Japchae

Serves 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)
• 8 oz spinach
• 2 medium carrots
• 1 medium red bell pepper
• 1 medium yellow onion
• 6 oz shiitake mushrooms
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3 tbsp sesame oil
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• 2 stalks green onions

Instructions

1. 1Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook the sweet potato noodles according to package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes) until chewy but tender. Drain and rinse under cold water. Cut noodles into 6-inch lengths with scissors. Toss with sesame oil and set aside.
2. 2Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds. Immediately transfer to an ice bath, drain well, squeeze out excess water, and season with soy sauce and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. 3Julienne the carrots, red bell pepper, and onion into thin matchsticks. Slice the shiitake mushrooms thinly. Mince the garlic.
4. 4In a small bowl, mix together the remaining soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, black pepper, and water until the sugar dissolves. This is your Japchae sauce.
5. 5Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the carrots for 2 minutes until slightly softened but still crisp. Remove and set aside.
6. 6In the same pan, add another oil and stir-fry the onion and red bell pepper together for 2-3 minutes until just tender. Remove and set aside with the carrots.
7. 7Add the remaining oil and stir-fry the sliced shiitake mushrooms for 3 minutes until golden and tender. Remove and set aside.
8. 8Return all the cooked vegetables and spinach to the pan. Add the prepared noodles and pour the sauce over everything. Toss thoroughly on medium heat for 2-3 minutes until the noodles are evenly coated, glossy, and warmed through. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
9. 9Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions. Give one final gentle toss.
10. 10Serve immediately in bowls while warm. Leftovers reheat well with a splash of water.