When Chae, or Korean noodles, is a popular dish that warms souls and satisfies cravings. This delightful recipe features sweet potato vermicelli noodles, beef, and vibrant vegetables, all coming together for a meal that bursts with flavor. It’s a dish that you can whip up on a weeknight, yet it’s impressive enough to serve at gatherings. The perfect balance of texture and taste will have you coming back for more, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
Why We Love This When Chae (Korean Noodles) Recipe
When Chae is not just another noodle dish; it’s a comforting mix of ingredients that evokes the essence of Korean cooking. You’ll love this recipe for its versatility, quick preparation time, and the incredible flavors that come together so effortlessly. The sweet potato vermicelli noodles are gluten-free, making them a wonderful option for those with dietary restrictions. Plus, whether you’re feeding a family or entertaining guests, When Chae is sure to please everyone around the table. With compassionate ingredients and delightful flavors, this dish stands out in every sense.
Ingredients about When Chae (Korean Noodles)
To recreate the magic of When Chae, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups water
- 0.5 pound sweet potato vermicelli noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided, or as needed
- 3.5 ounces beef tenderloin, cut into strips
- 1 clove garlic, crushed
- Salt and ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 1 carrot, cut into matchstick-size pieces
- 2 spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons white sugar
- 0.5 teaspoon sesame seeds
- 0.5 teaspoon sesame oil
How to Make When Chae (Korean Noodles) Directions
Making When Chae is like stepping into a world full of flavors. First, start by bringing 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, add the sweet potato vermicelli noodles to the water. You’ll want to cook these noodles until they are clear and soft, which usually takes about 10 to 12 minutes. Afterward, drain the noodles in a colander and let them sit for 10 minutes. It’s essential to rinse them with cold water to prevent sticking, and cut them two to three times to make them easier to enjoy.
Now, let’s move on to the beef. Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef strips along with the crushed garlic, and season with salt and pepper. Sauté this mixture until the beef is cooked through, which should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Once done, transfer the beef to a large bowl, leaving the skillet ready for the next steps.
Using the same skillet, add another teaspoon of oil and sauté the onion, seasoning it once more with a pinch of salt and pepper. You will only need about 2 to 3 minutes until the onion turns slightly tender. Transfer the cooked onion to the bowl with the beef.
Next, it’s time for the carrot. In the same skillet, heat another teaspoon of oil and add the matchstick-sized carrot pieces. Sauté for another 2 to 3 minutes until they become tender. Add these to the beef mixture, and then repeat this process for the spring onions. Heat 1 teaspoon of oil again in the skillet, sautéing the spring onions for about a minute before adding them to the mix.
Once all the veggies and beef are combined in the bowl, it’s time to mix in the noodles. Toss everything together gently to ensure the flavors meld perfectly. For the finishing touch, whisk together the soy sauce, sugar, sesame seeds, and sesame oil in a small bowl. Drizzle this mixture over the noodle blend and mix well for a harmonious finish.
How to Serve When Chae (Korean Noodles)
When it comes to serving When Chae, presentation is key. You can serve this dish warm or at room temperature, making it wonderfully versatile. If you’re hosting a gathering, consider plating it in a large bowl and garnishing with extra sesame seeds or sliced spring onions for an appealing look. The colorful ingredients will surely spruce up your dining table.
You might want to accompany When Chae with a side of kimchi or pickled vegetables for a balanced meal that showcases authentic Korean flavors. This dish also works well as a standalone meal or a side dish for other Asian-inspired entrees. You’ll love how it pairs with lightweight beverages or even your favorite herbal teas.
Expert Tips: When Chae (Korean Noodles)
For a successful When Chae, consider these expert tips. First, be careful not to overcook the vermicelli noodles, as they can become mushy. Rinse them thoroughly with cold water after cooking to maintain their texture.
Selecting high-quality beef will enhance the overall flavor of the dish. Tenderloin is excellent for this recipe, but if you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you may choose sirloin or flank steak.
