Sizzling Beef Japchae: A Simple Korean Glass Noodles Recipe

Discover a mouthwatering beef japchae that weaves together vibrant Korean glass noodles with rich, savory flavors.

Silky sweet potato strands dance through colorful vegetables and tender meat slices.

Korea’s beloved classic brings excitement to your dinner table with minimal effort.

Each twirled bite promises an adventure of textures and tastes.

Seasonal veggies add bright crunch to the glossy noodle medley.

Cooking becomes simple magic when traditional techniques meet fresh ingredients.

Let this remarkable dish transport you straight to seoul’s bustling street kitchens.

FAQs

• What are sweet potato noodles made from?

Sweet potato noodles are made from sweet potato starch, creating a transparent, chewy texture that’s gluten-free and unique to Korean cuisine.

• Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute beef with chicken, pork, or tofu for a different protein option while maintaining the classic japchae flavor profile.

• How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

After boiling, rinse noodles with cold water and toss with a tablespoon of sesame oil to keep them separate and prevent clumping.

• Is japchae considered a main dish or side dish in Korean cuisine?

Japchae is versatile and can be served as both a side dish and a main course, depending on the occasion and personal preference.

Beef Japchae With Sweet Soy, Noodles, and Savory Cravings

• Whip Up Quick Comfort: Perfect for busy weeknights, this Beef Japchae recipe delivers delicious Korean flavors in under 30 minutes.
• Customize with Ease: Swap proteins or vegetables based on your preference, making this dish incredibly flexible for different dietary needs and taste preferences.
• One-Pan Wonder: Minimal dishes and simple cooking techniques mean less cleanup and more enjoyment, perfect for home cooks seeking convenience.
• Nutrition-Packed Meal: Combines lean protein, colorful vegetables, and nutrient-rich noodles, creating a balanced and satisfying dinner that supports healthy eating goals.

Beef Japchae (Glass Noodles) Ingredients

• Beef: Tender protein slice that adds rich meaty flavor, choose sirloin or ribeye for best texture.

• Sweet Potato Noodles: Translucent glass noodles that provide signature Korean dish texture, select high-quality Korean brands.

• Carrots, Bell Peppers, Mushrooms: Colorful vegetables adding crunch and nutrition, choose fresh and vibrant produce.
• Spinach: Soft leafy green that brings additional nutrients and color, select fresh baby spinach.

• Soy Sauce, Sesame Oil: Essential Korean flavor enhancers, choose naturally brewed soy sauce and pure sesame oil.
• Brown Sugar: Adds subtle sweetness and helps caramelize meat, use dark brown sugar for deeper flavor.

• Garlic: Provides aromatic depth, use fresh minced garlic for strongest flavor.
• Black Pepper: Adds mild heat and complexity, freshly ground preferred.

• Sesame Seeds, Green Onions: Final touch for texture and fresh flavor, use toasted sesame seeds if possible.

Japchae Stir-Fry Noodle Prep

Step 1: Marinate Flavorful Beef

Slice beef and blend with tasty seasonings in a mixing bowl.

• Soy sauce
• Sesame oil
• Brown sugar
• Minced garlic
• Ground black pepper

Let the beef soak up delicious flavors for at least 15 minutes.

Step 2: Prepare Silky Noodles

Boil sweet potato glass noodles following package directions.

Drain noodles and rinse under cool water.

Gently toss noodles with sesame oil to prevent clumping.

Step 3: Sauté Colorful Vegetables

Warm a skillet with sesame oil over medium heat.

• Julienned carrots
• Sliced bell peppers
• Chopped mushrooms

Stir-fry for 2-3 minutes until vegetables soften slightly.

Add fresh spinach and cook until delicately wilted.

Transfer vegetables to a separate plate.

Step 4: Cook Tender Beef

Use the same skillet to cook marinated beef over medium-high heat.

Sear beef until edges turn golden brown and meat cooks through, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Combine Delectable Ingredients

Mix cooked noodles, beef, and vegetables in a large serving bowl.

Whisk sauce ingredients together and drizzle over the mixture.

Toss everything until well combined.

Step 6: Finish With Garnish

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions on top.

Serve immediately while warm or enjoy at room temperature.

