This weekend is Chuseok, a national holiday in South Korea, which includes celebrations of good harvest, paying respects to ancestors and – my favorite part – huge feasts of delicious, traditional Korean food. I’m half Korean and spent a good chunk of my childhood in Korea (my dad was in the military) so I had the opportunity to celebrate Chuseok in the homeland with my extended Korean family.

I’m dedicating this week’s Fave Recipe Friday entry to one of my favorite Korean comfort foods: Chapchae (stir-fried noodles). Not only is this dish delicious and super easy to make, but it is also very versatile. The vermicelli noodles (made from sweet potato starch) absorb flavors very well so any vegetable works beautifully with this recipe. You can find the Korean vermicelli noodles at most Asian specialty grocery stores — my local favorite is H Mart, which has stores in Lynnwood and Federal Way.

Here is the recipe my mom and I always use: 

Makes 4 servings

Ingredients:

• 8 oz sweet potato vermicelli noodles 
• 1 sweet onion, sliced into thin strips
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1/2 lb baby spinach, parboiled
• 2 carrots, julienned
• 3 scallions, chopped
• 5 mushrooms, sliced (I like to use creminis)
• 1/2 cup zucchini, sliced into half-moons
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp sesame oil
• 3 Tbsp soy sauce
• 1 tsp sugar
• Salt to taste
• Sesame seeds (optional)

Directions

1. Cook noodles according to package directions
2. In a large pan or wok over medium heat, heat olive oil and 1 Tbsp sesame oil
3. Add onion slices and garlic and sauté for about 1 min
4. Add rest of vegetables and cook for 4-5 min, until the vegetables are half-cooked and still a bit crispy
5. Turn heat to low and add cooked noodles, soy sauce, sugar, and the remaining sesame oil
6. Mix to combine and cook for another 2 min
7. Add salt or more soy sauce if needed (or if you want it a bit sweeter, add a touch more sugar)
8. If using sesame seeds, add them at finish

The finished product should look something like this:

Photo Source: Gourmet.com

Note: For those who like their meat, feel free to add small pieces of beef or pork to this dish.

Happy Chuseok, everyone!

Chapchae (Korean Stir-Fried Noodles)