Japchae is a popular Korean dish known for its flavorful combination of stir-fried glass noodles, tender beef, and an array of colorful vegetables. The dish is seasoned with a savory soy-based sauce, creating a harmonious balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. With its vibrant colors and delightful medley of ingredients, Korean Japchae is a crowd-pleasing dish that can be prepared in just 30 minutes. Let’s get started!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 8 ounces Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon)
- 8 ounces beef (ribeye, sirloin, or flank steak), thinly sliced
- 2 large eggs
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium red pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch strips
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Toasted sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the glass noodles and cook according to the package instructions, usually around 6-7 minutes. Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to prevent them from sticking together. Set aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk the eggs with a pinch of salt. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Pour the beaten eggs into the skillet and cook, stirring gently, until they are scrambled and cooked through. Remove the scrambled eggs from the skillet and cut them into thin strips. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar to make the sauce. Stir until the sugar has dissolved.
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add the beef slices and stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until they are cooked through. Remove the beef from the pan and set aside.
- In the same pan, add the carrots and red peppers. Stir-fry for 2 minutes until they begin to soften. Then add the green onions and continue to stir-fry for another minute.
- Add the cooked glass noodles, scrambled egg strips, and beef to the pan. Pour the sauce over the ingredients and toss everything together until well-coated. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to heat everything through.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
- Transfer the Japchae to a serving platter and garnish with toasted sesame seeds.
- Serve hot or at room temperature.
Notes
For the best results, make sure to stir-fry the beef over high heat for a short period to maintain its tenderness and prevent it from becoming tough. To make the glass noodles easier to handle, you can cut them into shorter lengths with kitchen scissors before cooking. Feel free to add other vegetables such as mushrooms, spinach, or bean sprouts to customize the dish to your liking. Enjoy!
*Please keep in mind that the following nutritional information is based on estimates and can vary depending on the specific brands and ingredients used.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Carbohydrates: 55g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
