Japchae: Korean Sweet Potato Noodles Stir-Fried with Beef and Vegetables Recipe
Japchae is a classic Korean dish featuring sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with savory marinated beef, vibrant vegetables, and a flavorful blend of soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. This dish offers a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors with a satisfying chewy texture, perfect for a comforting and colorful meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
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
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 lb spinach leaves
Oils and Sauces
- 4 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
Sweetener
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the sweet potato noodles and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender but chewy. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
- Cook Beef: Heat a skillet over high heat. Add the thin-sliced beef and cook until browned. While cooking, season with half of the soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar, ensuring the beef absorbs the flavors well. Once cooked, set the beef aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In another skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the julienned carrots and thinly sliced onions, cooking until they are softened. Then add the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Mix in the minced garlic and chopped green onions and cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and stir until they are wilted and cooked through.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables, and cooked beef. Toss everything thoroughly to blend the flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the japchae warm, garnished with extra chopped green onions if desired for a fresh finish.
Notes
- Sweet potato noodles are also known as glass noodles or dangmyeon and must be soaked or boiled properly to achieve the right chewy texture.
- You can substitute the beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for dietary preferences.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and soy sauce to taste for a sweeter or saltier profile.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Toast the sesame oil beforehand for a richer nutty flavor if desired.
Keywords: Japchae, Korean glass noodles, sweet potato noodles, stir-fried noodles, Korean cuisine, beef japchae, gluten free japchae, vegetable japchae
