Korean Japchae Recipe That Will Wow Your Guests!

A delicious stir-fried noodle dish featuring sweet potato noodles, vibrant vegetables, and savory beef or chicken. Follow this step-by-step guide to make an irresistible meal perfect for any occasion!

Ingredients

For the noodles:

• 8 oz (225 g) sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon)
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For the protein:

• 6 oz (170 g) beef (ribeye or sirloin) or chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp sesame oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Pinch of salt and black pepper

For the vegetables:

• 4 cups fresh spinach
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 4-5 shiitake mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil (for sautéing)

For the sauce:

• 5 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp sugar
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Dash of black pepper

For garnish:

• 1 tbsp sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Sweet Potato Noodles

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sweet potato noodles and cook for 6-7 minutes or until soft but still chewy.
2. Drain the noodles and rinse them under cold water to stop cooking.
3. Toss the noodles with 1 tsp of sesame oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

2. Cook the Protein

1. Heat 1 tsp of sesame oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the thinly sliced beef or chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the protein is fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Prepare the Vegetables

1. Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 30 seconds. Drain, rinse with cold water, and squeeze out excess water. Set aside.
2. Heat 1 tbsp of sesame oil in a skillet over medium heat.
3. Sauté each vegetable (carrot, bell peppers, onion, and mushrooms) one at a time for 1-2 minutes each to retain their crunch and color. Remove each vegetable as it’s done.

4. Make the Sauce

1. Mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, minced garlic, and a dash of black pepper in a small bowl. Whisk until the sugar dissolves.

5. Combine Everything

1. Combine the cooked noodles, protein, and sautéed vegetables in a large skillet or wok.
2. Pour the sauce over the mixture and toss everything together gently.
3. Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until everything is well-coated and heated through.

6. Garnish and Serve

1. Transfer the Japchae to a serving dish.
2. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and sliced green onions for garnish.
3. Serve warm or at room temperature, and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Japchae

• For even cooking, slice all ingredients thinly and evenly.
• Adjust the soy sauce and sugar to your taste preferences.
• Japchae tastes even better the next day—make extra for leftovers!

Enjoy this flavorful, colorful, and satisfying dish with your favorite sides or as the star of your meal!