Description
Japchae is a classic Korean dish featuring stir-fried glass noodles with a savory mix of marinated beef, vegetables, and a subtly sweet soy-based sauce. This vibrant and flavorful recipe combines tender beef, tender-crisp carrots, spinach, and fragrant garlic, all tossed together with chewy sweet potato noodles and a toasted sesame oil finish for an irresistible meal perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 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 (plus extra for garnish)
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 lb spinach leaves
Oils & Sauces
- 4 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free option)
Sweetener
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
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 still chewy. Drain the noodles and set them aside to cool slightly.
- Prepare the beef: Heat a skillet over high heat and cook the thin-sliced beef until browned and cooked through. While cooking, season the beef with half of the soy sauce, half of the sesame oil, and half of the brown sugar to infuse flavor. Once cooked, remove the beef from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In another skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the julienned carrots and thinly sliced onions, cooking until softened and fragrant. Then add the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped green onions, cooking for an additional minute to let the flavors meld.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the spinach leaves to the skillet with the vegetables and stir until the spinach is wilted and tender.
- Combine all components: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables with spinach, and the browned beef. Toss all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of sauce and flavors.
- Serve: Serve the japchae warm, optionally garnished with extra chopped green onions for added freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp based on dietary preferences.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Make sure not to overcook the sweet potato noodles to maintain their chewy texture.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it great for meal prep or gatherings.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount to taste for more or less sweetness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Keywords: Japchae, Korean glass noodles, stir-fry noodle dish, sweet potato noodles, beef japchae, Korean cuisine
