Hearty Beef Japchae: A Festive Holiday Dish Your Parents Will Love
[Man-Gye Recipe Contest] For Family Month, a Taste of Nostalgia! Hearty Beef Japchae for Parents!
Japchae used to be a dish only enjoyed during holidays or special celebrations like birthdays. Nowadays, we can enjoy it anytime, which is wonderful! However, this dish truly brings back fond memories, especially during Family Month when I miss my parents the most. This recipe is for a comforting and delicious Japchae that evokes warmth and cherished moments.
Main Ingredients (Serves 4)- Glass noodles (Japchae noodles) for 4 servings
- Beef (bulgogi or japchae cut) 100g
- Spinach 1 bunch
- Carrot 1/4
- Onion 1
- Sesame oil 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 2 Tbsp
- Sesame seeds 2 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
Beef Marinade Ingredients- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
- Soy sauce 1 Tbsp
- Sugar 1/2 Tbsp
- Minced garlic 1/2 Tbsp
- Black pepper, a pinch
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
Hello everyone! Today, for Family Month, we’re going to make a hearty Beef Japchae, a nostalgic dish that my parents used to love. It’s perfect for special occasions or just when you’re craving something delicious.
Step 2
First, let’s prepare the glass noodles, the foundation of our Japchae. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the glass noodles and cook for 8-10 minutes, or according to the package instructions, until tender. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking. Cut them into manageable lengths. To keep them from clumping later, toss them with 1 Tbsp of sesame oil.
Step 3
Prepare your beef; thinly sliced bulgogi or japchae-cut beef works well. In a bowl, combine the beef with 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 Tbsp sugar, 1/2 Tbsp minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix it together to marinate; this step tenderizes the beef and adds flavor. Heat a lightly oiled pan over medium heat and stir-fry the marinated beef until it’s cooked through. Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside.
Step 4
Wash and peel the carrot and onion, then slice them thinly into julienne strips. Heat a little oil in a pan and stir-fry the julienned carrots and onions separately. Season each vegetable with a pinch of salt and pepper as you cook. Stir-fry the carrots until they are slightly tender and sweet, and the onions until they become translucent.
Step 5
Wash the spinach thoroughly under running water. Bring a pot of water to a boil with a pinch of salt. Blanch the spinach for about 1 minute, then immediately plunge it into cold water to stop the cooking. Drain the spinach and squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Chop the spinach into bite-sized pieces and place it in a bowl. Season it with a little soy sauce or salt, a dash of sesame oil, and a tiny bit of minced garlic. Gently mix it to season; this helps retain the fresh, vibrant flavor of the spinach.
Step 6
Now, it’s time to combine all the prepared ingredients. In a large bowl, add the cooked glass noodles, stir-fried beef, sautéed carrots and onions, and the seasoned spinach. Don’t add the sauce yet.
Step 7
Let’s make the delicious Japchae sauce! In a separate bowl, combine 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp sugar, 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well. Pour this sauce evenly over the ingredients in the large bowl.
Step 8
Gently toss everything together using your hands or a spatula until all the ingredients are well coated with the sauce. Taste the Japchae and add a little salt if needed to adjust the seasoning. You can also adjust the amount of sugar or soy sauce according to your preference. Finally, drizzle in 1 Tbsp of sesame oil and sprinkle with 2 Tbsp of sesame seeds for an extra burst of flavor and aroma.
Step 9
And there you have it – a hearty and delicious Beef Japchae, beautifully colorful and packed with flavor! Enjoy this wonderful dish with your family.
