Japchae (Korean Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Noodles) - cooking recipe

Ingredients

6 ounces dried korean sweet potato noodles
4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil, divided
1/4 cup soy sauce
1 tablespoon packed dark brown sugar
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 medium carrot, peeled and cut into 1-1/2-inch matchsticks
1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more as needed (not iodized table salt)
1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper, plus more as needed
4 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms, stems trimmed and thinly sliced
2 medium garlic cloves, finely chopped
4 ounces Baby Spinach
1 medium scallion, thinly sliced (white and light green parts only)
1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Preparation

Bring a large saucepan of heavily salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the noodles, stir to separate them, and boil until cooked through, about 5 minutes. Drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool. Using scissors, cut the noodles into 6- to 8-inch lengths. With the noodles still in the colander, drizzle with 2 teaspoons of the sesame oil and toss to coat; set aside.
Mix the soy sauce and sugar together in a small bowl until the sugar has dissolved; set aside.
Heat the 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large frying pan over medium heat until shimmering. Add the carrots, onion, measured salt, and measured pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion has softened, about 8 minutes. Add the mushrooms and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the mushrooms are tender, about 3 minutes.
Increase the heat to medium high. Add the spinach and, using tongs, toss to combine. Let cook until slightly wilted, about 1 minute. Add the reserved noodles and soy sauce mixture and toss until heated through, about 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat, add the remaining 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil and toss to combine. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed. Transfer to a serving platter and sprinkle with the scallion and sesame seeds. Serve immediately or at room temperature.