Effortless Korean Japchae Noodles (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb Korean glass noodles (also called dangmyeon or sweet potato noodles)
02 -
6 garlic cloves, chopped super fine
03 -
1/2 lb spinach (use fresh leaves)
04 -
3 medium carrots, cut into skinny sticks
05 -
1 large white onion, sliced thinly
06 -
2 lb beef, thinly sliced (ribeye or sirloin are perfect)
07 -
1/2 bunch green onions, cut into pieces about 1 inch long
→ Sauce & Seasonings
08 -
6 tbsp soy sauce, or tamari if you're avoiding gluten
09 -
4 tbsp toasted sesame oil, split in half
10 -
3 tbsp brown sugar
11 -
1 tbsp olive oil
# Instructions:
01 -
Boil a big pot of water and toss in a splash of olive oil so the noodles won’t stick. Add the noodles and cook for 5-6 minutes until they’re chewy but not soggy. Drain them well, rinse with cold water, and use scissors to cut them into shorter lengths for easier mixing later.
02 -
Get your pan crazy hot before tossing in the sliced beef. You don’t need extra oil as the meat releases enough fat. Add half your soy sauce, a bit of sesame oil, and half the brown sugar. Stir until the beef is fully browned and there’s no pink left, about 3-4 minutes. Set it aside on a plate.
03 -
Using the same pan (don’t clean it; the beef juices add flavor!), heat up the olive oil and toss in the sliced onions and thin carrot strips. Cook until slightly softened but still crisp. Stir in the remaining soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Mix well until the veggies are all shiny.
04 -
Drop in your minced garlic and most of the green onion pieces, saving a few for decorating later. Stir everything around for roughly a minute until fragrant. Add the spinach, fold it in gently, and let it shrink down as it cooks, which takes just 1-2 minutes. Take the skillet off the heat once the spinach is wilted.
05 -
Take a big bowl, and mix the beef, cooked noodles, and veggies together. Use tongs or chopsticks to gently toss it all until every noodle looks slick and shiny. If things seem dry, add another drizzle of sesame oil to fix it.
06 -
Move the japchae onto a serving dish or individual plates. Scatter the leftover green onions on top. Enjoy it warm or cooled – either works! Pair it with kimchi and rice, or have it on its own.
# Notes:
01 -
Japchae can be enjoyed slightly warm or totally cooled, making it an awesome choice for parties and meal prep. The longer it sits, the more the flavors mix together beautifully.
02 -
Get creative and switch things up by adding mushrooms (shiitake is a favorite!), zucchini, or sliced peppers. For the protein, try chicken, shrimp, or tofu instead of beef if you're feeling adventurous.
03 -
Dangmyeon noodles are essential for the chewy texture of traditional japchae. You’ll find them in Asian markets, or you can order them online. If needed, clear noodles like mung bean threads work as a backup.