Entree: North Korea – North Korean Mountain Cuisine – 잡채 ➤ Japchae (Stir-fried glass noodles with beef and mixed vegetables in a sweet-salty sesame-soy sauce)

Serving Size: 4

Approximate Time

Prep 25 min

Cook 15 min

Total 40 min

Ingredients

- 8 oz (225 g) sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)
- 8 oz (225 g) beef flank or sirloin, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp (45 ml) soy sauce, divided
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) toasted sesame oil, divided
- 2 tbsp (25 g) granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) vegetable oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned (about 1 cup / 100 g)
- 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced (about 1 cup / 150 g)
- 4 oz (115 g) shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and sliced (fresh or rehydrated)
- 4 oz (115 g) spinach leaves, blanched and squeezed dry
- 3 scallions, trimmed and cut into 2-inch (5 cm) pieces
- 2 large eggs, approx. 100 g total, beaten and fried into a thin omelet then sliced (optional garnish)
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the glass noodles according to package instructions until just tender, drain, rinse under cold water, and cut into shorter lengths with scissors if desired. Toss noodles with 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce and 1 tbsp (15 ml) sesame oil to season and prevent sticking.
2. Marinate the sliced beef with 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce, 1 tsp (5 g) sugar, 1/2 tbsp (7 ml) sesame oil, and half the minced garlic for 10–15 minutes.
3. Heat 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated beef until browned and just cooked through, 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet add remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) vegetable oil and sauté the onion and carrot until slightly softened, about 3–4 minutes. Add mushrooms and cook until tender, 3 minutes. Add spinach and scallions and toss until wilted; season lightly with salt.
5. Return beef to the pan with vegetables, add the seasoned noodles, remaining 1 tbsp (15 ml) soy sauce, 1 tbsp (15 g) sugar, remaining 1/2 tbsp (7 ml) sesame oil, and the rest of the minced garlic. Toss gently over medium heat until everything is evenly coated and heated through, 2–3 minutes. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or a splash more soy sauce.
6. Transfer to a platter, top with sliced egg omelet if using, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds, and serve warm.