JAPCHAE (STIR-FRIED GLASS NOODLES WITH VEGETABLES)

Japchae is a festive stir-fried dish made with colorful seasonal vegetables and sweet potato noodles. Sweet potato noodles, also known as starch noodles or Korean vermicelli, are made from sweet potato starch and water. When cooked, these dried gray noodles turn clear. Korean sweet potato noodles can be found in Asian or Korean markets. 

Ingredients 

1/2 package (8 ounces) dried Korean sweet potato noodles
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
10 shiitake mushrooms, stems removed and caps julienned
1 medium onion, julienned
1 carrot, julienned
1 red bell pepper, cored and julienned
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1 teaspoon minced garlic
5 ounces baby spinach, stemmed
3 green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces, white and green parts
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable stock
1/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil, divided
1/4 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons light brown sugar, plus more to taste

Directions 

  1. To cook the noodles: Bring a medium pan of salted water to a rolling boil over high heat. Add noodles and cook until transparent and al dente, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, fill a large bowl with ice water. Immediately transfer cooked noodles to ice-water bath to stop the cooking and cool. Drain and toss well with 1 tablespoons sesame oil. Set aside. 
  2. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Once oil is shimmering, add mushrooms, onions, carrots, and bell pepper; season with salt and pepper. Stir-fry until vegetables begin to soften, about 4 minutes. Add garlic, spinach, and green onions and stir-fry until aromatic, about 3 minutes. 
  3. Add drained chilled noodles and remaining ingredients. Stir-fry until vegetables are completely soft and most of cooking liquid is absorbed, about 3 minutes. Serve immediately.