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CHICAGO — Embrace the Year of the Horse with an exciting celebration at Mariano’s! This February, their South Loop location will come alive with vibrant lion dances and a diverse array of authentic dishes, offering a feast for the senses.
Mariano’s annual Lunar New Year festivities kick off on Saturday, February 7th, at 1615 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60616. This event promises not only a culinary exploration but also an enriching cultural experience, inviting attendees to discover and appreciate various traditions.
Highlighting this year’s celebration, Chef Bill Kim, the creative mind behind Urbanbelly, joined ABC7 Chicago to preview the event. He shared insights into the festival’s offerings and demonstrated the preparation of Japchae, a beloved Korean dish, showcasing its delightful flavors and textures.
Japchae Recipe
Ingredients
To craft this savory dish, you’ll need 8 ounces of sweet potato starch noodles, commonly known as dangmyeon. This staple ingredient is essential for achieving the authentic taste and texture that Japchae is known for.
8 oz white mushrooms, cleaned and sliced
1 small white onion (about 8 oz), sliced -inch thick
1 large carrot, peeled and cut into matchsticks (2 inches long, -inch thick)
cup stir-fried sauce, divided (recipe below)
3 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp garlic, minced
8 oz marinated beef or chicken (recipe below)
8 oz baby spinach
1 cup egg crepe, sliced thin (recipe below)
cup scallions, chopped
1 tbsp sesame oil
Stir-Fried Sauce
cup gluten-free soy sauce
cup water
4 tbsp sugar
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp garlic, minced
1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds
tsp ground black pepper
Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
Egg Crepe Garnish
2 whole eggs, scrambled
Pinch of kosher salt
1 tsp olive oil
Whisk eggs with salt. Heat oil in a nonstick pan over medium-high. Pour in egg mixture, tilting pan to coat evenly. Cook for 1 minute without browning. Flip, remove from heat, cool 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips
Marinated Steak (or Chicken)
8 oz beef skirt steak or chicken breast, cut into -inch strips
cup stir-fried sauce
Combine meat with sauce and marinate for at least 1 hour.
Preparation:
- Soak the sweet potato noodles in cold water for 45 minutes until soft. Drain.
- Bring 8 cups of water to a boil. Cook noodles for 4 minutes, until soft and translucent. Drain and transfer to a large bowl. Toss with cup stir-fried sauce.
- Heat a large sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil, then garlic, carrots, mushrooms, onions, and scallions. Cook for about 2 minutes until tender and translucent.
- Add marinated beef or chicken, remaining stir-fried sauce, and spinach. Cook for 2 more minutes.
- Add noodles and cook for 1 additional minute, mixing well.
- Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with egg crepe strips, chopped scallions, and drizzle with sesame oil.
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