Description
Japchae is a classic Korean dish featuring stir-fried sweet potato glass noodles mixed with tender beef and an assortment of colorful vegetables, all seasoned in a savory-sweet soy and sesame sauce. This warm and vibrant dish showcases a delightful balance of textures and flavors, making it perfect for special occasions or a comforting weeknight meal. The recipe is versatile, allowing substitutions like chicken, tofu, or shrimp for the beef.
Ingredients
Scale
Main 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
Sauces and Oils
- 4 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Cook the noodles: Bring water to a boil in a large pot with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent sticking. Add the Korean sweet potato noodles and boil for 5-6 minutes until tender. Drain them thoroughly and set aside.
- Prepare the beef: Heat a skillet over high heat. Add the thin-sliced beef and cook until it is browned. Season the beef during cooking with half of the soy sauce, half of the sesame oil, and half of the brown sugar to infuse flavor. Once cooked, remove from heat and set aside.
- Cook the vegetables: In a separate skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the julienned carrots and thinly sliced white onion. Cook over medium heat until the vegetables are softened but still retain some crunch. Season with the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Stir in the minced garlic and chopped green onions, cooking for an additional minute to meld the flavors.
- Wilt the spinach: Add the spinach leaves to the skillet with the vegetables and stir them until they just wilt, preserving their vibrant green color and nutrients.
- Combine all components: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables with spinach, and seasoned beef. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure even distribution of the savory sauce and ingredients.
- Serve: Serve the japchae warm, garnished with extra chopped green onions if desired for additional freshness and color.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp depending on preference or dietary needs.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Be careful not to overcook the noodles; they should be tender but chewy.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Use a large bowl to ensure ingredients mix well without breaking the noodles.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Keywords: Japchae, Korean noodles, sweet potato noodles, glass noodles, stir-fried noodles, Korean beef noodles, vegetable japchae
