Japchae (stir-fried starch noodles with beef and vegetables) | Umami

Ingredients

• 7 ounces Korean potato starch noodles (dangmyeon, 당면)
• 1 carrot (about 3 ounces)
• 1/2 medium onion, preferably sweet variety, (4 to 5 ounces)
• 2 scallions
• 4 ounces lean tender beef (sirloin, chuck tender, rib eye, etc.) (or pork loin)
• 3 to 4 ounces fresh shiitake mushrooms (or 4 to 5 dried shiitake, soaked until plump)
• 6 ounces fresh spinach (preferably a bunch of spinach)
• oil for stir frying
• salt
• egg garnish (jidan) - optional
• 3 ½ tablespoons soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons sugar (or brown sugar) (You can use a little less if you want. )
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
• black pepper to taste