Description
Japchae is a beloved Korean dish made with chewy glass noodles stir-fried with beef and colorful vegetables in a sweet-savory sesame soy sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or an impressive addition to your party spread. Naturally gluten-free and endlessly customizable, Japchae delivers a healthy, satisfying meal that’s packed with flavor and texture. Whether you’re searching for dinner ideas, food ideas, or an easy recipe with a wow factor, this classic Korean noodle dish deserves a spot on your table.
Ingredients
200g Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon)
150g beef (ribeye or sirloin), thinly sliced
1 tablespoon soy sauce (for beef marinade)
1 teaspoon sugar (for beef marinade)
1 clove garlic, minced (for beef marinade)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (for beef marinade)
1 small carrot, julienned
1/2 onion, thinly sliced
60g spinach
1 green onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced (for final seasoning)
2 tablespoons soy sauce (for seasoning)
1 tablespoon sugar (for seasoning)
2 teaspoons sesame oil (for seasoning)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (for garnish)
1 tablespoon neutral oil (for stir-frying)
Instructions
1. Boil the glass noodles for 6–7 minutes until tender, then drain and rinse under cold water. Cut into 6-inch lengths and toss with a little sesame oil.
2. Marinate the thinly sliced beef in 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tsp sesame oil. Let sit for 15 minutes.
3. Heat a pan with a bit of oil and sauté the carrot for 2 minutes, then remove. Repeat separately with onions and spinach. Blanch spinach briefly and squeeze out excess moisture.
4. In the same pan, stir-fry the marinated beef until cooked through. Set aside with the vegetables.
5. In a large pan or wok, combine noodles, cooked beef, and vegetables. Add 2 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tbsp sugar, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 2 tsp sesame oil.
6. Toss gently over medium heat until everything is heated through and evenly coated.
7. Finish with chopped green onion and sesame seeds. Serve warm, at room temperature, or cold.
Notes
Cook each vegetable separately to keep the textures and colors distinct.
Toss the noodles with sesame oil after boiling to prevent sticking.
Japchae tastes even better the next day as flavors meld—perfect for leftovers!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stir-Fry
- Cuisine: Korean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1½ cups
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: japchae, glass noodles, Korean noodles, quick dinner, easy recipe, gluten-free, healthy, beef stir-fry