Japchae is a beloved Korean stir-fried glass noodle dish that combines a beautiful medley of colors, flavors, and textures. Whether you’re new to Korean cooking or a seasoned home chef, Japchae is a must-try recipe that’s easy and simple enough to make on a weeknight, yet elevated enough to serve at a special gathering.
The name “Japchae” translates to “mixed vegetables,” but the real star of this dish is the chewy, slightly translucent sweet potato noodles. Traditionally, Japchae can be made vegetarian or include proteins like beef, chicken, or shrimp. In this recipe, we’ll feature marinated beef to elevate the flavors, but you can easily adapt it to suit your dietary preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Japchae Recipe
- Quick and Easy Version: While traditional Japchae can be laborious and time-consuming, this version virtually comes together in one pan and in under 30 minutes.
- Simple Ingredients: You’ll find most ingredients at your local grocery store or Asian market.
- Customizable: Swap the beef for tofu or leave it out entirely for a vegetarian version.
- Meal Prep-Friendly: Japchae tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prepping.
- Veggie-Packed: The dish features a medley of vegetables, adding tons of nutrients into your diet. It’s also a great way to use up leftover vegetables in your crisper drawer.
- Perfect Balance of Flavors: The sweet potato noodles soak up the sauce beautifully, creating a harmony of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors.
Ingredients You’ll Need
FOR THE JAPCHAE:
- 2 tbsp neutral oil
- 250g sweet potato noodles (glass noodles)
- 1 cup carrots, julienned
- 1 medium bell pepper, julienned
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 stalks green onion, chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
FOR THE MARINATED BEEF:
- 1.5 cups thinly sliced beef
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
FOR THE JAPCHAE SAUCE
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Beef Marinade
In a medium bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with minced garlic, soy sauce, sugar, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure the beef is evenly coated, then set it aside to marinate while you prepare the other ingredients.
2. Prepare the Japchae Sauce
Combine all the ingredients for the Japchae Sauce in a small bowl. Mix and set aside.
3. Assemble the Vegetables
Wash, rinse, and chop your vegetables. Julienne the carrots and bell pepper, thinly slice the onion and mushrooms, and chop the green onions into 1-inch pieces. If you’re using baby spinach, you can leave it whole.
4. Boil the Sweet Potato Noodles
Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the sweet potato noodles according to the package instructions (usually 6-8 minutes). Drain the noodles, rinse them under cold water to prevent sticking and set them aside. If desired, cut the noodle strands using kitchen shears, as the noodle strands tend to be very long.
5. Cook the Meat and Vegetables
Heat 2 tablespoons of neutral oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 3-6 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink. Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set it aside.
In the same pan, add the carrots, bell pepper, and onions. Sauté for about 5-6 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender. Add the green onions and spinach, cooking for another minute until the spinach is wilted.
6. Combine the Noodles and Sauce
Lower the heat and add the cooked noodles to the pan, followed by the Japchae sauce (a mix of soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and black pepper). Toss everything together until the vegetables and noodles are evenly coated with the sauce. Return the cooked beef to the pan and mix well.
7. Garnish and Serve
Transfer the Japchae to a serving platter or individual plates. Sprinkle roasted sesame seeds on top and serve immediately. Enjoy this flavorful dish warm or at room temperature.
Tips for the Best Japchae
- Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Sweet potato noodles can become mushy if overcooked. Rinse them in cold water after boiling to maintain their chewy texture.
- Use Fresh Vegetables: While frozen spinach works in a pinch, fresh vegetables will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Double the Recipe: Japchae reheats beautifully, making it a fantastic option for leftovers or meal prepping.
- Add More Protein: Not a fan of beef? Try chicken, shrimp, or tofu as a substitute.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make Japchae vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the beef or replace it with tofu. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or snap peas for a heartier dish.
What’s the best way to reheat Japchae?
Reheat Japchae in a nonstick pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water or sesame oil to prevent sticking and refresh the noodles.
Where can I find sweet potato noodles?
Sweet potato noodles are often available at Asian grocery stores or online. Look for packages labeled “dangmyeon” or “glass noodles.”
More Reasons to Love Japchae
Japchae isn’t just a delicious meal—it’s also a celebration of Korean culinary tradition. The vibrant colors, chewy noodles, and savory sauce make it a crowd-pleaser every time. For those who are new to Korean cuisine, Japchae is often a great introductory dish as it showcases many traditional Korean flavors.
https://youtube.com/shorts/YFW0iHeaGGg?si=B6BMH6SgdDwHpgMbPrint
Easy Japchae Recipe (Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry)
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6
Description
Japchae is a classic Korean dish made with sweet potato noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and a savory-sweet soy-based sauce. Often served at celebrations, family gatherings, or simply as a hearty meal, Japchae’s popularity lies in its umami-packed flavor and adaptability.
Ingredients
FOR THE JAPCHAE
-2 tbsp neutral oil
-250g sweet potato noodles (aka glass noodles)
-1 cup carrots, julienned
-1 medium bell pepper, julienned
-1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
-2 stalks green onion, chopped into 1 inch pieces
-4 cups fresh or frozen spinach
-1 tbsp roasted sesame seeds to garnish
FOR THE MARINATED BEEF
-1.5 cups thinly sliced beef
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-2 tbsp soy sauce
-1 tbsp sugar
-1 tbsp rice wine vinegar
-1/2 tbsp sesame oil
-1/8 tsp black pepper
FOR THE JAPCHAE SAUCE
-1/4 cup soy sauce
-2 tbsp sugar
-1 tbsp sesame oil
Instructions
PREPARE THE BEEF MARINADE
1. Add all the ingredients for the marinated beef into a medium bowl. Mix to ensure all the beef is evenly coated with the marinade and set aside.
PREPARE THE JAPCHAE SAUCE
2. Combine all the ingredients for the Japchae Sauce into a small bowl. Mix and set aside.
ASSEMBLE THE VEGETABLES
3. Wash, rinse, and chop your vegetables (carrots, bell pepper, onion, mushroom, spinach, green onion). If using baby spinach, no need to chop.
BOIL THE NOODLES
4. Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the sweet potato noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse, and set aside. If desired, cut the noodle strands using kitchen shears, as the noodle strands tend to be very long.
COOK THE MEAT AND VEGETABLES
5. Add oil to a heated pan and add the marinated beef. Cook until the beef is no longer pink (about 3-6 minutes). Remove the cooked beef from the pan and set aside.
6. Add the carrots, bell pepper, onions and mushrooms. Saute for about 5 to 6 minutes or until the vegetables have softened. Add green onions and spinach and saute for another minutes.
ADD THE NOODLES AND SAUCE
7. Add the cooked noodles and sauce and toss everything together until the vegetables are mixed throughout and the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
GARNISH AND SERVE
8. Transfer the noodles onto a large serving platter or onto individual dishes. Sprinkle sesame seeds over the top and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Appetizer, Side Dish, Entree
- Cuisine: Korean, Asian
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