Description
Japchae is a classic Korean stir-fried noodle dish featuring sweet potato glass noodles mixed with tender beef, fresh vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce made from soy sauce and sesame oil. This flavorful and colorful dish can be customized with chicken, tofu, or shrimp, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb thin-sliced beef (or substitute with chicken, tofu, or shrimp)
- 1 lb Korean sweet potato noodles (glass noodles)
- 3 medium carrots, julienned
- 1 large white onion, thinly sliced
- ½ bunch green onions, chopped
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ lb spinach leaves
Sauce and Oils
- 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 a large pot of water to a boil with a drizzle of olive oil. Add the Korean sweet potato noodles and cook for 5-6 minutes until tender but chewy. Drain thoroughly and set the noodles aside to prevent them from sticking.
- Cook the Beef: Heat a skillet over high heat and add the thin-sliced beef. 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 flavor. Once done, remove the beef from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In another skillet, warm the olive oil over medium heat. Add the julienned carrots and thinly sliced onion, sautéing them until they soften and slightly caramelize. Then, add the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and brown sugar. Stir well, add minced garlic and chopped green onions, and cook for an additional minute to meld flavors.
- Add the Spinach: Toss in the spinach leaves and stir continuously until the spinach wilts but retains its bright green color. This usually takes a few minutes.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, sautéed vegetables, and browned beef. Toss all the ingredients thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors and sesame oil.
- Serve: Serve the Japchae warm, optionally garnished with extra chopped green onions for freshness and color. This dish pairs well with steamed rice or as a standalone meal.
Notes
- You can substitute beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for different variations.
- Soaking the noodles in cold water before boiling can help prevent sticking.
- Use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free version.
- Adjust the brown sugar amount to your preferred sweetness level.
- Japchae is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated and reheated gently.
