Japchae, also known as Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry, is a beloved Korean dish featuring chewy sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon) stir-fried with tender beef, vibrant vegetables, and a slightly sweet soy-based sauce. It's often served on holidays and special occasions but easy enough to make any day. Light yet satisfying, Japchae is a true harmony of textures and flavors!
Cook the Noodles:
Boil the glass noodles according to package instructions (usually 6–8 minutes). Drain, rinse under cold water, and cut into shorter lengths. Set aside.
Marinate the Beef:
In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sugar, minced garlic, and a drizzle of sesame oil. Add beef and marinate for 10–15 minutes.
Cook the Beef:
Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Stir-fry the marinated beef until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Cook the Vegetables:
In the same pan, add another tablespoon of oil. Sauté onion 🧅, carrot 🥕, and bell pepper for 2–3 minutes until tender-crisp. Add spinach and cook briefly.
Combine Everything:
Add the noodles and cooked beef back to the pan. Pour in the remaining soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
Season and Garnish:
Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and top with egg strips (optional).
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve warm or at room temperature ♨. Perfect as a main dish or side for Korean BBQ.
Servings 4
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and add shiitake mushrooms 🍄 or tofu.
You can make Japchae in advance — it tastes great at room temperature!
Adjust sweetness by adding more or less sugar depending on your preference.
