Vegan Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)

A vegan alternative to the traditional Japchae using tofu as the main protein. Sweet Potato Noodle Stir Fry.

Air-fry the tofu cut into thin strips for about 12 minutes at 400F (200C). Before adding the tofu to the air fryer, using a brush add a little olive oil or coconut oil to the tofu strips. You can alternatively pan-fry the tofu or deep-fry it to make tofu puffs.
9 oz firm tofu

Using a big pot, bring some water to a boil. Add the noodles and cook following the packet instructions. Drain the water and reserve the noodles for later. To avoid the noodles from sticking, you can now add a tablespoon of sesame oil and stir well.
9 oz sweet potato starch noodles

Prepare the vegetables by thinly slicing the onion, carrots, bell pepper, shiitake mushrooms, and green onion.
1 small onion, 2 small carrots, ½ red bell pepper, 5-6 shiitake mushrooms, 2 spring onion
Cook the vegetables separately. First, the onion, once cooked, reserve on a plate, then repeat the process with the carrots, bell pepper, and green onions. For the shiitake mushrooms, grease the pan or wok with a little sesame oil and add the shiitake together with 1 tablespoon tamari, ½ teaspoon of sugar, and 2 tablespoons of water. Cook until most of the liquid is absorbed.
½ tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon tamari, ½ teaspoon brown sugar, 2 tablespoon water
Cook the spinach in boiling water for about 2 minutes or until wilted.
4.5 oz spinach
Combine the wilted spinach with finely chopped or pressed garlic and a teaspoon of sesame oil and add with the rest of the vegetables.
1 garlic clove, 1 teaspoon sesame oil
Once all the veggies are cooked, season generously with salt and black pepper.

Prepare the Japchae sauce. Combine tamari, sesame oil, and maple syrup. You can use soy sauce or dark soy sauce but note that the recipe won't be gluten-free. As well, if you prefer to use another sweetener, you can use sugar, brown sugar, or monk fruit.
4 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, ½ tablespoon maple, 2 tablespoons water or stock

Add the noodles to a big serving bowl together with the cooked tofu, the cooked vegetables, and the Japchae sauce. Mix well until all the ingredients are combined and coated with the sauce, add some sesame seeds, adjust with salt and pepper and serve.