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Japchae Recipe

Japchae Recipe
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★★★★★

5 from 26 reviews

Japchae is a traditional Korean stir-fried noodle dish made with sweet potato glass noodles, tender sliced beef, a vibrant mix of vegetables, and a sesame-soy sauce. This dish offers a delicious balance of sweet and savory flavors with a unique chewy texture from the glass noodles. Often served during special occasions and festive gatherings, Japchae is as visually appealing as it is flavorful, symbolizing prosperity and well-being.

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
  • 1/2 bunch green onions, chopped
  • 1/2 lb spinach leaves
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced

Oils & Sauces

  • 4 tbsp sesame oil (divided)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 6 tbsp soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

Sweetener

  • 3 tbsp brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add a drizzle of olive oil. Add the sweet potato noodles and boil for 5-6 minutes until translucent and soft. Drain the noodles and set aside.
  2. Cook Beef: Heat a skillet over high heat and cook the thinly sliced beef until browned. While cooking, season the beef with half of the soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 1.5 tablespoons of brown sugar. Once cooked, set the beef aside.
  3. Prepare Vegetables: In another skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Add the julienned carrots and thinly sliced onion and sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the remaining soy sauce, 2 tablespoons of sesame oil, and 1.5 tablespoons of brown sugar. Stir to combine.
  4. Add Aromatics and Spinach: Mix in the minced garlic and chopped green onions, cooking for another minute until fragrant. Then add the spinach and stir until wilted, about 2 minutes.
  5. Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooked vegetables and beef to the drained noodles in a large bowl. Toss everything thoroughly to evenly distribute the flavors and coat the noodles with the sauce.
  6. Serve: Serve the Japchae warm, optionally garnished with extra green onions for added freshness and color.

Notes

  • Substitute beef with chicken, tofu, or shrimp for alternative protein options.
  • Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the dish gluten-free.
  • Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your preferred sweetness level.
  • Rinse spinach briefly with cold water after wilting if you prefer milder spinach flavor.
  • Japchae is best enjoyed fresh but can be reheated gently to preserve texture.
  • For a vegetarian version, omit the meat and add more mushrooms or tofu.

Nutrition

Keywords: Japchae, Korean noodles, sweet potato noodles, Korean beef stir-fry, glass noodles recipe, Korean vegetable stir-fry, traditional Korean dish

Find it online: https://mixitwitjoe.com/japchae-recipe/