Name: Japchae Korean Noodles: 7 Reasons to Love This Dish
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 300g/10oz boneless beef short ribs or scotch fillet/boneless rib eye steak; 2 tsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light soy); 2 tsp white sugar; 2 tsp finely minced garlic; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 cup soy sauce (all-purpose or light soy); 2 tsp white sugar; 1/2 tsp finely minced garlic; 1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil; 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 250g/8oz sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon), dried; 4 tbsp vegetable oil (or other plain oil), divided; 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt, divided; 1 onion, peeled, halved and sliced into 6mm (1/4″) wedges; 3 green onion stems, cut into 5cm (2″) lengths, white and green parts separated; 200g/7oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, stem removed, sliced 5mm (1/5″) thick; 2 carrots, peeled and cut into 3mm (1/8″) batons; 1 red capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 0.5cm (1/5″) slices; 4 1/2 cups tightly packed baby spinach; 2 tbsp white sesame seeds

Japchae Korean Noodles is a classic Korean stir-fried noodle dish that brings together chewy sweet potato noodles, tender beef, and a colorful medley of sautéed vegetables, all coated in a savory-sesame soy sauce. It’s a delightful experience that showcases the perfect balance of textures and flavors typical of Korean cuisine. Whether you’re looking for a hearty meal or a stunning dish for a gathering, this dish has you covered!

Why You’ll Love This Japchae Korean Noodles

This dish is not only delicious but also versatile. Here are some reasons why you’ll fall in love with Japchae Korean Noodles:

It features sweet potato starch noodles, which are gluten-free and perfect for those with dietary restrictions.
The vibrant colors from fresh vegetables make it visually appealing.
It’s a quick and easy meal to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
This Japchae recipe offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures that are sure to satisfy.
It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your diet.
Perfect for meal prep, as it tastes even better the next day.
Enjoy it as a main dish or as a side, showcasing its versatility.

Japchae Korean Noodles: 7 Reasons to Love This Dish - Japchae Korean Noodles - main visual representation

Ingredients for Japchae Korean Noodles

Gather these items:

300g/10oz boneless beef short ribs or scotch fillet/boneless rib eye steak
2 tsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light soy)
2 tsp white sugar
2 tsp finely minced garlic
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 cup soy sauce (all-purpose or light soy)
2 tsp white sugar
1/2 tsp finely minced garlic
1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
250g/8oz sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon), dried
4 tbsp vegetable oil (or other plain oil), divided
1 tsp cooking/kosher salt, divided
1 onion, peeled, halved and sliced into 6mm (1/4″) wedges
3 green onion stems, cut into 5cm (2″) lengths, white and green parts separated
200g/7oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, stem removed, sliced 5mm (1/5″) thick
2 carrots, peeled and cut into 3mm (1/8″) batons
1 red capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 0.5cm (1/5″) slices
4 1/2 cups tightly packed baby spinach
2 tbsp white sesame seeds

How to Make Japchae Korean Noodles Step-by-Step

Step 1: Cut the boneless beef into thin strips approximately 5mm thick, 1cm wide, and 5cm long.
Step 2: Place the beef strips in a bowl and add 2 tsp soy sauce, 2 tsp white sugar, 2 tsp minced garlic, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well and let it marinate for 15-20 minutes.
Step 3: In a very large mixing bowl, combine 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tsp white sugar, 1/2 tsp minced garlic, 1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil, 1/2 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir until sugar dissolves.
Step 4: Boil sweet potato noodles according to package instructions (about 8 minutes), then drain and rinse under cold water briefly. Add noodles to the bowl with the sauce, but do not mix yet.
Step 5: Heat 2 tbsp vegetable oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat. Add onion, white parts of green onions, shiitake mushrooms, and 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Stir constantly and cook for 2 1/2 to 3 minutes.
Step 6: In the same pan, cook carrot batons and bell pepper slices for 1 1/2 minutes, stirring continuously. Add baby spinach, green parts of green onions, and remaining 1/2 tsp kosher salt. Cook until spinach wilts, about 1 1/2 minutes.
Step 7: Using the last 1 tbsp vegetable oil, add the marinated beef strips to the same pan. Stir-fry for about 1 1/2 minutes until beef is just cooked.
Step 8: Sprinkle most of the sesame seeds over the contents of the bowl and gently toss all ingredients together.
Step 9: Transfer the japchae to a serving dish and garnish with the remaining sesame seeds. Serve warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Japchae Korean Noodles

Keep these in mind:

This dish showcases a balance of textures and tastes typical of Korean cuisine.
Serve warm for the best flavor.
For added flavor, consider using marinated tofu as a vegetarian option.
For an authentic touch, use Korean glass noodles instead of sweet potato noodles.

Best Ways to Serve Japchae Korean Noodles

Here are some serving suggestions:

Pair with kimchi for an authentic Korean experience.
Serve alongside grilled meats for a hearty meal.
This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a refreshing side salad.

How to Store and Reheat Japchae Korean Noodles

To store leftovers, place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in a pan over low heat, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to prevent sticking. This is a great meal prep option!

Frequently Asked Questions About Japchae Korean Noodles

What’s the secret to perfect Japchae Korean Noodles?

The secret lies in the cooking method; stir-frying the ingredients separately ensures that each retains its texture and flavor, making the dish more enjoyable.

Can I make Japchae Korean Noodles ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare Japchae a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat before serving for optimal flavor.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Japchae Korean Noodles?

To avoid sogginess, do not overcook the sweet potato noodles and ensure that you drain them properly before mixing with the sauce.

Variations of Japchae Korean Noodles You Can Try

Here are some exciting variations:

Add bell peppers and zucchini for a colorful twist.
Try using chicken or shrimp instead of beef for a different protein.
Experiment with different vegetables like broccoli or snap peas for added crunch.
For a vegan option, replace beef with mushrooms or tofu.

For more information on Korean cuisine, check out this guide to Korean dishes. If you’re interested in meal prep tips, visit this article for more ideas. You can also learn about the health benefits of sweet potatoes here.