Japchae is a South Korean dish made by stir-frying glass noodles and vegetables. The dish is often served with beef and additionally flavored with sugar and soy sauce. The name of the dish is translated to a mixture of vegetables. The original japchae did not contain meat nor noodles, and it was invented by King Gwangaegun's servant, who prepared the meal for a royal celebration.
The king loved the dish so much that the servant got promoted to an upper rank. Since many Korean foods feature five colors, japchae also meets that criterium: green for spinach, red for carrots, black for mushrooms, and yellow and white for a fried egg, typically used as a garnish in japchae.
Namul is a widely accepted term used to refer to Korean vegetable side dishes, which can include green leafy vegetables, starchy root varieties, sprouts, green beans, and occasionally even fruit. The ingredients are used in raw, pickled, fried, sautéed, blanched, or dry form.
They are usually seasoned with soy sauce, sesame oil, sesame seeds, vinegar, garlic, and occasionally the spicy red chili paste known as gochujang. The seasoning in all namul types is not overpowering, and the main characteristic is the fresh taste of the vegetables.
VARIATIONS OF Namul
Kimchi bokkeumbap is a simple South Korean dish made with a combination of fried rice and kimchi. It is considered to be a great way to use leftover kimchi. The dish can also be enriched with additional ingredients such as meat, vegetables, and soy sauce.
In most cases, kimchi bokkeumbap is topped with a fried egg before serving, although it can also be garnished with sesame seeds, finely chopped green onions, or gim. Because it is very easy to prepare, inexpensive, and comforting, the dish is a favorite amongst South Korean students.
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