Cooking Japchae: a versatile and ancient dish of Korean cuisine

Japchae is a popular Korean dish consisting of transparent sweet potato noodles, also known as sweet potato starch noodles, stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and often meat (such as beef, chicken or pork), all seasoned with soy sauce and Sesame oil. It is a colorful, tasty and versatile dish that can be enjoyed both hot and cold.

It has its roots in the cuisine of the Korean royal court during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910). Originally, it was a banquet dish served on special occasions and ceremonies. Over time, it became popular among Korean people and became a common dish at family celebrations and festivals.

At the table, it is typically served on a large plate and presented as a center dish along with other banchan (side dishes) in a Korean meal. It is often served as a main dish at family gatherings, celebrations and special occasions.

To enjoy Japchae, take a portion with chopsticks and place it on a small plate or directly in your mouth. It is common to wrap the noodles around chopsticks for easier handling. Some people also add a little rice to Japchae to balance the flavors and textures.

Japchae is appreciated for its sweet and salty flavor, as well as the soft and slightly springy texture of sweet potato noodles.

How to prepare homemade Japchae

Ingredients:

• 200 g sweet potato starch noodles (japchae)
• 100 g meat (beef, chicken or pork), cut into thin strips
• 1 carrot, cut into thin strips
• 100 g of fresh spinach
• 100g mushrooms, cut into thin slices
• 1 onion, cut into strips
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 spoon of sugar
• Salt to taste
• Toasted sesame seeds to decorate

1. Cook sweet potato starch noodles in boiling water following package directions. When they are tender, drain them and rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking. Then, mix them with a tablespoon of sesame oil to prevent them from sticking and set aside.
2. In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat cut into strips and sauté until cooked completely. Remove the meat from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add a little more sesame oil if necessary and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Then, add the carrots and mushrooms and sauté for a few minutes until tender.
4. Add the spinach to the pan and sauté until wilted. Then, add the onion and continue cooking until translucent.
5. Add the cooked meat back to the pan and mix all the ingredients. Then, add the cooked sweet potato noodles and soy sauce. Cook for a few more minutes, stirring constantly, until everything is well combined and heated through.
6. Taste and adjust the seasoning with a little salt and sugar as needed.
7. Serve the Japchae hot or at room temperature, sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds to decorate.