Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry
Classic japchae made with chewy sweet potato glass noodles, marinated beef, colorful vegetables, spinach, egg, and a savory sesame-soy sauce.
Instructions
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Step 1
In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil, 1 tbsp (15 gr) brown sugar, and 2 clove (6 gr) garlic. Stir until the sugar is mostly dissolved; set this sauce aside.
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Step 2
Place the beef in a mixing bowl with the remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce, 2 tsp (10 ml) sesame oil, 2 tsp (10 gr) brown sugar, and 2 clove (6 gr) garlic. Add ⅜ tsp (1 gr) black pepper, mix well, and marinate while preparing the other ingredients.
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Step 3
Bring a pot of water to a boil and add ⅜ tsp (2 gr) salt. Blanch the spinach until wilted, about 30 seconds, then transfer it to a colander and rinse briefly under cold water. Drain and gently squeeze out excess water.
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Step 4
Return the water to a boil and cook the noodles until tender but chewy, following the package timing, usually 6 to 8 minutes. Drain, rinse briefly under cool water, and cut the long noodles a few times with kitchen shears.
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Step 5
Heat 1 tsp (5 ml) neutral cooking oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. Whisk the eggs with ¼ tsp (1 gr) salt, pour them into the pan, and cook as a thin sheet until fully set. Transfer to a cutting board and slice into narrow strips.
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Step 6
Add 2 tsp (10 ml) neutral cooking oil to the pan and place it over medium heat. Stir-fry the onion and carrot with the remaining ¼ tsp (1 gr) salt until crisp-tender, 3 to 4 minutes, then transfer them to a clean mixing bowl.
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Step 7
Add another 2 tsp (10 ml) neutral cooking oil to the pan over medium heat. Stir-fry the mushrooms and bell pepper until the mushrooms soften and the pepper remains slightly crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Transfer them to the bowl with the other vegetables.
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Step 8
Add the remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) neutral cooking oil to the pan over medium heat. Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until browned and cooked through, 3 to 4 minutes.
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Step 9
Add the drained noodles and prepared sauce to the pan with the beef. Toss over medium heat until the noodles are evenly coated and have absorbed most of the sauce, about 2 minutes.
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Step 10
Add the cooked vegetables, spinach, and egg strips to the pan. Add the remaining 1 tsp (5 ml) sesame oil and ⅜ tsp (1 gr) black pepper, then toss over low heat until evenly combined and hot. Sprinkle with the sesame seeds and serve.