Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry (Japchae)

Ingredients

• 8 oz Korean glass noodles (sweet potato noodles)
• 1/2 lb Beef sirloin, thinly sliced
• 1 medium Carrot, julienned
• 1/2 medium Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 medium Bell pepper (red or yellow), julienned
• 4 cups Spinach
• 1 cup Shiitake mushrooms, sliced
• 1/4 cup Soy sauce (gluten-free)
• 2 tbsp Brown sugar
• 2 tbsp Sesame oil
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1 tsp Ginger, minced
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 2 stalks Scallions, chopped

Instructions

1. 1Place the 8 oz Korean glass noodles in a large bowl and cover them with warm water. Let them soak for 20 to 30 minutes, or until they are soft and pliable. Drain the noodles thoroughly in a colander.
2. 2In a medium bowl, combine the 1/2 lb thinly sliced Beef sirloin, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of sesame oil, 2 minced cloves of garlic, 1 minced teaspoon of ginger, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Mix well to coat the beef. Let it marinate for 15 minutes.
3. 3Heat a 12-inch skillet or wok over medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C). Add the marinated beef and stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes, or until it is browned and cooked through. The beef should reach an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
4. 4Add the 1 medium julienned carrot, 1/2 medium thinly sliced onion, and 1 medium julienned bell pepper to the same skillet. Stir-fry for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are slightly softened. Add the 1 cup sliced shiitake mushrooms and 4 cups of spinach. Continue to stir-fry for 1 to 2 minutes, until the spinach is wilted. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside with the beef.
5. 5Add the drained 8 oz Korean glass noodles to the skillet. Pour in the remaining 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Stir-fry the noodles for 3 to 5 minutes, until they are heated through and evenly coated with the sauce. They should be glossy and tender.
6. 6Return the cooked beef and stir-fried vegetables to the skillet with the noodles. Toss everything together gently to combine and heat through for 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in the 2 chopped stalks of scallions.
7. 7Serve the Korean glass noodle stir-fry immediately.

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