How to Make the Perfect Korean Japchae
Korean · Medium · 40 min · 4 servings
Japchae is a beloved Korean celebration dish made from chewy glass noodles stir fried with a colorful array of vegetables and seasoned beef in a sweet and savory soy sesame sauce. It is served warm or at room temperature and is a staple at Korean festive gatherings.
Why this recipe works
This Korean Japchae recipe has been crafted to deliver restaurant-quality results in your home kitchen. At just 40 minutes from start to finish, it fits perfectly into a busy schedule without sacrificing flavor. Each serving comes in at 420 calories with 18g of protein, making it a balanced choice for any meal.
What you will need
This recipe uses 6 simple ingredients that you can find at any grocery store:
- 200 g sweet potato glass noodles dangmyeon
- 150 g beef sirloin thinly sliced
- 1 whole carrot julienned
- 100 g spinach blanched
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
Boil the sweet potato glass noodles in a large pot of water for about 6 to 8 minutes until tender but still slightly chewy. Drain, rinse with cold water, and cut into shorter lengths with scissors. Toss with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce and 1 teaspoon of sesame oil.
Step 2: Cook the Beef and Vegetables
Marinate the beef slices in 1 tablespoon soy sauce and a pinch of sugar for 5 minutes. Stir fry the beef in a hot oiled skillet for 3 minutes. In the same pan, stir fry the carrot julienne for 2 minutes. Season the blanched spinach with a little sesame oil and salt.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with all the cooked vegetables and beef. Pour the remaining soy sauce and sesame oil over everything. Toss well over medium heat for 2 to 3 minutes until everything is heated through and evenly coated.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce or sesame oil as needed. Transfer to a large serving platter and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and additional sliced green onions. Serve warm or at room temperature.
Easy substitutions
Missing an ingredient? Here are some swaps that work perfectly:
- beef sirloin → mushrooms such as shiitake for a vegetarian version
- sweet potato glass noodles → regular vermicelli or mung bean noodles
Common mistakes to avoid
Watch out for these pitfalls that can affect your results:
- Overcooking the glass noodles until they become too soft and lose their pleasant chewy texture
- Not cutting the cooked noodles into shorter lengths which makes them difficult to toss and eat
Nutrition facts
Per serving: 420 calories, 18g protein, 65g carbs, 11g fat, 4g fiber.
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