Korean Japchae
Korean Japchae
Chapchae, or Japchae, is one of the most popular Korean noodle dishes. The sweet potato noodles absorb a lot of flavor, thus making this dish far from bland, yet still quite delicate. This dish is filling but won't leave you feeling heavy.
Ingredients:
Entrée
- 2 tablespoons sugar (30 mL)
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce or soy sauce substitute (see recipe below) (60 mL)
- 1⁄2 pound dried Korean sweet potato noodles (227 g)
- 1 onion, sliced, use Cone #4
- 3 stalks green onion, cut lengthwise and then into 1″ lengths
- 2 carrots, sliced, use Cone #4
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (30 mL)
- 1 cup shitake mushrooms, chopped (145 g)
- 1⁄2 pound fresh spinach, chopped (227 g)
Soy Sauce Substitute
- 4 tablespoons vegetable, beef or chicken broth (60mL)
- 4 teaspoons balsamic vinegar (20 mL)
- 1 tablespoon dark molasses (15 mL)
- 1⁄4 teaspoon ginger (1.25 mL)
- 1 pinch black pepper
- 1 pinch garlic powder
- 1 1⁄2 cups water (350 mL)
Procedure:
- Mix sugar and soy sauce in small bowl and set aside.
- Put approximately 8 cups of water (1.9 L) in wok and over medium heat bring to a boil. Add noodles, bring to a boil again and cook uncovered for approximately 5 minutes. Drain in colander and cut noodles into 6 or 7-inch pieces in length. Place in noodles in medium bowl and set aside.
- Return wok to burner and place carrots, onions, garlic and sesame seeds into wok and stir-fry until softened, approximately 1 minute.
- Add spinach, noodles and soy mixture into wok. Stir another 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and serve.
Soy Sauce Substitute
- Place 1 quart sauce pan on medium heat and stir together all ingredients. Simmer gently for approximately 15 minutes.
- When cooled, pour into jar and refrigerate.
Tips:
- Cellophane (glass) noodles can be substituted for sweet potato needles.
- Tamari is a soy-based soy sauce alternative and one that is wheat-free.
