Sweet potato noodles, called japchae in Korea, are transparent and I usually find them in Asian grocery stores. This dish of fried noodles with various vegetables is generally served as a side dish, hot or cold. What makes these noodles unique is their slightly springy texture and ability to absorb flavors. It is a dish that I make often because it is easy to adapt: it can be prepared with or without meat to suit all diets.
Ingredients
Preparation
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Soak the sweet potato noodles in boiling water for 15 minutes, until softened or cook them according to the packet instructions, then drain and rinse them in cold water. Reserve.
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In a pan, sauté the beef or tofu with a little oil, salt, pepper, and a clove of chopped garlic, until the meat is cooked. Reserve.
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In the same pan, brown the onions, carrots, peppers and mushrooms with a little oil until soft.
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Blanch the spinach quickly in boiling water, drain it, then squeeze it lightly to remove excess water. Cut them into pieces.
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In a large bowl, mix the noodles with the meat (or tofu), vegetables, remaining garlic, soy sauce, sugar and sesame oil. Mix well so that all the flavors combine.
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Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
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Serve hot or at room temperature