Colorful Vegetarian Jap Chae (Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry)
Indulge in this vibrant and satisfying vegetarian version of the classic Korean dish, Jap Chae. Perfectly cooked glass noodles, made from sweet potato starch, are combined with a medley of fresh vegetables and tofu, all stir-fried to perfection. Each vegetable is sautéed separately to maintain its unique flavor and color, resulting in a delightful symphony of tastes in every bite. This dish can be enjoyed warm or chilled, making it a versatile choice for any meal, whether as a filling main course or a delightful side dish for entertaining. Packed with nutritious ingredients, this Jap Chae is not only a crowd-pleaser but also a wholesome option for vegetarians and health-conscious diners alike.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
16
Ingredients
Ingredients
Cellophane noodles (dangmyeon)
1 (14 ounce) package (use one bundle, cooked)
Fresh spinach
1/2 bunch (blanched and squeezed dry)
Yellow onion
1/2 medium (sliced into rings, cut in half)
Carrot
1 (peeled, cut into small matchsticks)
Red bell pepper
1/2 (cut into slices)
Fresh shiitake mushrooms
8-10 (sliced)
Green onions
2 stalks (sliced into 1 1/2-inch pieces (green parts only))
Firm tofu
8 ounces (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Olive oil
to taste (for sautéing)
Soy sauce
4 tablespoons (for seasoning)
Toasted sesame oil
4 tablespoons (for seasoning)
Sea salt
to taste (for seasoning)
Fresh ground pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
Sugar
2 tablespoons (for seasoning)
Toasted sesame seeds
3 tablespoons (for garnish)
Instructions
1
Begin by boiling one bundle of dangmyeon (glass noodles) in a pot of salted water for about 5 minutes, until they are al dente. Drain the noodles and do not rinse. Place them in a large bowl and use kitchen scissors to cut the noodles into three sections.
2
Add 2 tablespoons each of soy sauce and toasted sesame oil to the noodles, tossing well to coat them evenly. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
3
In the same pot, bring enough water to a boil to blanch the spinach for about 1 minute. Once cooked, remove it from the boiling water and let it cool slightly before squeezing out excess moisture. Cut the spinach into thirds and toss it with 1 teaspoon of sesame oil, a pinch of sea salt, and freshly ground pepper. Combine with the noodles in the bowl.
4
Heat a wok or large frying pan over high heat and add 1 teaspoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced onions for 2 minutes until translucent, seasoning with 1/2 teaspoon of sesame oil, salt, and pepper. Transfer the onions to the noodle bowl.
5
Repeat the sautéing process for the other vegetables: cook the carrots for 30 seconds, the red bell pepper for 2 minutes, the shiitake mushrooms for 1 minute, and the green onions for 10 seconds. Add each cooked vegetable to the large bowl with the noodles.
6
In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Brown the tofu cubes for about 1 minute on each side until golden and crispy. Set the tofu aside; do not add it to the noodle bowl yet.
7
In the noodle bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper, tossing everything well to distribute the flavors.
8
In the now-empty wok, add the minced garlic and cook briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the entire bowl of mixed noodles and vegetables, stirring for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
9
Finally, gently fold in the browned tofu, ensuring everything is well combined. Transfer the noodles and vegetables to a large serving platter and top with toasted sesame seeds.
10
Serve the dish warm or cold according to your preference. Enjoy this colorful and delicious vegetarian Jap Chae!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jap Chae?
Jap Chae is a classic Korean dish made from glass noodles stir-fried with a variety of vegetables and seasonings.
What are glass noodles made from?
The glass noodles, or dangmyeon, used in this recipe are made from sweet potato starch.
Is this Jap Chae recipe vegetarian?
Yes, this is a vibrant vegetarian version of the dish that uses tofu instead of meat.
How long should I boil the glass noodles?
Boil the noodles in salted water for about 5 minutes until they are al dente.
Should I rinse the noodles after boiling?
No, you should drain the noodles but do not rinse them.
Why do I need to cut the noodles?
Cutting the noodles into three sections with kitchen scissors makes them easier to mix and serve.
What is the first step in seasoning the noodles?
After draining and cutting, toss the noodles with 2 tablespoons each of soy sauce and toasted sesame oil.
How is the spinach prepared for this recipe?
Blanch the spinach for 1 minute, squeeze out the moisture, cut into thirds, and season with sesame oil, salt, and pepper.
Why are the vegetables sautéed separately?
Sautéing vegetables separately ensures each one maintains its unique flavor, texture, and vibrant color.
How long do I sauté the onions?
Sauté the sliced onions for about 2 minutes until they are translucent.
What is the cooking time for the carrots?
The carrots should be sautéed for only 30 seconds.
How long should I cook the red bell peppers?
Sauté the red bell pepper slices for approximately 2 minutes.
How long do the shiitake mushrooms need to be sautéed?
The sliced shiitake mushrooms should be cooked for about 1 minute.
How long do I cook the green onions?
The green onions only need a very brief sauté of 10 seconds.
How do I prepare the tofu for Jap Chae?
Cut firm tofu into 1-inch cubes and brown them in a skillet for 1 minute on each side until golden and crispy.
What seasonings are added to the large noodle bowl?
Combine 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 tablespoons of sugar, and 1/2 teaspoon of ground pepper.
When do I add the garlic to the dish?
Cook the minced garlic briefly for 30 seconds in the wok before adding the mixed noodles and vegetables.
How long do I stir-fry the final mixture?
Stir-fry the combined noodles and vegetables for 2-3 minutes until everything is heated through.
When is the tofu added to the mixture?
The browned tofu is gently folded in at the very end of the cooking process.
What garnish is used for this dish?
The dish is topped with 3 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds before serving.
Can this dish be served cold?
Yes, Jap Chae is versatile and can be enjoyed either warm or chilled.
What type of tofu is recommended?
Firm tofu is recommended as it holds its shape well during the browning and folding process.
What oil is used for sautéing the vegetables?
Olive oil is used for sautéing the vegetables and browning the tofu.
What part of the green onion should I use?
The recipe calls for the green parts of the green onions, sliced into 1 1/2-inch pieces.
Are the noodles gluten-free?
While sweet potato starch noodles are gluten-free, the recipe uses soy sauce which contains gluten. You can substitute with tamari for a gluten-free version.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 16 ingredients used to create this colorful vegetarian dish.
Is sugar necessary in this recipe?
Yes, 2 tablespoons of sugar are used to provide the traditional balance of sweet and savory flavors.
What type of mushrooms are used?
The recipe specifies 8-10 fresh shiitake mushrooms.
Can I use different vegetables?
While this recipe uses a specific medley, Jap Chae is very flexible and can accommodate various fresh vegetables.
Is this a healthy meal option?
Yes, it is packed with nutritious vegetables, lean protein from tofu, and heart-healthy fats from sesame oil.