Description
Japchae is a delicious and vibrant Korean dish featuring stir-fried glass noodles with thinly sliced beef and a medley of sautéed vegetables. This flavorful and colorful recipe combines tender sweet potato noodles with savory seasoned beef and crisp vegetables, all tossed together in a fragrant sesame-soy sauce. Perfect as a main course or side, Japchae is a wonderful way to enjoy a taste of authentic Korean cuisine at home within just 35 minutes.
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
- ½ bunch green onions, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ lb spinach leaves
Oils and Sauces
- 4 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 6 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
Sweeteners
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles: 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 but still slightly chewy. Drain the noodles and set them aside to cool.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over high heat. Add the thinly sliced beef and cook 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 the meat with flavor. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In another skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the julienned carrots and thinly sliced onion, cooking until they soften slightly, about 4-5 minutes. Add the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar, stirring to coat the vegetables evenly. Mix in the minced garlic and chopped green onions, cooking for an additional minute to release the fragrances.
- Add the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and stir continuously until they wilt, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables with spinach, and the cooked beef. Toss thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed and coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Serve: Serve the Japchae warm. Optionally, garnish with extra chopped green onions for added color and freshness. Enjoy this traditional Korean dish as a satisfying main or side!
Notes
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Vegetarian and vegan substitutions: replace beef with tofu or extra vegetables, and use tamari for gluten-free and vegan compliance.
- Adjust sweetness and saltiness by modifying the amount of brown sugar and soy sauce to your taste.
- Be careful not to overcook the sweet potato noodles; they should be tender but still slightly chewy for the perfect texture.
- This dish can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for meals and gatherings.
