Ingredients:
5 -6 ounces bean thread noodles ( very thin bean thread style, sold in small skeins, also known as cellophane, glass, or mung bean noo)
1/2 cup reduced-sodium tamari soy sauce ( wheat-free sauce from refined soy)
3 tablespoons toasted sesame oil ( Asian-style)
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon chopped garlic ( 2 cloves)
1 tablespoon safflower oil ( or another tbsp of sesame oil)
1 medium onions, sliced lengthwise 1/8 inch thick ( 1 1/2 cups)
2 medium carrots, cut into 1/8-inch-thick matchsticks ( 2 inches long)
1/2 lb mushrooms, trimmed and sliced 1/8 inch thick ( 3 cups, preferably shiitake, but any will do)
4 cups baby spinach
sesame seeds ( to taste)
cayenne (to taste) or other hot black pepper ( to taste)
Directions:
Soak noodles in a bowl of warm water to cover until softened, about 10 minutes, then drain in a colander. Cook noodles in a 3- to 4-quart pot of boiling water until tender, about 2 minutes, then drain in a colander and rinse under cold water until cool.
Blend tamari, sesame oil, sugar, and garlic in a blender until smooth.
Heat safflower oil in a deep 12-inch heavy skillet over high heat until it just begins to smoke, then stir-fry onion and carrots until onion is softened, about 3 minutes. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until softened, about 3 minutes. Add spinach and stir-fry 30 seconds, then add noodles and tamari mixture and toss to coat. Simmer, stirring occasionally, until most of liquid is absorbed, 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to a shallow serving dish and serve warm or at room temperature.
Chap chae can be made 1 day ahead and chilled, covered.
Servings: 4
Time preparation: 15 min.
Time total: 30 min.