Chapchae is a beloved Korean classic featuring translucent glass noodles tossed with a vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables. The dish balances the earthy depth of black mushrooms and the sweetness of carrots with the fresh crunch of zucchini and spinach. Coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce and sesame oil, every bite offers a satisfying texture and rich umami flavor. It is a comforting yet light meal that works perfectly for family dinners, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish.
Chapchae
Description
Chapchae is a beloved Korean classic featuring translucent glass noodles tossed with a vibrant mix of seasonal vegetables. The dish balances the earthy depth of black mushrooms and the sweetness of carrots with the fresh crunch of zucchini and spinach. Coated in a glossy, savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce and sesame oil, every bite offers a satisfying texture and rich umami flavor. It is a comforting yet light meal that works perfectly for family dinners, potlucks, or as a hearty side dish.Ingredients
Directions
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Soak the dried Chinese black mushrooms in 1 cup of hot water for 20 minutes until softened.
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Drain the mushrooms, remove the hard stems, and thinly slice the caps.
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Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the spinach and blanch for 2 minutes.
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Remove the spinach, drain it, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
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Squeeze out excess moisture from the spinach with your hands or a clean towel.
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Peel the carrot and cut it into thin matchsticks (julienne).
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Wipe the fresh mushrooms clean, remove stems, and slice caps and stems into thin strips.
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Cut the zucchini into thin matchsticks similar in size to the carrots.
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Take the Chinese cabbage leaves, discard the curly outer parts, and julienne the sturdy core sections.
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Trim the scallions, cutting them into 2.5-inch lengths and quartering the white bulb parts lengthwise.
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Cook the cellophane noodles according to package instructions, then drain and rinse with cold water. Cut into manageable lengths if needed.
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Combine the sliced black mushrooms, spinach, carrot, zucchini, fresh mushrooms, cabbage, and scallions in a large bowl.
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Heat vegetable oil and sesame oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Add minced garlic and stir-fry for 10 seconds until fragrant.
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Add the mixed vegetables to the wok and stir-fry for 3 to 4 minutes until tender-crisp.
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Reduce heat to low. Add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, sugar, and salt.
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Toss everything together gently but thoroughly to coat the noodles evenly with the sauce and vegetables.
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Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, allowing the noodles to absorb the flavors.
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Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary before serving warm.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 437.0kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23.3g36%
- Saturated Fat 3.8g19%
- Cholesterol 10.5mg4%
- Sodium 3013.0mg126%
- Total Carbohydrate 49.3g17%
- Dietary Fiber 7.4g30%
- Sugars 10.2g
- Protein 17.1g35%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.