How to make japchae, the classic Korean noodle and vegetable dish

So, Medusa walks into bar. Bartender says, "Hey, lady, the noodle shop's next door!"

Trust me, Zombie Aristophanes(ASTERISK) wishes he'd written gags like that.

Speaking of noodles, though, there's a classic Korean dish called japchae (or chapchae, depending on your taste in transliteration) that combines noodles with vegetables, egg, a savory sauce and maybe a little meat. Zombie Aristophanes wishes he'd had that, too, instead of all those brains.

WHY YOU NEED TO LEARN THIS

The benefits of japchae are myriad: It's easy. It's delicious. And, it's one model for how to approach the larger World of Noodles.

THE STEPS YOU TAKE

Here are three things to remember about japchae : It's Korean. It's noodles. It's other stuff.

For now, clasp those thoughts tightly to your