Anti- Inflammatory Japchae Bowl

When I started eating anti-inflammatory, I thought I’d have to give up my favorite comfort foods. I love Korean cuisine—I even lived there for six months—but with an anti-inflammatory diet, many traditional dishes (especially the spicy ones!) were off-limits. That’s why  love this healthy zucchini noodles with spinach, shiitake mushrooms, and sesame soy sauce.

A quick, anti-inflammatory, gluten-free dinner recipe, and the best of all is ready in under 30 minutes!

Enjoy!

Ingredients

       For the stir-fry:

• 2 ½ cups packed fresh spinach

• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil (or oil of choice)

• 1 carrot, peeled and cut into thin matchsticks

• ½ medium white onion, thinly sliced

• 1 (3.5 oz) container shiitake mushrooms, stems removed, caps sliced into ½-inch pieces

• 1 large zucchini (or 2 medium), spiralized (zoodles)

• ¼ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

        For the sesame soy sauce:

• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

• 2 teaspoons raw honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)

• 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

• ½ teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

  Instructions

  1. Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together sesame oil, honey, soy sauce, and sesame seeds. Set aside.

  2. Blanch the spinach: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Add spinach for 30 seconds, until just wilted. Remove with a slotted spoon, transfer to a plate, and gently squeeze out excess water.

  3. Cook the vegetables: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil. Once hot, add onion, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms. Cover and sauté for 5–7 minutes, until mushrooms are tender and carrots are softened.

  4. Add zucchini noodles: Toss in the zucchini noodles and cook for 2–3 minutes, until al dente. Transfer to a colander and let excess liquid drain. Return the noodles and veggies to the skillet.

  5. Combine & serve: Add spinach back to the skillet, pour in the sesame soy sauce, and toss well to coat. Cook for 1 more minute to warm through. Serve immediately, garnished with toasted sesame seeds.

  I hope you enjoy this recipe! Remember, eating healthy doesn’t mean eating boring or tasteless—your meals can be both nourishing and delicious.