Feel free to customize your When Chae with additional vegetables to suit your taste. Bell peppers, bok choy, or mushrooms can turn this dish into a delightful medley. Also, if you enjoy a bit of spice, adding a dash of gochujang (Korean chili paste) can elevate the flavor profile.
How to Store When Chae (Korean Noodles)
If you happen to have leftovers of your delicious When Chae, storing them properly is crucial. Allow the dish to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through.
For longer storage, consider freezing it. Place your When Chae in a freezer-safe container, and it can last for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.
Variation of When Chae (Korean Noodles)
The beauty of When Chae lies in its versatility, allowing for numerous variations to suit your palate. Consider replacing the beef with chicken, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version. Each protein brings a unique taste, making your dish distinctly different and delightful.
Another fun twist is to incorporate different types of noodles. Substitute the sweet potato vermicelli with rice noodles or egg noodles for a different texture. You can also add ingredients like bean sprouts, zucchini, or snap peas for an extra boost of nutrition and flavor.
If you love aromatic herbs, infuse your When Chae with fresh basil or cilantro right before serving. Not only will these add vibrant colors, but they will also enhance the flavor profile immensely.
FAQ
What are the main ingredients in When Chae (Korean Noodles)?
The primary ingredients for When Chae include sweet potato vermicelli noodles, beef tenderloin, vegetables like onions and carrots, and a flavorful sauce made with soy sauce and sesame oil.
How long do you cook sweet potato vermicelli noodles?
You should cook sweet potato vermicelli noodles for about 10 to 12 minutes in boiling water until they become clear and soft.
Can When Chae be made vegetarian?
Absolutely! You can easily make When Chae vegetarian by replacing beef with tofu or omitting it altogether and focusing on the vegetables.
How should you store leftover When Chae?
Store any leftover When Chae in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze it for up to two months for longer preservation.
Can you customize When Chae with different vegetables?
Yes, When Chae is highly customizable! You can add a variety of vegetables like bell peppers, mushrooms, or bok choy to match your preferences.
When Chae
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 3 cups water For boiling the noodles
- 0.5 pound sweet potato vermicelli noodles Gluten-free option
For the Beef and Vegetables
- 3.5 ounces beef tenderloin, cut into strips High-quality beef enhances flavor
- 1 clove garlic, crushed Adds aromatic flavor
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced For sweetness and texture
- 1 medium carrot, cut into matchstick-size pieces For added crunch
- 2 pieces spring onions, cut into 2-inch pieces For garnish and flavor
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce For savory flavor
- 2 teaspoons white sugar Balances the sauce
- 0.5 teaspoon sesame seeds For garnish and flavor
- 0.5 teaspoon sesame oil Adds nuttiness
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided For cooking
To Taste
- Salt and ground black pepper To season
Instructions
Cooking the Noodles
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
- Add the sweet potato vermicelli noodles to the boiling water and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until clear and soft.
- Drain the noodles in a colander and rinse with cold water. Cut the noodles 2 to 3 times to make them easier to enjoy.
Sautéing the Beef
- Heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef strips and crushed garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper. Sauté until the beef is cooked through, about 3 to 4 minutes.
- Transfer the beef to a large bowl.
Cooking the Vegetables
- In the same skillet, add another teaspoon of oil and sauté the onion for 2 to 3 minutes until slightly tender. Transfer to the bowl with the beef.
- Add another teaspoon of oil and sauté the carrot pieces for 2 to 3 minutes until tender, then add to the beef mixture.
- Repeat with the spring onions, sautéing for 1 minute before adding them to the mix.
Combining the Ingredients
- Toss the cooked noodles together with the beef and vegetables gently.
- Whisk together soy sauce, sugar, sesame seeds, and sesame oil in a small bowl.
- Drizzle the sauce over the noodle mixture and mix well.
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