Traditional Korean Cuisine: Japchae!

Japchae is a soul food for Koreans! It’s a must-have dish during holidays and special occasions, but did you know that you can enjoy it anytime at home? Today, I’ll introduce you to an easy and delicious japchae recipe that you can make at home!

---

✨ Golden Japchae Recipe at Home! ✨

🌟 Ingredients (Serves 4)

• Glass noodles 200g
• Beef (for stir-fry) 150g
• Spinach 1 handful
• Carrot 1/2 piece
• Onion 1/2 piece
• Shiitake mushrooms 3 pieces
• Bell pepper (red, yellow optional) 1/2 piece
• Eggs 2 (for egg garnish)
• Sliced red chili (for garnish, optional)

Seasoning Ingredients

• Beef marinade: 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1/2 tbsp sugar, 1 tsp minced garlic, 1 tsp sesame oil, a pinch of black pepper
• Glass noodle seasoning: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 1 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tsp minced garlic, a pinch of black pepper
• Others: Salt, cooking oil

---

🌟 How to Make Japchae

1. Preparing the Ingredients

✔ Cut the beef into bite-sized strips and marinate it for 10 minutes. (Marinating enhances the flavor!)
✔ Julienne the carrot, onion, shiitake mushrooms, and bell peppers. (The thinner, the better!)
✔ Blanch the spinach in boiling water with a little salt, rinse in cold water, squeeze out excess moisture, and season with sesame oil and salt.
✔ Separate egg yolk and white, cook them into thin sheets, and slice them into thin strips. (For an elegant garnish!)

2. Boiling the Glass Noodles

1. Boil the glass noodles for 6-7 minutes. (Be careful not to overcook!)
2. Rinse under cold water, drain, and mix with the glass noodle seasoning to absorb the flavors.

3. Stir-Frying the Ingredients

1. Cook the marinated beef first until fully done, then set aside.
2. In the same pan, stir-fry onion → carrot → shiitake mushrooms → bell peppers separately. (This keeps the colors vibrant!)
3. Gather all the stir-fried ingredients in one bowl.

4. Combining Everything

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine seasoned glass noodles, stir-fried vegetables, beef, and spinach.
2. Adjust the taste with extra soy sauce or salt if needed.
3. Top it with egg garnish and sliced red chili for a beautiful finishing touch!

---

🌟 Pro Tips for the Best Japchae

• Don’t mix everything at once! Combine the noodles and vegetables gradually to ensure even seasoning.
• Add sesame oil at the end for the perfect glossy finish and aromatic flavor.
• Japchae is best enjoyed warm, but if it cools down, a quick 30-second microwave reheating will revive its delicious texture!

Once you make japchae, you’ll have a versatile dish ready for several meals. Simple yet colorful and delicious, japchae is a perfect addition to any meal. Try making it today! 🍽️