Vegetarian > Asian > Korean

Easy Vegetarian Japchae Recipe

Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz sweet potato noodles
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups spinach
- 1/4 cup green onions, sliced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Special equipment needed:
- Large pot
- Large skillet or wok

Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook sweet potato noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Set aside.
3. Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
4. Add onion and garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 2 minutes.
5. Add red bell pepper and shiitake mushrooms and sauté until tender, about 5 minutes.
6. Add spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2 minutes.
7. Add cooked sweet potato noodles and soy sauce mixture to the skillet. Toss until everything is evenly coated and heated through, about 3 minutes.
8. Remove from heat and sprinkle with green onions and sesame seeds.


Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 15 minutes
Temperature:
Medium-high heat
Serving size:
4 servings

Nutritional information:
Calories: 350
Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 60g
Protein: 9g
Fiber: 5g
Sugar: 15g
Sodium: 1600mg

Substitutions for ingredients:
- Sweet potato noodles can be substituted with any other type of noodle.
- Soy sauce can be substituted with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Brown sugar can be substituted with honey or maple syrup.
- Vegetable oil can be substituted with any other type of oil.
- Red bell pepper can be substituted with any other color of bell pepper.
- Shiitake mushrooms can be substituted with any other type of mushroom.
- Spinach can be substituted with any other leafy green.
- Green onions can be substituted with chives or scallions.
- Sesame seeds can be omitted or substituted with any other type of seed or nut.

Variations:
- Add tofu or tempeh for extra protein.
- Add carrots or zucchini for extra veggies.
- Use different types of mushrooms for different flavors.
- Add chili flakes or sriracha for extra spice.

Tips and tricks:
- Make sure to rinse the sweet potato noodles with cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking together.
- Cut all vegetables into similar sizes to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcook the vegetables to maintain their texture and color.
- Use a non-stick skillet or wok to prevent sticking.

Storage instructions:
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating instructions:
Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Presentation ideas:
Serve in a large bowl or on individual plates. Garnish with extra green onions and sesame seeds.

Garnishes:
Extra green onions and sesame seeds.

Pairings:
Serve with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables.

Suggested side dishes:
- Steamed rice
- Miso soup
- Edamame

Troubleshooting advice:
- If the noodles are too sticky, rinse them with cold water and toss with a little bit of oil.
- If the sauce is too salty, add a little bit of water or more brown sugar to balance it out.

Food safety advice:
- Make sure to cook all vegetables thoroughly to prevent foodborne illness.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days.

Food history:
Japchae is a Korean dish made with sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and meat or seafood. It originated in the Joseon Dynasty and was traditionally served at special occasions such as weddings and birthdays.

Flavor profiles:
Savory, sweet, nutty, umami.

Serving suggestions:
Serve as a main dish or as a side dish to a larger meal.

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Region: Korean

Taste: Sweet, Savory, Umami, Chewy, Garlicky