When Chae, a delicious Korean noodle dish, effortlessly blends flavors and textures to deliver a comforting and satisfying meal. Made from sweet potato vermicelli, this dish is lightweight yet filling, making it a fantastic choice for lunch or dinner any day of the week. With its savory components and a touch of sweetness, When Chae is sure to tickle your taste buds, inviting you to explore the richness of Korean cuisine.
Why We Love This When Chae (Korean Noodles) Recipe
When Chae is loved not just for its delightful taste but also for its versatility. This dish allows you to mix and match ingredients based on your preferences. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or want to incorporate more protein, you can easily adapt this recipe. Plus, it’s quick to prepare, making it a perfect weeknight meal. The usage of sweet potato noodles adds a unique twist, providing a chewy texture that perfectly complements the savory beef and fresh vegetables. It’s a hearty dish that also stays light on the stomach, bringing a sense of balance to your dining experience.
Ingredients about When Chae (Korean Noodles)
To prepare a delightful When Chae, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 3 cups water
- 0.5 pound sweet potato vermicelli noodles
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
- 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-sized 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
Begin by bringing 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot. Once boiling, add the sweet potato vermicelli noodles and cook them until they turn clear and soft, which should take about 10 to 12 minutes. After cooking, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water. To make them easier to eat, cut the noodles a few times, ensuring a manageable length for your dish.
Next, turn your attention to the beef. In a skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the strips of beef along with the crushed garlic, seasoning them with salt and ground black pepper. Sauté these components for about 3 to 4 minutes, or until the beef is fully cooked and nicely browned. Once finished, transfer the beef to a bowl and set it aside for later.
Using the same skillet, add another teaspoon of oil. This time, toss in the thinly sliced onion. Sauté it for around 2 to 3 minutes, or until the onion is tender and translucent. Once cooked, transfer the onion to the bowl with the beef.
Now, repeat the sautéing process with the carrot and spring onions. Cook each until tender, which should take roughly the same amount of time, about 2 to 3 minutes. Move the carrots and spring onions into the bowl containing the beef and onion, allowing all the flavors to meld together.
After preparing the beef and vegetables, combine all ingredients in the bowl and mix gently, making sure everything is evenly distributed. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, white sugar, sesame seeds, and sesame oil to create a flavorful dressing. Drizzle this mixture over the noodle blend and toss everything again to ensure the noodles are well-coated with the sauce.
Finally, serve your When Chae warm or at room temperature, garnishing it with additional sesame seeds or sliced spring onions for a finishing touch. Enjoy the medley of flavors and textures in this simple yet satisfying dish.
How to Serve When Chae (Korean Noodles)
When it comes to serving When Chae, you have plenty of options. This dish shines as a standalone meal, perfect for lunch or dinner. If you want to create a more elaborate spread, consider pairing it with kimchi or a refreshing salad for some extra crunch and flavor. The balance of savory ingredients and the traditional essence of Korean cuisine makes When Chae a delightful centerpiece on any table.
You can serve the noodles in individual bowls or place them on a large platter for family-style dining. If you have guests over, offering When Chae as part of a Korean-themed dinner can impress and engage your friends. Whether served hot or chilled, the flavors remain vibrant, making it suitable for various dining occasions.
Expert Tips: When Chae (Korean Noodles)
- Noodle Texture: To achieve the perfect noodle texture, make sure not to overcook the sweet potato vermicelli. Keep an eye on them while boiling and ensure they remain chewy yet tender.
- Ingredient Variations: Feel free to modify the ingredients based on availability or preference. You can add vegetables like bell peppers, bok choy, or even tofu for additional protein while keeping the dish entirely plant-based.
- Marinate for Flavor: For an enhanced taste, consider lightly marinating the beef strips in soy sauce and garlic before cooking. This extra step can enrich the flavor profile of your When Chae.
