Description

Japchae is a classic Korean stir-fried noodle dish featuring chewy sweet potato glass noodles with savory marinated beef and a colorful mix of vegetables like carrots, spinach, and onions. The dish is richly flavored with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and brown sugar, making it a deliciously balanced meal that can be served warm as a main dish or side.

Ingredients

Units Scale

Protein

2 lb thin-sliced beef (or substitute with chicken, tofu, or shrimp)

Noodles

1 lb Korean sweet potato noodles (glass noodles)

Vegetables

3 medium carrots, julienned
1 large white onion, thinly sliced
1/2 bunch green onions, chopped
1/2 lb spinach leaves
6 garlic cloves, minced

Oils and Sauces

4 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
1 tbsp olive oil
6 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
3 tbsp brown sugar

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Instructions

Cook the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Add the Korean sweet potato noodles and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender but chewy. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare the beef: Heat a skillet over high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook until browned, seasoning with half of the soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar while cooking to marinate the beef. Once cooked through, remove from heat and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables: In another skillet, heat the remaining olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the julienned carrots and thinly sliced white onion, cooking until they are softened. Add the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar, stirring to coat. Mix in the minced garlic and chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute to release their aromas.
Wilt the spinach: Add the spinach leaves to the vegetables in the skillet and cook, stirring gently, until the spinach has just wilted.
Combine all ingredients: Transfer the cooked noodles to a large serving bowl. Add the sautéed vegetables and cooked beef to the noodles. Toss everything thoroughly to combine all the flavors and ingredients evenly.
Serve: Serve the japchae warm. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped green onions for added freshness and color.

Notes

You can substitute beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for a different protein option.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make this dish gluten-free.
For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase the amount of vegetables or tofu.
Toasting sesame seeds and sprinkling them on top adds a nice crunchy texture and aroma.
Japchae is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator and gently reheated.