Have you ever heard of Japchae? Japchae is a beloved Korean dish that is known for its vibrant colors, rich flavors, and satisfying textures. Its a delightful combination of stir-fried sweet potato noodles, an assortment of colorful vegetables, and savory slices of beef, all tossed in a luscious soy-sesame sauce. It cooks up in just 7 minutes and is sure to be your new favorite dish!
Japchae, also spelled as "chapchae," is a traditional Korean dish that has its roots in royal Korean cuisine but has become widely popular in Korean households and restaurants worldwide. The literal translation of "Japchae" means "mixed vegetables," indicating its main components.
Historically, Japchae was served during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) as a royal court dish. It was initially made with only vegetables and without noodles. However, in the late 19th to early 20th century, the dish evolved to include noodles, reflecting changes in Korean culinary culture.
The dish gained popularity among the general population during the 20th century and became a staple in Korean cuisine. Today, Japchae is commonly served on special occasions such as weddings, birthdays, and holidays, as well as everyday meals.
This was inspired by my spicy cold noodles, and pairs well with this chili crisp recipe.
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🌟 Why You'll Love this Recipe
- Delicious Flavor Profile: This recipe offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and nutty flavors, thanks to the combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar in the sauce. The stir-fried vegetables and beef add depth and richness to every bite.
- Versatility: Japchae can be enjoyed as a main dish or as a side, making it suitable for various occasions. Whether served hot or cold, it's a satisfying meal that can be customized with your favorite vegetables and protein choices.
- Nutritious and Filling: Loaded with a colorful array of vegetables and protein-rich beef, Japchae is not only delicious but also nutritious. The sweet potato noodles provide a good source of complex carbohydrates, keeping you feeling satisfied and energized after enjoying this flavorful dish.
🥘 Ingredients
- Korean Glass Noodles or Sweet Potato Noodles (Dangmyeon) - These are the traditional noodles used in Japchae. Korean glass noodles are made from sweet potato starch and have a chewy texture when cooked.
- Shiitake Mushroom, sliced
- Woodear Mushroom, sliced
- Red Bell Pepper, julienned
- Onion, thinly sliced
- Carrots, julienned
- Spinach - Blanching the spinach helps to preserve its vibrant green color and crisp texture.
- Any Beef Cut - Thinly sliced beef adds protein and a savory flavor to the Japchae. Season with salt and pepper for added taste.
- Vegetable or Canola Oil
- Japchae Sauce:
- Garlic
- Soy Sauce
- Sesame Oil
- Oyster Sauce - Add this to your pantry ingredients if you plan to cook Asian food a lot!
- Sesame Seeds
- Sugar
- Salt and Pepper
See recipe card for quantities.
🔪 Instructions
Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the ingredients for the Japchae sauce.
Step 2: Boil water in a pot and cook the sweet potato noodles according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the noodles and rinse them with cold water. Let them drain for a few minutes.
Step 3: In a separate pan, heat some oil over high heat. Stir-fry the garlic and beef until the beef is cooked.
Step 4: Then, add the vegetables and sauté until they are just tender.
Step 5: Add the cooked noodles to the pan, followed by the prepared sauce. Mix everything together until the noodles and vegetables are evenly coated with the sauce.
Step 6: Serve the Japchae hot and enjoy!
👩🏼🍳 Chef's Tip
- Ensure that the noodles are cooked just until they are al dente, as they will continue to soften slightly when mixed with the other ingredients and sauce.
📖 Substitutions & Variations
- Vegetarian version: Omit the beef and use tofu or mushrooms as a protein substitute. You can also increase the amount of vegetables to add more bulk and nutrition to the dish.
- Spicy Japchae: Add a kick of heat by incorporating sliced chili peppers or a spoonful of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) to the sauce. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference.
- Citrusy Japchae: Infuse the dish with bright citrus flavors by adding a splash of freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice to the sauce. This adds a refreshing acidity that balances the richness of the dish. Additionally, garnish with some freshly grated lemon or lime zest for extra citrus aroma.
