Korean-Style Noodles with Steak and Kimchi

Kimchi is a Korean condiment of spicy, fermented cabbage. Raw cultured vegetables, such as those found in kimchi, are known to aid digestion. This boldly flavored dish comes together quickly when the noodles and steak are made a day ahead of time. This dish also works well with a base of brown rice in place of the noodles.

Korean-Style Noodles with Steak and Kimchi

3 Tbs. Asian sesame oil

1 Tbs. low-sodium soy sauce

1 Tbs. mirin

1 Tbs. brown sugar

1 tsp. minced garlic

1 tsp. Korean chile bean paste (such as gochujang) or sriracha sauce

1/4 cup toasted sesame seeds

12 oz. (375 g) flank steak, sliced against the grain into thin strips

1/2 lb. (250 g) bean thread noodles

2 Tbs. canola oil

1/2 lb. (250 g) shiitake mushrooms, stemmed and thinly sliced

1 cup (3 1/2 oz./105 g) thinly sliced onion

1 cup (5 oz./155 g) julienned carrot

1/4 cup (1 oz./30 g) thinly sliced green onions

1/2 cup (2 oz./60 g) kimchi, coarsely chopped

In a baking dish, stir together the sesame oil, soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, garlic, chile bean paste, and 2 Tbs. of the sesame seeds until the sugar dissolves. Set half of the mixture aside. Add the sliced steak to the remaining mixture. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Remove the dish from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.

Place the noodles in a heatproof bowl and cover with very hot tap water. Let the noodles soak until they become tender and opaque, about 10 minutes. Drain well.

Warm a wok over medium-high heat and add 1 Tbs. canola oil. Remove the meat from the marinade, letting any excess liquid drain off. Add the steak to the wok and stir-fry just until it begins to brown, 2 to 3 minutes. Transfer the steak to a plate. Warm the remaining 1 Tbs. canola oil in the wok, then add the mushrooms and onions. Stir-fry until the vegetables begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the carrot and green onions and stir-fry until the onions are soft and lightly browned, 4 to 5 minutes. Stir in the noodles. Add the reserved sauce and the beef, stirring well to coat.

Transfer the noodles to a warm serving dish, garnish with the kimchi and serve. Serves 4.

Find more wholesome recipes for every day of the year in our new cookbook,
Healthy Dish of the Day, by Kate McMillan.