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
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
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Marinate the Beef:
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In a bowl, mix sliced beef with soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and black pepper. Let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
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Cook the Noodles:
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Boil the sweet potato noodles according to package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 tablespoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
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Sauté the Vegetables:
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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.
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Add spinach and cook for another minute until wilted. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Cook the Beef:
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In the same pan, cook the marinated beef over medium-high heat until browned, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat.
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Mix Everything Together:
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In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef, and vegetables.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Pour over the noodles and toss to combine.
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Garnish and Serve:
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Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions. Serve warm or at room temperature.
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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