Japchae is one of the best Korean food dishes you can make at home—chewy sweet potato noodles tossed with colorful veggies, tender beef, and a savory-sweet sauce. This classic Korean stir-fry is a go-to for special occasions but is easy enough for a weeknight meal. If you're exploring Korean food recipes, this dish is a great starting point. Plus, it’s versatile! You can customize it with your favorite proteins and vegetables, making it a perfect addition to your list of dinner ideas.
Japchae
Prep Time 20 minutes mins
Cook Time 15 minutes mins
Total Time 35 minutes mins
Course Main Course, Side Dish
Cuisine Korean
For the Noodles & Stir-Fry
- 8 oz sweet potato glass noodles dangmyeon
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1/2 lb ribeye beef thinly sliced
- 1 small onion thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot julienned
- 1/2 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- 3 oz spinach blanched and drained
- 4 oz shiitake mushrooms sliced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 green onions chopped
For the Sauce
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cook the noodles
Boil sweet potato noodles according to package instructions (typically 5-7 minutes). Drain, rinse under cold water, and toss with 1 tsp sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Prepare the sauce
In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, and black pepper. Set aside.
Cook the beef
Heat vegetable oil in a skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and cook until browned, about 2 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
Sauté the vegetables
In the same pan, add onions, carrots, and bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly softened. Add mushrooms and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes.
Combine everything
Reduce heat to medium. Add the cooked noodles, beef, spinach, and sauce. Toss everything together for 2-3 minutes until evenly coated.
Finish and serve
Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Serve warm.
Pairings
Japchae is a perfect side dish for Korean BBQ, but it can also shine as a main dish. Serve it alongside kimchi, pickled radish, or a simple miso soup. A light, crisp white wine or Korean rice punch (sikhye) makes a great pairing.
FAQs
What type of beef is best for Japchae?
Thinly sliced ribeye is ideal, but sirloin or flank steak work well too.
2. Can I make Japchae vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply omit the beef and add extra mushrooms or tofu for a hearty alternative.
3. Are there gluten-free options?
Yes! The sweet potato noodles are naturally gluten-free, but use tamari instead of soy sauce to keep it completely gluten-free.
