She Strengthens

Discover the Flavors of Korea: Jap Jae, a Royal Dish

Jap Jae, a beloved Korean dish, is often served in restaurants, but its true essence lies in the traditional, labor-of-love preparation method used in household cooking. Unlike restaurant shortcuts, where all ingredients are cooked together, the authentic Jap Jae recipe requires each component to be prepared separately, resulting in a harmonious balance of flavors and textures.

Understanding the Recipe

Before diving into the preparation process, it’s essential to understand the importance of each ingredient and its role in the dish. Jap Jae serves 5 people, takes approximately 24 hours to prepare, and requires about 2 1/2 hours of active cooking time.

Ingredients

• 1 12-ounce package Korean Starch Noodle (Korean vermicelli, sweet potato starch)
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 3 tablespoons beef or chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 4 ounces lean beef, pork, or chicken
• 1/2 medium white or yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• Meat marinade (see below)
• 1 bunch fresh spinach (approximately 3 ounces)
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 medium coral mushroom
• 2 tablespoons beef or chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 3 ounces dried pre-cut doragi (Bellflower root)
• 3 tablespoons beef or chicken broth
• 2 green or spring onions
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Garnish: 2 eggs, 1 teaspoon roasted sesame seed

Preparing the Ingredients

To ensure each component is prepared to perfection, follow these steps:

Meat Preparation

Cut the meat into 1/2 inch by 2 inch strips and place in the marinade. Let it stand for at least 15 minutes before removing and draining. Slice the onion into thin slices (1/8th inch) and stir-fry in sesame oil until softened.

Spinach Preparation

Bring 3 cups of water to a boil, then blanch the spinach for 30 seconds. Remove from heat, rinse in cold water, and squeeze out excess water. Heat sesame oil in a pan, add spinach and broth, and stir-fry for 30-45 seconds.

Mushroom Preparation

Tear the coral mushroom into individual stalks, rinse well, and blanch in boiling water for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat, drain, and rinse in cold water. Cut into thin slivers lengthwise. Alternatively, use King Oyster or other large mushrooms. Stir-fry the mushroom in sesame oil with green onions and broth.

Doragi Preparation

Rinse soaked doragi in cold water, then drain. Cook in boiling water for 10-20 minutes until slightly softened. Drain and rinse in cold water. Stir-fry doragi in sesame oil with green onions and broth.

Egg Preparation

Separate egg yolks from whites, whip together, and cook in a hot oiled pan in a thin layer. Flip and cook for 15-20 seconds. Cut into thin strips about 1/8 inch wide by 1 1/2 inch long. Repeat with egg whites.

Final Assembly

Combine all prepared ingredients, except garnish, in a large salad bowl and toss gently. Transfer to a large serving platter and garnish with alternating white and yellow egg strips. Sprinkle with remaining sesame seed and serve at room temperature with steamed white rice and ban chan.