Description
Japchae is a classic Korean dish featuring chewy sweet potato glass noodles stir-fried with tender beef and a colorful array of sautéed vegetables, all flavored with a savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. This vibrant and delicious dish is perfect as a main course or a side and can easily be adapted using chicken, tofu, or shrimp for protein.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 2 lb thin-sliced beef (or 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
- 1/2 lb spinach leaves
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
Oils & Sauces
- 4 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 6 tablespoons soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a pot of boiling water to a high boil, add the Korean sweet potato noodles along with 1 tablespoon olive oil, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes until tender but still chewy. Drain well and set aside to prevent sticking.
- Brown Beef: Heat a skillet over high heat and add the thin-sliced beef. Brown the meat thoroughly, then season it with half of the soy sauce (3 tablespoons), 2 tablespoons sesame oil, and 1.5 tablespoons brown sugar. Stir well and cook until the beef is cooked through. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In another skillet over medium heat, add any remaining oil if needed and sauté the julienned carrots and sliced onions until they become soft and fragrant, about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Add Seasonings to Vegetables: To the softened carrots and onions, add the remaining soy sauce (3 tablespoons), sesame oil (2 tablespoons), brown sugar (1.5 tablespoons), minced garlic, and chopped green onions. Stir and cook everything together for an additional minute to allow the flavors to meld.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the spinach leaves to the vegetable mixture and cook just until wilted, which should take about 1 to 2 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid overcooking.
- Combine All Components: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked sweet potato noodles, the beef mixture, and the sautéed vegetable mixture. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the savory-sweet sauce.
- Serve: Plate the japchae warm, garnishing with extra chopped green onions for added freshness and color. Enjoy immediately for best texture and flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp depending on dietary preferences or availability.
- Soaking the glass noodles briefly before cooking can help them cook more evenly.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar and soy sauce to taste, especially if you prefer a sweeter or saltier dish.
- Serve japchae warm or at room temperature, as it is delicious both ways.
- For added crunch, sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds before serving.
