingredients: minced garlic, black pepper, and soy sauce. Gently massage the marinade into the meat with your hands, ensuring an even coating. Let it marinate for about 10 minutes to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor.
Step 3
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the thinly sliced onion (optional) and stir-fry briefly until fragrant and translucent. Then, add all the prepared sliced bell peppers and paprika. Stir-fry quickly over high heat to maintain their crisp texture – this is key to a great Gochu Japchae! Avoid overcooking. If you’d like to add mushrooms, now is the time to add enoki or shiitake mushrooms for an extra chewy bite.
Step 4
Once the vegetables have slightly softened but are still crisp, add the marinated meat to the pan. Continue to stir-fry, gently separating the meat with chopsticks or a spatula to ensure even cooking. Cook until the meat is no longer pink and is fully cooked through.
Step 5
When the meat is almost cooked, add the oyster sauce, which is crucial for that signature savory flavor. Stir well to coat the vegetables and meat evenly. Finish with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper and a final drizzle of sesame oil. Give it a quick toss to combine everything beautifully.
Step 6
Finally, serve the delicious Gochu Japchae hot, accompanied by warm, steamed buns (Hwaban). Arrange them attractively on a plate. Take a piece of the fluffy bun, generously top it with the vibrant Gochu Japchae, and savor the incredible combination of flavors and textures. Enjoy!
