Name: Japchae: Korean Sweet Potato Noodles Stir-Fried with Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 2 lb thin-sliced beef (or substitute with chicken, tofu, or shrimp); 1 lb Korean sweet potato noodles (glass noodles); 3 medium carrots, julienned; 1 large white onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 bunch green onions, chopped; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 1/2 lb spinach leaves; 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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Introduction

Japchae is a classic Korean dish featuring sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with savory beef and vibrant vegetables. This flavorful and colorful recipe is perfect as a main or side dish and is loved for its balance of sweet and salty notes.

A black cast iron pan sits on a white marbled surface filled with thin, golden noodles mixed with bright orange shredded carrots and green leafy vegetables. On top of the noodles are many pieces of dark brown, glazed beef arranged evenly, sprinkled with white sesame seeds and chopped green onions for garnish. To the top left of the pan, there is a small black bowl filled with red sauce topped with sesame seeds. A pair of light brown wooden chopsticks rests on the right side of the pan. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 lb thin-sliced beef (or substitute with chicken, tofu, or shrimp)
1 lb Korean sweet potato noodles (glass noodles)
3 medium carrots, julienned
1 large white onion, thinly sliced
1/2 bunch green onions, chopped
6 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 lb spinach leaves
4 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
1 tbsp olive oil
6 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
3 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Bring water to a boil in a large pot with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the sweet potato noodles and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: In a skillet over high heat, cook the beef until browned. While cooking, season with half of the soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Once cooked, set the beef aside.
Step 3: Heat olive oil in another skillet. Add julienned carrots and sliced onion, cooking until softened. Add the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar, then mix in garlic and green onions. Cook for an additional minute.
Step 4: Add spinach to the skillet and stir until wilted. Combine all the cooked vegetables and beef with the noodles in a large bowl.
Step 5: Toss all ingredients thoroughly to blend flavors. Serve japchae warm, garnished with extra green onions if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a vegetarian version, swap beef for extra tofu and mushrooms for added texture.
Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
To enhance the nutty flavor, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top before serving.
Julienne vegetables finely for even cooking and better texture.

Storage

Store japchae in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave, adding a small splash of water or oil to keep the noodles moist.

How to Serve

A dark bowl holds a dish with a base layer of thin, light brown noodles spread evenly. On top, there are pieces of cooked brown meat scattered among bright orange carrot strips, dark green leaves, and small green peas. White sesame seeds are sprinkled on the top for texture. A pair of dark brown chopsticks rests diagonally over the noodles. Around the bowl, there are smaller bowls with coarse white salt, green herbs, and red chili flakes, all placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I prepare japchae noodles ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the sweet potato noodles in advance. Just rinse them with cold water and toss lightly with oil to prevent sticking before storing in the refrigerator.

What can I substitute for Korean sweet potato noodles?

While traditional japchae uses Korean glass noodles, you can substitute with cellophane noodles or other clear noodle varieties, but the texture may slightly differ.