🍴 Equipment
- Pot for Boiling Noodles
- Pan or Wok for Sautéing
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Mixing Bowl
- Cooking Utensils (Spatula or Tongs)
- Colander or Strainer
- Measuring Spoons
- Plate or Serving Dish
💭 Recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon) or sweet potato noodles. Both are traditional choices for Japchae and can be found in most Asian grocery stores.
Absolutely! Simply omit the beef or replace it with tofu or your favorite plant-based protein. Ensure that the sauce ingredients are vegan-friendly by using a vegan oyster sauce or omitting it altogether.
Yes, you can prepare Japchae ahead of time and reheat it before serving. However, note that the noodles may absorb more sauce as they sit, so you may need to adjust the seasoning when reheating.
🥣 Storage & Reheating
Storage:
- Store leftover Japchae in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing:
- Japchae can be frozen, but the texture of the noodles may change slightly. Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 2-3 months.
Reheating:
- To reheat, thaw frozen Japchae overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
- Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
🍷 Wine Pairing
A crisp and slightly sweet Riesling would complement the flavors of Japchae nicely, offering a refreshing contrast to the savory and slightly sweet dish.
👩🏼🍳 Top Tips
- Ensure Even Cooking: Cut vegetables and beef into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking. This helps to maintain the perfect texture and consistency throughout the dish.
- Don't Overcook Vegetables: When sautéing the vegetables, be careful not to overcook them. They should be cooked until just tender but still vibrant in color and slightly crisp to maintain their freshness and flavor.
- Blanch the Spinach: Blanching is a cooking technique where food, usually vegetables or fruits, is briefly immersed in boiling water, then immediately transferred to ice water to stop the cooking process. For Japchae, blanch the spinach by briefly dipping it in boiling water for about 30 seconds, then transferring it to a bowl of ice water. This helps to preserve the bright green color and crisp texture of the spinach. Drain the blanched spinach well before adding it to the dish.
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🥗 Pairing Recommendations
Did you make this recipe? Please leave a 5-star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating & comment below to let me know how it came out. Thanks for visiting!
📋 Recipe
Japchae
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Equipment
- Pot for Boiling Noodles
- Pan or Wok for Sautéing
- Cutting board and knife
- Mixing bowl
- Cooking Utensils (Spatula or Tongs)
- Colander or strainer
- Measuring spoons
- Plate or Serving Dish
Ingredients
Japchae Ingredients:
- 300 grams Korean Glass Noodles or Sweet Potato Noodles Dangmyeon
- 20 grams Shiitake Mushroom thinly sliced
- 20 grams Woodear Mushroom sliced in half
- 30 grams Red Bell Pepper julienned
- 50 grams Onion thinly sliced
- 15 grams Carrots julienned
- 30 grams Spinach blanched
- 70 grams Beef thinly sliced
- Vegetable or Canola Oil for sautéing
Japchae Sauce:
- ½ tablespoon Garlic
- 3 tablespoon Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon Sesame Oil
- ½ tablespoon Oyster Sauce
- ½ tablespoon Sesame Seeds
- ½ tablespoon Sugar
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Instructions
Season Beef:
- Season thinly sliced beef with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Prepare Japchae Sauce:
- Combine garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce, sesame seeds, and sugar in a bowl. Set aside.
Cook Noodles:
- Boil water in a pot and cook noodles according to package instructions.
- Drain noodles and rinse with cold water. Let them drain for three minutes.
Sauté Ingredients:
- Heat oil in a separate pan over high heat.
- Sauté garlic and beef until cooked.
- Add vegetables starting with onions and carrots, then add the rest.
- Season with salt and pepper.
Combine Ingredients:
- Add cooked noodles to the pan and mix thoroughly.
- Pour in the prepared sauce and mix until everything is coated.
Garnish and Serve:
- Transfer to a serving plate and garnish with sesame seeds.
- Serve and enjoy your delicious Japchae!
Video
Notes
Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
🌡️ Food safety
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw meat
- Wash hands after touching raw meat
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
See more guidelines at USDA.gov.
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