CHICAGO (WLS) — Celebrate the Year of the Horse with Mariano’s!

Lion dances and authentic cuisine will take over Mariano’s South Loop for their annual Lunar New Year celebration. It all kicks off Saturday, February 7th, at 1615 S Clark St, Chicago, IL 60616. You’ll learn about different cultural traditions while trying some amazing dishes.

Chef Bill Kim, owner of Urbanbelly, visited ABC7 Chicago to talk all about this year’s celebration and show us how to make Japchae, a popular Korean dish.

Japchae Recipe

Ingredients

8 oz sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon)

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:

  1. Soak the sweet potato noodles in cold water for 45 minutes until soft. Drain.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. Add marinated beef or chicken, remaining stir-fried sauce, and spinach. Cook for 2 more minutes.
  5. Add noodles and cook for 1 additional minute, mixing well.
  6. Transfer to a serving plate. Garnish with egg crepe strips, chopped scallions, and drizzle with sesame oil.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.