Korean Japchae Noodles

Korean Japchae Noodles is a classic and beloved Korean dish made with glass noodles (sweet potato starch noodles), stir-fried vegetables, and marinated beef in a savory-sweet sesame soy sauce. With its beautiful colors, balanced flavors, and chewy texture, Japchae is a must-try whether served hot or cold.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Japchae is naturally gluten-free, incredibly flavorful, and full of nutritious vegetables. It’s a great make-ahead dish that tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for parties, potlucks, or healthy weekly meal prep. Whether you include beef, keep it vegetarian, or switch up the veggies, it’s endlessly adaptable and always delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon, made from sweet potato starch)
• Beef (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak), thinly sliced
• Carrot, julienned
• Bell pepper, thinly sliced
• Spinach or baby spinach
• Onion, thinly sliced
• Shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried) or other mushrooms
• Garlic, minced
• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Sugar
• Cooking oil
• Sesame seeds
• Salt and pepper

directions

this recipe

1. Soak dried glass noodles in warm water for 20–30 minutes (or boil according to package instructions). Drain and set aside.
2. In a bowl, marinate sliced beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, minced garlic, and pepper. Let sit for 15–20 minutes.
3. Blanch spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds, then rinse under cold water. Squeeze out excess water and season lightly with salt and a dash of sesame oil.
4. In a large pan or wok, heat cooking oil and stir-fry the vegetables separately until tender-crisp. Set each aside.
5. Stir-fry the marinated beef until cooked through. Remove from pan.
6. In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and stir-fry the drained noodles with soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Toss to coat evenly.
7. Add all cooked ingredients (vegetables, beef, spinach) back into the pan with the noodles and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
8. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 4–6
Prep time: 25 minutes
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: 40–45 minutes

Variations

• Make it vegetarian or vegan by omitting beef and adding tofu or more mushrooms
• Add egg strips (thin omelet sliced into ribbons) for extra protein
• Use chicken or shrimp instead of beef for a different twist
• Add zucchini, green onions, or bean sprouts for more veggie variety
• Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce for a gluten-free version

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
To reheat, microwave or stir-fry briefly in a pan until warm. Add a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil if needed to refresh the flavor.

FAQs

What are Korean glass noodles made from?

Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon) are made from sweet potato starch, giving them a chewy, slippery texture and a translucent appearance when cooked.

Can I use other noodles?

For authentic Japchae, use sweet potato noodles. However, in a pinch, rice noodles or vermicelli can be used, though the texture will differ.

Is Japchae served hot or cold?

Japchae can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or cold. It’s very versatile and commonly served chilled during Korean celebrations.

Can I make Japchae ahead of time?

Yes, Japchae is great for make-ahead meals. The flavors deepen as it rests, and it’s delicious the next day.

How do I keep noodles from sticking?

Toss noodles in sesame oil after cooking to keep them from clumping and to add flavor.

What meat is best for Japchae?

Thinly sliced beef like ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak is most common. Ensure it’s tender and marinated for best results.

Can I freeze Japchae?

Freezing is not recommended as the noodles can become mushy. It’s best stored in the fridge and consumed within a few days.

What vegetables are typically used?

Common vegetables include carrots, spinach, onions, mushrooms, and bell peppers. You can adjust based on what you have on hand.

What’s the difference between Japchae and other stir-fried noodles?

Japchae uses glass noodles and has a distinctive sweet-savory flavor with sesame oil and soy sauce, unlike soy-heavy or spicy stir-fries.

Can I use store-bought Japchae sauce?

Yes, store-bought sauces can save time, but homemade is usually fresher and more customizable.

Conclusion

Korean Japchae Noodles are a colorful, healthy, and crowd-pleasing dish that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re new to Korean cooking or looking for a satisfying noodle dish with a twist, Japchae delivers on all fronts. It’s versatile, nourishing, and absolutely delicious—definitely a recipe worth adding to your rotation.

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