Beef Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
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Beef Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)

ByLily Carter
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A Savory and Satisfying Korean Classic

Japchae is a beloved Korean dish featuring chewy glass noodles, tender beef, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a sweet-savory sesame sauce. It’s incredibly versatile—perfect as a main dish or a side, and delicious hot or cold. This homemade version delivers all the bold flavors and textures of authentic Japchae, with simple steps to make it easy for anyone to prepare at home.

The Story Behind This Recipe

The first time I had Japchae was at a Korean friend’s family gathering, where it was served as part of a vibrant, multi-dish feast. I was instantly hooked by the combination of bouncy noodles, perfectly seasoned beef, and the slight crunch of stir-fried vegetables. Ever since, I’ve been making it at home whenever I crave a comforting yet light dish.

What makes this version special? The beef is marinated for extra flavor, the noodles are perfectly chewy, and the sauce is balanced with just the right amount of sweetness. Plus, it’s easy to customize—swap out the beef for tofu, add mushrooms, or adjust the veggies to what you have on hand!

Ingredient Notes

  • Sweet Potato Glass Noodles (Dangmyeon): These translucent, chewy noodles are the heart of Japchae.
  • Beef (Ribeye or Sirloin): Thinly sliced for tenderness and marinated for deep flavor.
  • Soy Sauce & Sesame Oil: The key to Japchae’s signature sweet-savory taste.
  • Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the umami.
  • Garlic & Ginger: Essential aromatics for depth of flavor.
  • Spinach: A classic addition that adds a fresh, slightly earthy taste.
  • Carrots & Bell Peppers: Provide crunch and a pop of color.
  • Mushrooms (Shiitake or Cremini): Optional but add a rich umami depth.
  • Sesame Seeds & Green Onions: Garnish for extra texture and freshness.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Beef

Thinly slice the beef and marinate with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, brown sugar, and black pepper. Let it sit for at least 15 minutes.

2. Cook the Noodles

Boil the sweet potato noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water. Toss with a little sesame oil to prevent sticking.

3. Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a pan over medium heat with sesame oil. Stir-fry carrots, bell peppers, mushrooms, and spinach until just tender. Remove and set aside.

4. Cook the Beef

In the same pan, cook the marinated beef until browned and cooked through. Set aside.

5. Combine Everything

In a large bowl, mix the cooked noodles, beef, and vegetables. Pour in the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and a bit more brown sugar if needed. Toss well to coat.

6. Garnish and Serve

Top with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Expert Tips for the Best Results

  • Don’t Overcook the Noodles: They should be chewy, not mushy—rinse with cold water immediately after cooking.
  • Marinate the Beef: Even a short marinade enhances the flavor.
  • Cook Ingredients Separately: This keeps each component at its ideal texture and prevents sogginess.

Serving Suggestions

  • Enjoy as a main dish or a side alongside Korean BBQ.
  • Add a fried egg on top for extra richness.
  • Serve cold for a refreshing summer dish.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigerate Leftovers: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat Gently: Warm in a pan over low heat with a splash of water to loosen the noodles.
  • Enjoy Cold: Japchae is just as tasty straight from the fridge!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make Japchae vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef for tofu or add extra mushrooms for a plant-based version.

What can I use instead of sweet potato noodles?

Glass noodles made from mung beans work well, though they have a slightly different texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Absolutely! Japchae actually tastes better after a few hours when the flavors have melded.

Final Thoughts

Beef Japchae is a simple yet flavor-packed dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering, this recipe guarantees authentic taste with minimal effort. Try it out and let me know your favorite variations in the comments below!

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Beef Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)

Beef Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)

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  • Author: Lily Carter
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course, Side Dish
  • Method: Stir-Fried
  • Cuisine: Korean
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Description

apchae is a classic Korean dish featuring chewy sweet potato glass noodles, tender marinated beef, and stir-fried vegetables, all tossed in a savory-sweet sesame sauce. Perfect as a main dish or side, this easy homemade version delivers bold, authentic flavors with simple steps. Enjoy it warm or cold for a delicious meal any time!

Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Beef:

  • 1/2 lb (225g) ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Noodles & Vegetables:

  • 8 oz (225g) sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (for noodles)
  • 1 medium carrot, julienned
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 4 oz (115g) shiitake or cremini mushrooms, sliced (optional)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

For the Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon minced garlic

Instructions

  1. Marinate the Beef:

    • In a bowl, mix sliced beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.

  2. Cook the Noodles:

    • Boil the sweet potato noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.

  3. Sauté the Vegetables:

    • Heat a pan over medium heat with a drizzle of sesame oil. Stir-fry carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms (if using) for 2-3 minutes until slightly tender.

    • Add spinach and cook for another minute until wilted. Remove from the pan and set aside.

  4. Cook the Beef:

    • In the same pan, cook the marinated beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.

  5. Mix Everything Together:

    • In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef, and vegetables.

    • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Pour over the noodles and toss to combine.

  6. Garnish and Serve:

    • Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Don’t Overcook the Noodles: Rinse with cold water immediately after boiling to keep them chewy.
  • Cook Ingredients Separately: This keeps everything at the ideal texture.
  • Vegetarian Option: Swap the beef for tofu or add extra mushrooms for a plant-based version.
  • Make-Ahead Friendly: Japchae tastes even better after a few hours as the flavors meld.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 Cup
  • Calories: 320
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: ~700mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 15g
  • Cholesterol: ~35mg
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Life at home is full of love, laughter, and good food. I’m Lily Carter, a mom to two lively girls who keep me on my toes. When I’m not with them, I’m in the kitchen cooking meals that bring us comfort. And it’s not just me—my husband’s the quiet force behind the scenes, making sure everything looks just as good as it tastes.

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