Description
Japchae is a classic Korean glass noodle stir-fry made with sweet potato noodles, thinly sliced beef or pork, colorful vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce. This dish combines tender noodles with sautéed carrots, onions, mushrooms, spinach, and egg strips to create a harmonious medley of flavors and textures. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a festive occasion, japchae can be served hot or at room temperature with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds for garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles and Meat
- 12 ounces sweet potato glass noodles
- 16 ounces beef or pork (cut into strips; flank, skirt, ribeye, or pork shoulder works well)
Vegetables and Eggs
- 1 large carrot (peeled and julienned)
- 1 medium yellow onion (thinly sliced)
- 3 mushrooms (thinly sliced; any variety such as shiitake, button, or cremini)
- 2 cups baby spinach (packed)
- 2 stalks green onion (cut into 1 inch pieces)
- 2 large eggs (beaten)
Sauce and Seasonings
- 7 tablespoons soy sauce (light sodium)
- 3 tablespoons honey (or more brown sugar as substitute)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar (light or dark)
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- Oil for cooking (vegetable or canola oil recommended)
- Salt and black pepper (to taste)
- Toasted sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Make the japchae sauce: In a bowl, mix together soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, and toasted sesame oil until the sugar is dissolved. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Cook the japchae noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add the sweet potato noodles. Boil for 10-15 minutes until tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Drain and rinse noodles thoroughly under cold running water to stop cooking. Drain well and optionally cut noodles into shorter pieces with kitchen shears for easier eating. Set aside.
- Make the egg crepe: Heat a nonstick pan over medium heat and lightly oil it. Pour in the beaten eggs, tilting the pan to spread the eggs into a thin, even layer. Cook until the bottom is set, then carefully flip and cook the other side briefly. Remove from pan and cool until easy to handle.
- Slice the egg: Fold the cooled egg crepe in half and cut into thin strips. Set aside for assembly.
- Cook the beef or pork: In the same pan, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add the meat strips, season lightly with salt and pepper, and sear until browned and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: Using the same pan over medium heat, add a little oil and sauté the vegetables in order of firmness, lightly seasoning with salt and pepper after each addition. Start with the carrots for 15-30 seconds, then onions and green onion bottoms, followed by mushrooms, then spinach, and finally the green onion tops. Cook each until just tender and remove from the pan.
- Heat the sauce: In a large pan or wok over medium heat, pour in the prepared japchae sauce and stir occasionally until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce begins to bubble. Lower the heat to low.
- Add noodles and combine: Add the drained japchae noodles to the sauce and toss until noodles are well coated.
- Add remaining ingredients: Add the sautéed vegetables, cooked meat, and egg strips to the noodles. Toss gently to combine everything evenly. Remove from heat.
- Serve: Portion the japchae onto plates or serve family style. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired. Japchae can be enjoyed hot, warm, at room temperature, or slightly chilled.
Notes
- Cutting the noodles shorter with kitchen shears makes eating japchae easier and more manageable.
- Adjust sweetness by varying honey or brown sugar according to personal taste.
- Use any mix of mushrooms you prefer; shiitake adds an earthy umami flavor.
- For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and increase vegetables or add tofu.
- Stir-fry vegetables quickly over medium heat to keep them tender-crisp.
- Japchae is delicious served cold or at room temperature, making it great for meal prep or picnics.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
Keywords: Japchae, Korean glass noodles, stir fry, sweet potato noodles, beef stir fry, vegetable stir fry, Korean cuisine
