Baek Jong-won's Japchae Recipe: Mastering Japchae with Traditional and Simplified Methods

Japchae is a representative Korean dish, offering a deep flavor and satisfying texture from the combination of various ingredients. Baek Jong-won's recipe introduces both traditional and simplified methods, designed for easy preparation by anyone.

Traditional Japchae Recipe

Ingredients

• Glass Noodles (Dangmyeon): 250g
• Spinach: 150g
• Pork (for Japchae): 110g (approx. 2/3 cup)
• Dried Wood Ear Mushrooms: 3g (approx. 1/2 cup)
• Onion: 180g (approx. 2 cups)
• Green Onion (Scallion): 40g (approx. 2/3 cup)
• Carrot: 40g (approx. 2/3 cup)
• Soy Sauce (Jin Ganjang): 4 Tbsp
• Brown Sugar (Hwangseoltang): 2 Tbsp
• Sesame Oil (Chamgirum): 4 Tbsp
• Minced Garlic: 1 Tbsp
• Vegetable Oil: 4 Tbsp
• Salt (Kkot Sogeum): 1/3 Tbsp
• Sesame Seeds (Tongkgae): 1/2 Tbsp
• MSG: 1/3 Tbsp (optional)
• Black Pepper: A pinch
• Dark Soy Sauce (Noduyu): 1 Tbsp (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Soak the glass noodles in cold water for about 30 minutes, then boil them.
• Wash the spinach, remove the roots, and separate into individual stems.
• Thinly slice the onion against the grain, julienne the carrot, and thinly slice the green onion diagonally.
• Soak the wood ear mushrooms in water and tear into bite-sized pieces.

2. Sauté the Meat and Vegetables

• Heat 1 Tbsp of vegetable oil in a frying pan and sauté the pork, adding a pinch of salt to season.
• When the meat is halfway cooked, add the onion, carrot, green onion, and wood ear mushrooms and sauté.
• Once the vegetables have wilted, add the spinach and sauté for a short time.
• Spread the sautéed ingredients on a large plate to cool.

3. Mix the Glass Noodles and Seasoning

• Season the boiled glass noodles with minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, and salt.
• Add the sautéed vegetables and mix thoroughly.
• Add dark soy sauce for color and sesame oil for flavor.

4. Finishing Touches

• Serve on a plate and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Simplified Japchae Recipe

Ingredients

• Same as the traditional recipe

Instructions

1. Prepare the Ingredients

• Soak the glass noodles in cold water for about 30 minutes, then boil them.
• Prepare the spinach, onion, carrot, green onion, and wood ear mushrooms.

2. Blanch the Ingredients

• Add the pork to the boiling water used for the glass noodles and blanch.
• Add the wood ear mushrooms, onion, carrot, and green onion and blanch.
• Once the vegetables are cooked, add the spinach and blanch until wilted.
• Remove all ingredients from the water and let them cool.

3. Mix the Glass Noodles and Seasoning

• Season the boiled glass noodles with minced garlic, brown sugar, soy sauce, and salt.
• Mix in the blanched vegetables and meat, and add dark soy sauce and sesame oil, mixing well.

4. Finishing Touches

• Serve in a bowl and sprinkle with sesame seeds.

Tips and Notes

• Preparing the Glass Noodles: Make sure to soak them thoroughly for easy cooking and a chewy texture.
• Maintaining Vegetable Texture: Sauté or blanch for a short time to prevent wilting.
• Using Dark Soy Sauce: Enhances the appetizing color of the Japchae.
• Adjust to Your Preference: Adjust the amount of ingredients and seasoning to your liking.

Baek Jong-won's Japchae recipeoffers both traditional and simplified methods, allowing you to choose according to your time and situation. Make delicious Japchae with this recipe today! 😊