Description
Japchae is a classic Korean dish featuring stir-fried sweet potato glass noodles, thinly sliced beef, and a medley of colorful vegetables. Tossed in a savory-sweet sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar, this dish is both flavorful and comforting. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a festive occasion, japchae is easily adaptable with chicken, tofu, or shrimp as protein alternatives.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein
- 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)
- 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. Drain the noodles and set them aside while you prepare the other ingredients.
- Cook the Beef: In a skillet over high heat, cook the thinly sliced beef until it is browned. During cooking, season with half of the soy sauce, half of the sesame oil, and half of the brown sugar to infuse flavor. Once cooked, remove the beef and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: Using another skillet, heat the olive oil. Add the julienned carrots and thinly sliced onion, cooking until they become soft and fragrant. Add the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar, stirring well. Toss in the minced garlic and chopped green onions, cooking for an additional minute to combine flavors.
- Add the Spinach: Add the fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and stir them until just wilted. This should take only a minute or two to retain the spinach’s vibrant color and nutrition.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables, and cooked beef. Toss everything thoroughly to ensure the flavors are well mixed and the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
- Serve: Serve the japchae warm, garnished with extra chopped green onions if desired. Enjoy this delicious, colorful dish as a main course or side.
Notes
- You can substitute the beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp depending on dietary preference.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Be careful not to overcook the glass noodles as they can become mushy.
- Japchae can be served warm or at room temperature, making it versatile for different occasions.
