Japchae

Makes 12 servings

John

This dish is usually made for special occasions or for guests as part of an elaborate meal.

ingredients

1 (1 1/2-pound) package of sweet potato noodles (they are clear)
10 to 12 dried pyongo or shiitake mushrooms
Vegetable oil for sauteing
1 pound sliced rib eye or Boolgogi beef, sliced into strips
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon plus 1/2 cup soy sauce
2 teaspoons plus 2 tablespoons sesame oil
2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds, crushed
2 bunches of spinach, thoroughly washed with roots trimmed
2 teaspoons salt
2 medium onions, sliced
2 carrots, shredded or cut into thin strips
1 small green pepper with seeds removed, cut into thin strips
1 bundle green onions, cut into 1-inch pieces
1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds, whole, plus additional for garnish (optional)
1/2 cup sugar

1
1) Cook the sweet potato noodles in boiling water for about 4 to 5 minutes (be careful not to overcook, or noodles will lose their flavor and chewy texture). The noodles should be translucent but slightly firm. Immediately drain and rinse thoroughly in cold water. Cut the noodles with scissors into roughly about 6- to 7-inch lengths for easier eating.
2
2) Soak the mushrooms in cold water for about 1 hour. Squeeze the liquid from the mushrooms and slice. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Add the mushrooms, beef, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon sesame seeds and saute until beef is cooked (about 3 to 4 minutes). Remove from heat and set aside.
3
3) In boiling water, blanch the spinach. Squeeze the water from the leaves and cut in half. In a bowl, combine spinach, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 teaspoon crushed sesame seeds and mix. Set aside to marinate.
4
4) Heat vegetable oil in a skillet. Add the onions, carrots, green pepper, and 1 teaspoon salt and saute for about 3 to 4 minutes. Add the green onions and stir-fry for about a minute more. Remove from heat and set aside.
5
5) In a large bowl thoroughly combine noodles, beef mixture, spinach, onion mixture, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, 1 tablespoon whole toasted sesame seeds, and 1/2 cup sugar.