- Don’t Rush the Sautéing: Take your time with the vegetable sautéing. Properly cooking the onions and carrots can elevate the overall taste and ensure that they maintain their structure in the dish.
- Serving Temperature: When Chae can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or even chilled. This versatility makes it great for meal prepping or serving at gatherings.
How to Store When Chae (Korean Noodles)
Storing When Chae is straightforward. Place any leftovers in an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. It’s best to consume the dish within 2-3 days for optimal freshness. If you find the noodles have absorbed the sauce during storage, you can lightly rehydrate them by adding a splash of water or extra soy sauce when reheating.
For longer-term storage, you may also freeze the cooked noodles and vegetables. Before serving from frozen, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator and then reheat in a skillet over low heat until warmed through.
Variation of When Chae (Korean Noodles)
When Chae is wonderfully adaptable, allowing for numerous variations to suit different tastes and dietary preferences.
- Vegetarian When Chae: Replace beef with tofu or tempeh, which can absorb the flavors of the dish beautifully. Stick with a mixture of seasonal vegetables to enhance the color and texture.
- Spicy Version: If you crave a spicy kick, add gochujang (Korean chili paste) or some red pepper flakes to your soy sauce mix. This addition can give your When Chae a delightful hint of heat.
- Seafood Option: Try adding shrimp or sliced fish cakes for a seafood variation. Just sauté these until cooked through and mix them with your other ingredients for a different flavor profile.
- Hearty Additions: Include mushrooms, bell peppers, or leafy greens such as spinach or bok choy for a heartier dish. These ingredients not only vary the flavors but also improve the nutritional value.
- Fresh Herbs: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or mint just before serving. This addition will provide a refreshing note that complements the savory elements of the noodles.
FAQ
What is When Chae?
When Chae is a traditional Korean noodle dish made primarily with sweet potato vermicelli noodles. It typically includes beef, various vegetables, and a savory sauce.
How do you make When Chae from scratch?
To make When Chae from scratch, you’ll need to boil the sweet potato noodles, sauté beef and vegetables, and toss everything together with a soy sauce dressing.
What type of noodles are used in When Chae?
When Chae is traditionally made with sweet potato vermicelli noodles, known for their unique texture and flavor.
Can you prepare When Chae in advance?
Yes, you can make When Chae ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, and enjoy it either cold or reheated.
Is When Chae suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, you can easily make When Chae vegetarian by replacing the beef with tofu and adding plenty of vegetables.
When Chae
Ingredients
For the Noodles
- 3 cups water For boiling noodles
- 0.5 pound sweet potato vermicelli noodles These provide a unique texture
For the Beef and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil Divided for cooking
- 3.5 ounces beef tenderloin Cut into strips
- 1 clove garlic Crushed for flavor
- Salt and ground black pepper To taste
- 1 onion Thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot Cut into matchstick-sized pieces
- 2 spring onions Cut into 2-inch pieces
For the Dressing
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce Adds savory flavor
- 2 teaspoons white sugar To balance flavors
- 0.5 teaspoon sesame seeds For garnish
- 0.5 teaspoon sesame oil For extra flavor
Instructions
Preparation
- Bring 3 cups of water to a boil in a pot.
- Add the sweet potato vermicelli noodles and cook until they turn clear and soft, about 10 to 12 minutes.
- Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water; cut them a few times for manageable lengths.
Cooking
- In a skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the beef strips and crushed garlic, seasoning with salt and black pepper; sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until fully cooked.
- Transfer cooked beef to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining teaspoon of oil and sauté the sliced onion for 2 to 3 minutes until tender.
- Move the onion to the bowl with the beef.
- Repeat with the carrot and spring onions, sautéing until tender.
- Combine all ingredients in the bowl and mix gently.
Final Assembly
- In a separate bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, white sugar, sesame seeds, and sesame oil.
- Drizzle this mixture over the noodle blend and toss to coat.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional sesame seeds or sliced spring onions.
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