Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Vegetable Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Noodles with Eggs, which is a variation of traditional Korean Japchae.
What type of noodles are used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 3/4 lb of sweet potato noodles, which turn transparent when cooked.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 6-8 people, making it ideal for family gatherings.
Who is the chef that inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by the expert teachings of Chef Sunny from the League of Kitchens.
How long should the dried mushrooms be soaked?
Dried shiitake and wood ear mushrooms should be soaked in cold water for 2 hours or overnight for the best flavor.
How long do the sweet potato noodles need to soak before cooking?
The noodles should be soaked in hot water for 30 minutes until they soften.
What types of mushrooms are included in this dish?
The dish includes dried shiitake mushrooms, dried wood ear mushrooms, and king oyster mushrooms.
How should the king oyster mushrooms be prepared?
They should be cut into 1/4-inch planks and then sliced into 1/4-inch pieces.
What vegetables are needed for the stir-fry?
The vegetables include yellow onion, orange bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, red bell pepper, carrots, and Chinese chives.
How are the carrots prepared?
The carrots should be grated using a mandoline to ensure an even texture throughout the dish.
What is the recommended cooking oil for this recipe?
Grapeseed oil is used for both sautéing the vegetables and cooking the eggs.
How do you cook the eggs for this recipe?
The egg whites and yolks are cooked separately in a nonstick skillet to form thin pancakes, then folded and cut into thin strips.
How long do the noodles need to boil?
Once the water is boiling, add the noodles and cook for about 3 minutes until they become transparent.
What ingredients are used for the dressing?
The dressing is made from toasted sesame oil, soy sauce, minced garlic, and honey.
How should the Chinese chives be cut?
The ends should be trimmed and the chives cut into 2-inch lengths.
What is the total amount of grapeseed oil used?
The recipe uses approximately 10 tablespoons for sautéing plus 4 teaspoons for the eggs.
How do you prepare the onion?
Halve the medium yellow onion, remove the root end, and slice it along the grain.
When do you add the garlic to the dish?
Minced garlic is added to the large mixing bowl after the noodles have been tossed with sesame oil and soy sauce.
What are the final garnishes for the dish?
The dish is garnished with finely chopped scallions, roasted sesame seeds, and the prepared egg strips.
How is the honey used in this recipe?
Honey is sprinkled over the noodle mixture at the end and tossed well to add a touch of sweetness.
Should the vegetables be cooked together or separately?
The vegetables are sautéed in stages (mushrooms/onions, then peppers, then carrots/chives) to ensure each is cooked perfectly before being combined.
How do you ensure the mushrooms are ready for slicing?
After soaking, drain them and squeeze out any excess water from the shiitake mushrooms before thickly slicing.
What size should the bell pepper strips be?
The yellow, orange, and red bell peppers should all be sliced into 1/4-inch strips.
How long do you cook the egg whites?
Cook the whites on low heat for about 2 minutes until set, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
How long do you cook the egg yolks?
Cook the yolks for 2 minutes, flip them, and then finish cooking for 1 additional minute.
What is the purpose of tossing the noodles in sesame oil first?
Tossing the hot, drained noodles in sesame oil prevents them from sticking together and adds immediate flavor.
Is this a traditional Korean recipe?
Yes, it is a traditional Korean-style dish focused on vibrant flavors and textures commonly found in heritage cooking.
Can I use my hands to mix the ingredients?
Yes, the recipe suggests using either tongs or your hands to gently combine the noodles, vegetables, and dressing.
How much soy sauce is required?
The recipe calls for 6 tablespoons of soy sauce for seasoning.
What is the final step before serving?
The final step is to transfer the mixture to a serving bowl and arrange the egg strips nicely on top.