Japchae
Korean Glass Noodles
A classic Korean celebration dish featuring chewy sweet potato noodles stir-fried with colorful vegetables and thinly sliced beef, all coated in a savory and slightly sweet soy-sesame sauce.
🧂 Ingredients
- 250 g Dangmyeon (Korean sweet potato starch noodles)(Look for these in Asian grocery stores. They are translucent and made from potato starch.)
- 150 g Beef sirloin or tenderloin(Thinly sliced against the grain.)
- 150 g Fresh spinach(Washed and tough stems removed.)
- 1 medium Carrots(Julienned (cut into thin matchsticks).)
- 5 medium Shiitake mushrooms(Fresh or rehydrated dried shiitake. Stems removed and thinly sliced.)
- 0.5 medium Yellow onion(Thinly sliced.)
- 2 cloves Garlic(Minced.)
- 4 tbsp Soy sauce(For marinating beef and seasoning.)
- 3 tbsp Sesame oil(Plus extra for drizzling.)
- 1 tbsp Sugar(Or honey/maple syrup.)
- 0.5 tsp Black pepper(Freshly ground.)
- 2 tbsp Vegetable oil(For stir-frying.)
- 1 large Egg(Optional, for garnish. Beaten.)
- 1 tbsp Toasted sesame seeds(For garnish.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Marinate the beef: In a small bowl, combine the thinly sliced beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, and a pinch of black pepper. Mix well and set aside to marinate for at least 15 minutes while you prepare the vegetables.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 2
Prepare the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add the sweet potato noodles and cook according to package directions, usually 6-8 minutes, until they are tender and chewy but not mushy. Drain the noodles thoroughly and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Cut the noodles into shorter, more manageable lengths (about 6-8 inches) using kitchen scissors. Transfer to a large mixing bowl.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 3
Cook the spinach: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Blanch the spinach for about 30-60 seconds until wilted and bright green. Immediately drain and rinse under cold water. Squeeze out as much excess water as possible. Season with a pinch of salt and 1 tsp sesame oil. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Cook the vegetables and beef: Heat 1 tbsp of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Add the marinated beef and stir-fry until just cooked through and no longer pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove beef from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the skillet. Add the sliced onions and stir-fry until softened and translucent, about 2-3 minutes. Add the julienned carrots and sliced mushrooms, stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Remove all cooked vegetables from the skillet and add them to the bowl with the noodles.
⏱️ 15 minutes - 5
Prepare the egg garnish (optional): In a small bowl, whisk the egg with a pinch of salt. Heat a lightly oiled non-stick skillet over medium heat (around 175°C / 350°F). Pour in the egg and cook like a thin crepe, about 1-2 minutes per side, until set. Let cool slightly, then thinly slice into ribbons. Set aside.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 6
Season the noodles and combine: To the large mixing bowl containing the noodles and cooked vegetables, add the cooked beef, blanched spinach, 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp sugar, and 0.5 tsp black pepper. Gently toss everything together until well combined and the noodles are evenly coated in the sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 7
Serve: Transfer the Japchae to a serving platter. Garnish with the sliced egg ribbons (if using) and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds. Serve warm or at room temperature.
⏱️ 2 minutes
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Cook each ingredient separately to maintain their individual textures and flavors.
- ✓Cutting the noodles with kitchen scissors after cooking makes them easier to eat.
- ✓Japchae is a traditional dish often served during Korean holidays and special celebrations.
- ✓For a deeper flavor, you can marinate the beef for longer.
- ✓Ensure you don't overcook the noodles; they should be chewy, not mushy.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Vegetarian: Omit the beef and add more mushrooms or other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini. You can also add pan-fried firm tofu.
- With seafood: Substitute thinly sliced squid or shrimp for the beef.