Japchae: A Festive Korean Noodle Dish for Celebrations
Crafting Authentic Japchae: A Special Dish for Holidays and Birthdays
Let me introduce a special Japchae recipe, often enjoyed during Korean holidays or birthdays. It’s a dish that brings warmth and joy to any celebration.
Main Ingredients- 1 pack glass noodles (approx. 200g)
- 1/2 onion
- 1/3 carrot
- 100g oyster mushrooms
- 1/2 red bell pepper
- 1 Korean chili pepper (optional)
- 260g pork (thinly sliced for bulgogi or japchae)
- 2 pinches of salt (for stir-frying vegetables)
Seasoning for Japchae- 7 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of sesame seeds
Pork Marinade- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- Pinch of minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
For Boiling Noodles- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 7 Tbsp soy sauce
- 2 Tbsp sugar
- 2 Tbsp corn syrup or rice syrup
- 1 Tbsp perilla oil
- Pinch of black pepper
- Pinch of sesame seeds
Pork Marinade- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking wine (mirin)
- Pinch of minced garlic
- Pinch of black pepper
For Boiling Noodles- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
- 1 Tbsp soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
The key to delicious Japchae starts with the noodles! At least an hour before you begin cooking, soak the glass noodles in plenty of cold water until they are fully rehydrated. This step significantly shortens the boiling time and ensures the noodles become chewy and tender, enhancing the overall texture of the dish. If you’re short on time, you’ll need to extend the boiling time, so pre-soaking is highly recommended.
Step 2
Pork adds a wonderful savory depth to Japchae. In a bowl, combine the pork with 1 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp cooking wine (like mirin), a pinch of minced garlic, and a pinch of black pepper. Gently mix to marinate. Marinating the pork beforehand will make it more tender and flavorful. Let it rest for about 10 minutes.
Step 3
Now, let’s prepare the vegetables. Thinly slice the onion and the carrot into similar lengths. For the oyster mushrooms, trim the tough ends and halve any larger mushrooms for easier eating. Slice the red bell pepper into strips to add vibrant color, and if you like a bit of heat, finely mince the Korean chili pepper. Cutting all vegetables to a similar thickness ensures they cook evenly.
Step 4
We’ll stir-fry the oyster mushrooms next. Lightly oil a pan and heat it over high heat. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt. Stir-fry quickly until the mushrooms just begin to soften. Cooking them briefly over high heat prevents them from releasing too much water, preserving their delightful texture and flavor.
Step 5
Now it’s time to stir-fry the onions. In the same pan, add a little more oil if needed, and sauté the sliced onions with a pinch of salt. Cook until they become translucent and slightly sweet. The goal is to soften them without making them mushy, so keep an eye on them.
Step 6
Stir-fry the marinated pork over medium-low heat. Cooking it gently ensures the pork is cooked through and remains juicy, rather than becoming tough. Break up any clumps as you stir-fry to ensure even cooking.
Step 7
It’s best to stir-fry colorful vegetables towards the end to maintain their vibrant hues. Now, add the carrots to the pan with a little oil and stir-fry quickly over high heat until they are tender-crisp. This keeps their bright color and a pleasant bite.
Step 8
The red bell pepper is also added towards the end due to its color. Like the carrots, stir-fry it briefly over high heat. Its crisp texture adds another enjoyable dimension to the Japchae.
Step 9
Now, let’s boil the noodles. Bring a pot of water to a boil, then add the pre-soaked glass noodles. Stir in 1 Tbsp of soy sauce and 1 Tbsp of cooking oil. The soy sauce adds a subtle flavor and color, while the oil prevents the noodles from sticking together. Since the noodles are already soaked, they should only need about 2 minutes to cook. Check for doneness periodically!
Step 10
Do not rinse the cooked noodles with cold water! Simply drain the hot water, and immediately transfer the noodles to a large mixing bowl with all the prepared ingredients. Add the Japchae seasoning: 7 Tbsp soy sauce, 2 Tbsp sugar, 2 Tbsp corn syrup, 1 Tbsp perilla oil, a pinch of black pepper, and a generous amount of sesame seeds. Carefully toss everything together until the seasoning is evenly distributed. Thoroughly mixing is crucial for every bite to be flavorful.
Step 11
Voila! Your delicious Japchae is ready. The beautiful medley of colors, the variety of ingredients, and the wonderfully chewy noodles come together perfectly. Enjoy it while it’s warm for the best flavor. Make your special occasions even more memorable with this homemade Japchae!
