Japchae

Name: Japchae
Prep time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: Serves 8 to 12 as a side; Makes about 7 cups
Ingredients: 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 tablespoon light-brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, grated on a Microplane zester (1 teaspoon); Kosher salt; 8 ounces Korean sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon); 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil; 3 tablespoons neutral oil, such as safflower; 8 scallions, white and light-green parts cut into 1 1/2-inch lengths (about 2/3 cup), and dark-green tops thinly sliced for serving (1/2 cup); 8 ounces shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, sliced 1/4 inch thick (about 3 cups); 2 cups shredded carrots (from 4 carrots); 1 bunch spinach, thick stems removed (6 packed cups); 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds

Recipe photo courtesy of Bryan Gardner

Our vegetarian take on the classic Korean noodle dish comes together in a flash, so make sure to have all your ingredients ready before cooking. Serve with other banchan (Korean side dishes) such as kimchi.

40 mins 30 mins Serves 8 to 12 as a side; Makes about 7 cups

Total Time Prep Yield

Ingredients

Directions

1.
In a medium bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt until sugar dissolves; set aside.
2.
Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add noodles and cook according to package instructions. Drain. Run under cold water to stop cooking; drain again, shaking to remove excess water. Transfer to a bowl and toss with sesame oil. Using kitchen shears, cut noodles in a few places.
3.
Heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet (preferably cast iron) over high until smoking, 4 to 5 minutes. Add oil and swirl to coat. Add mushrooms and scallion lengths; cook, stirring, until softened and charred in places, 2 to 3 minutes. Add carrots, season with salt, and cook, stirring, until softened, 3 minutes. Reduce heat to medium; add spinach, soy mixture, and noodles. Gently toss to combine. Cook until heated through and sauce coats noodles, 2 minutes more. Adjust seasoning as desired. Sprinkle with scallion tops and sesame seeds; serve.