Chop Chae

Name: Chop Chae
Yield: makes 8 servings
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons dark sesame oil, plus more as needed; 1/4 pound boneless sirloin, cut into bits; 2 medium carrots, julienned or minced; 1 large onion, thinly sliced and separated into rings; About 6 ounces precooked fish cake, thinly sliced, optional; 12 scallions, trimmed and roughly chopped; 2 cups chopped cooked spinach; 1 cup trimmed mushrooms, preferably a mixture of oyster, shiitake, and enoki; 1 tablespoon minced garlic; 1/2 pound potato starch noodles or glass (mung bean) noodles; 2 tablespoons soy sauce, or more to taste; Salt and black pepper to taste; 1/4 cup pine nuts, lightly toasted; 1/4 cup lightly toasted sesame seeds (page 596)

December 14, 2011

A festive dish that takes a bit of preparation—a simple enough process, but quite a few steps. Nevertheless, it’s a delicious and unusual noodle dish, and because it’s best served at room temperature, you can make it a couple of hours in advance. Substitute shrimp or fish for the meat (or omit it entirely) if you like. Precooked fish cake is available at Korean or Japanese markets. Potato starch noodles are available at Korean markets.

Recipe notes

White Bean Turkey Chili

A dash of cocoa powder adds depth and richness to the broth of this easy turkey chili.

Butternut Squash–Kale Salad With Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

Round out these autumn greens with tart pomegranate seeds, crunchy pepitas, and a shower of Parmesan.

Béchamel Sauce

This classic 15-minute sauce is your secret weapon for homemade mac and cheese, chowder, lasagna, and more.

Rosemary and Dried Cherry Pork Chops

Rehydrating dried cherries in hot water turns them plump and juicy—exactly what you want scattered throughout a rosemary-scented pan sauce for pork chops.

Dulce de Leche

Make this versatile caramel at home with our slow-simmered method using milk and sugar—or take one of two sweetened condensed milk shortcuts.

Our Favorite French Onion Soup

Caramelized onions, melty Gruyère, and a deeply savory broth deliver the kind of comfort that doesn’t need improving.

Frijoles Peruanos (Peruvian Refried Beans)

Mayocobas, or canary beans, are the quick-cooking pantry ingredient you should know about.

Gochujang Turkey Sweet Potatoes

Fully loaded, meal-prep friendly, and ready to be dressed up, down, or sideways.