Japchae, a classic Korean dish, features stir-fried glass noodles mixed with a variety of colourful vegetables and tender slices of beef. It’s not only delicious but also visually stunning, making it a perfect dish for any occasion. It’s also perfect for summer as a cold dish! Here’s an easy japchae recipe that you can whip up at home.
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Beef:
- 200g sweet potato noodles
- 150g beef sirloin, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, julienned
- 1 yellow bell pepper, julienned
- 1 onion, thinly sliced
- 100g spinach
- 4-5 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons light soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Noodles
- Boil the noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sweet potato noodles and cook according to package instructions, usually about 7-8 minutes.
- Rinse and drain: Once cooked, rinse the noodles under cold water and drain well. Set aside.
Some people marinate their beef, but I’m too lazy for that haha and I can’t taste any different as the beef is sliced very thin.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
- Stir-fry: Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and onion, stir-frying until fragrant.
- Add vegetables: Add the carrots, bell peppers, and shiitake mushrooms. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender but still crisp, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Wilt spinach: In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed and quickly stir-fry the spinach until just wilted. Set aside with the other vegetables.
Step 4: Cook the Beef
- Stir-fry beef: In the same pan, stir-fry the marinated beef until it’s fully cooked and slightly caramelised. Remove from the pan.
Step 5: Combine and Season
- Combine ingredients: Return all the cooked vegetables and beef to the pan. Add the cooked noodles.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix together 3 tablespoons of soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of sugar, and 1 tablespoon of sesame oil. Pour this sauce over the noodles and vegetables, tossing to combine well.
- Finish: Sprinkle with sesame seeds and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 6: Serve
- Plate: Transfer the japchae to a serving dish.
- Enjoy: Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with additional sesame seeds if desired.
Tips for Perfect Japchae
- Customise your veggies: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or green beans.
- Protein options: You can use chicken, pork, or tofu instead of beef for variety.
- Make ahead: Japchae can be made ahead of time and reheated gently before serving, or even eaten cold!
This easy japchae recipe is sure to become a favourite in your household. It’s packed with flavour, nutrients, and colours, making it a delightful dish to both prepare and eat. Enjoy your homemade japchae!
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or looking for a tasty family meal, this japchae recipe is versatile and straightforward. Don’t forget to share your japchae creations with us and let us know how it turned out!
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