Name: Beef Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: For the Beef and Noodles:; 200g beef (rib-eye, sirloin, or flank steak), thinly sliced; 200g sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon); 1 tablespoon soy sauce (for the beef); 1 teaspoon sesame oil (for the beef); 1/2 teaspoon sugar (for the beef); 1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying); For the Vegetables:; 1 small onion, thinly sliced; 1 carrot, julienned; 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 cup spinach (blanched); 2 garlic cloves, minced; For the Sauce:; 2 tablespoons soy sauce; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional); 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper; For Garnish:; Toasted sesame seeds; Chopped green onions

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If you’re a fan of Korean cuisine, then you’ve probably heard of Japchae—those irresistible, chewy glass noodles tossed in a savory-sweet sauce with tender beef, colorful veggies, and a touch of sesame oil. It’s a dish that’s not only beautiful to look at but absolutely bursting with flavor. And guess what? Making Japchae at home is surprisingly easy and just as delicious as what you’d get at your favorite Korean restaurant!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

Japchae is the ultimate comfort food with a fun, chewy texture and a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and earthy flavors. The beef adds a nice richness, while the veggies give it that lovely crunch and freshness. Plus, it’s a one-pan wonder, making cleanup a breeze! Whether you’re preparing it for a weeknight dinner, special occasion, or just craving something hearty and flavorful, this dish will always hit the spot.

Ingredients

For the Beef and Noodles:

200g beef (rib-eye, sirloin, or flank steak works well), thinly sliced
200g sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for the beef)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (for the beef)
1/2 teaspoon sugar (for the beef)
1 tablespoon vegetable oil (for stir-frying)

For the Vegetables:

1 small onion, thinly sliced
1 carrot, julienned
1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1/2 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 cup spinach (blanched)
2 garlic cloves, minced

For the Sauce:

2 tablespoons soy sauce
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon sugar
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Garnish:

Toasted sesame seeds
Chopped green onions

You can find the full list of ingredients below.

Directions

1. Prepare the Glass Noodles

Start by cooking the sweet potato glass noodles according to the package instructions. Typically, you’ll need to boil them for about 5-7 minutes until they become soft and chewy. Once done, drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.

2. Marinate the Beef

While the noodles are cooking, prepare the beef. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Toss the thinly sliced beef in this marinade and let it sit for about 10-15 minutes to absorb the flavors.

3. Stir-fry the Vegetables

In a large skillet or wok, heat up the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion, carrot, and bell peppers, and stir-fry for about 3-4 minutes until they soften but still retain their crunch. Add the minced garlic and continue to stir-fry for another minute until fragrant. Toss in the blanched spinach and cook for another minute until it wilts. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set them aside.

4. Cook the Beef

In the same skillet, add a little more oil if needed and cook the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until it’s browned and fully cooked. The beef should be tender and juicy. Once done, remove it from the skillet and set it aside with the vegetables.

5. Combine the Noodles, Beef, and Vegetables

Add the cooked noodles to the skillet along with the beef and vegetables. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, rice vinegar (if using), and black pepper. Pour the sauce over the noodles and toss everything together to coat evenly. Stir-fry everything for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.

6. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Japchae to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Expert Tips and Tricks

The key to great Japchae is balancing the texture of the noodles and vegetables. Don’t overcook the vegetables—keep them slightly crunchy for that perfect contrast with the chewy noodles.
You can also add mushrooms, zucchini, or bamboo shoots for extra flavor and texture.
For an even richer flavor, use a little bit of honey in the sauce instead of sugar.
If you’re short on time, skip blanching the spinach and simply stir-fry it with the other vegetables.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

For a vegetarian version, you can replace the beef with tofu or tempeh and use vegetable broth instead of beef-based ingredients.
Instead of sweet potato noodles, you can use regular rice noodles or even whole wheat spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand.
If you want more heat, add some chili paste or sliced fresh chilies to the sauce.
If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can substitute it with bok choy, napa cabbage, or even kale.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Japchae is a fantastic dish on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with other Korean side dishes like kimchi, pickled radish, or steamed rice. It’s also great alongside grilled meats, like Korean BBQ, or as part of a larger Korean spread. If you want to add some extra crunch, serve it with a side of crispy Korean fried chicken!

Storage and Reheating Tips

Japchae is a great make-ahead dish! If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. To reheat, simply stir-fry the noodles in a hot pan for a few minutes with a little drizzle of sesame oil or water to loosen them up. The noodles may absorb some of the sauce overnight, so you might want to add a touch more soy sauce or sesame oil when reheating.

4 FAQs

1. Can I make Japchae without beef?

Yes, you can definitely substitute the beef with chicken, pork, or even tofu for a lighter or vegetarian option. The sauce will still bring that classic savory flavor.

2. Can I use another type of noodle?

Yes! Japchae is traditionally made with sweet potato noodles, but you can also use regular rice noodles, glass noodles (from mung beans), or even regular spaghetti noodles as a substitute.

3. Can I make Japchae in advance?

Absolutely! Japchae tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat in a skillet before serving.

4. How can I make Japchae spicy?

To make your Japchae spicy, simply add a tablespoon of gochujang (Korean chili paste) to the sauce or sprinkle in some sliced fresh chilies when stir-frying the vegetables.

Conclusion

Beef Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles) is one of those dishes that never fails to satisfy. It’s the perfect blend of savory, sweet, and earthy, with a delightful mix of textures that make every bite interesting. Whether you’re a seasoned fan of Korean food or a newcomer, this dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Try it out, and I promise you’ll be coming back for more!

Beef Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)

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Author: Emily
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Korean

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Description

Japchae is a delicious Korean dish made with chewy glass noodles, tender beef, vibrant veggies, and a savory-sweet sauce. This one-pan meal is perfect for lunch or dinner, offering a balance of flavors and textures that will leave you craving more!

Instructions

Prepare the Glass Noodles:
Cook the sweet potato glass noodles according to the package instructions (usually 5-7 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside.
Marinate the Beef:
Mix together soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar. Marinate the beef slices in the mixture for 10-15 minutes.
Stir-fry the Vegetables:
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok. Stir-fry the onion, carrot, and bell peppers for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp. Add garlic and stir-fry for another minute. Add blanched spinach and cook for 1 more minute. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Cook the Beef:
In the same skillet, cook the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside with vegetables.
Combine Noodles, Beef, and Vegetables:
Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with beef and vegetables. Mix the sauce ingredients in a bowl and pour over the noodles. Stir everything together and cook for 2-3 minutes.
Serve and Garnish:
Transfer to a serving dish and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve immediately.