Vegetarian Korean Japchae

Korean BBQ is definitely delicious but what takes it over the top are the banchan dishes that are complimentary to the meal. I gravitate towards the japchae and I always ask for seconds (okay, fourths!) The noodles are made from sweet potatoes giving off this subtle, sweet flavor. I love the addition of the vegetables that add some texture. It really is delicious so I wanted to make some at home - in a much larger quantity! You can easily make this with meat but I have been making a meal a week vegetarian. You know its a good dish when you don't even miss the meat! You can omit the eggs to make it completely vegan!

Ingredients: 
2 large portabella mushrooms - cut into matchsticks
8 ounces of spinach (I used half a bag) 
4 cloves of garlic - minced
3 large eggs - scrambled
4 stalks of green onion (I only used the green part) 
1/2 a large onion - cut into matchsticks
2 large carrots - cut into matchsticks
1/2 package of sweet potato starch noodles 
1 tablespoon of sesame oil for noodles

Sauce: 
1 1/2 tablespoons of sugar
2 tablespoons of soy sauce
2 tablespoons of sesame oil

For chewy noodles, you'll want to soak the noodles in cold water for 30 minutes before cooking. While the noodles are soaking don't forget to bring a pot of water to a boil for the noodles once they have finished pre-soaking. Cook according to package, 10-12 minutes and the noodles will be ready. Once the noodles are cooked, strain, add some vegetable or sesame oil to prevent sticking. You'll need bring the pot to boil again to poach the spinach. Only poach the spinach leaves for 2 minutes, remove, strain the water and place on paper towels to remove any access liquid. When the spinach has cooled, you'll want to ring out any access liquid - if you don't, the spinach will add to much moisture to the dish. Don't forget! 

Next you'll want to cook the vegetables! Start with the garlic, onions, and carrots!  Cook until the onions are translucent and the carrots are al dente. 

Add in the mushrooms! Cook until tender. Add in the green onions during the last minute. Set the ingredients aside! Now prepare the egg! 

Take a crepe pan and cook only a thin layer at a time. Almost like a crepe but with eggs only. You'll want to flip only once! 

Place the egg on your cutting board, cut directly in half, fold it over and cut into matchsticks! Next you'll place the cooked noodles in a mixing bowl, add in all your prepared ingredients and then drench with the sauce! Use your hands to mix the ingredients. S&P to your taste. You can add a bit more sugar or soy sauce to your liking. It should be a bit sweet but mostly savory. The addition of sugar brings out the subtle sweetness in the noodles.

 So good! Definitely one of my favorite noodle dishes! 

I hope you enjoyed the recipe! 

XX

Kathy