Stir-Fry Ideas for Korean Beef Japchae

• Let beef soak in marinade for at least 15 minutes to enhance flavor absorption and tenderize the meat effectively.
• Rinse sweet potato noodles with cold water and toss with sesame oil to keep them slippery and separated during cooking.
• Stir-fry vegetables briefly to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant colors, avoiding overcooking that can make them soggy.
• Taste and adjust sauce ingredients to achieve the perfect sweet, salty, and savory balance, ensuring each bite is deliciously harmonious.
• Swap beef with tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version, and use gluten-free soy sauce to accommodate different dietary restrictions.

Beef Japchae Storage Tips

• Store leftover Beef Japchae in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent odors from mixing.
• Warm the noodles in the microwave for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to distribute heat evenly. Add a splash of water to prevent drying out and maintain the noodles' soft texture.
• Quickly revive the Japchae in a skillet over medium heat. Drizzle a little sesame oil to restore moisture and enhance the original flavors. Stir gently for 2-3 minutes until heated through.
• Freeze the dish in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating to preserve the best taste and texture.

What Complements Korean Beef Japchae

• Perfectly Pair Korean Glass Noodles
• Sip Korean Soju Cocktail: A crisp, slightly sweet alcoholic beverage that complements the savory beef and noodle flavors, cutting through the rich texture of the dish.
• Match with Cucumber Banchan: A cool, refreshing side salad with light vinegar dressing that balances the warm, seasoned japchae and provides a palate-cleansing contrast.
• Enhance with Dry Riesling: A light, slightly acidic white wine that highlights the sweet and umami notes of the Korean glass noodles, creating a harmonious dining experience.
• Complement with Kimchi Pickles: Tangy, spicy fermented side dish that adds depth and brightness to the meal, offering a traditional Korean flavor profile that elevates the overall taste.

Beef Japchae Korean Noodle Twists

• Vegetarian Glass Noodles: Replace beef with tofu, tempeh, or seitan, using the same marinade for flavor. Ensure protein is well-pressed and cut into thin strips for optimal texture.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos. Use gluten-free sweet potato noodles and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Low-Carb Modification: Substitute sweet potato noodles with zucchini noodles or shirataki noodles. Reduce brown sugar and use a low-carb sweetener alternative.
• Spicy Korean Version: Add gochujang or red pepper flakes to the sauce for extra heat. Include sliced fresh chili peppers for additional kick and authentic Korean flavor profile.

Beef Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles) Recipe

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4.5 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Korean comfort meets culinary artistry in this Beef Japchae, a symphony of glass noodles dancing with savory marinated beef and colorful vegetables. Rich, silky strands intertwine with umami-packed ingredients, inviting you to savor Seoul’s beloved noodle tradition.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 1/2 lb (225g) ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced

Noodles and Vegetables:

• 8 oz (225g) sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)
• 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

Seasonings and Garnish:

• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 1/2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 3 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a flavorful marinade for the beef by combining soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, minced garlic, and freshly ground black pepper in a mixing bowl. Submerge the sliced beef in the mixture and allow it to absorb the flavors for a minimum of 15 minutes.
2. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Carefully add sweet potato noodles and cook according to the package guidelines. Once tender, drain the noodles and immediately rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Gently toss the noodles with sesame oil to prevent clumping.
3. Warm a skillet over medium heat and drizzle with sesame oil. Introduce carrots, bell peppers, and mushrooms to the pan, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until they become slightly crisp-tender. Incorporate spinach and continue cooking for an additional minute until the leaves wilt and become vibrant green. Transfer the vegetables to a separate plate.
4. Using the same skillet, increase the heat to medium-high. Add the marinated beef and cook until it develops a rich, golden-brown exterior, approximately 3-4 minutes. Remove the beef from the heat once cooked through.
5. In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the cooked noodles, sautéed beef, and prepared vegetables. Create a harmonious sauce by whisking together soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Drizzle the sauce over the noodle mixture and thoroughly toss to ensure even distribution of flavors.
6. Elevate the dish’s presentation by sprinkling toasted sesame seeds and thinly sliced green onions over the top. Serve the japchae either warm or at ambient temperature for an authentic Korean dining experience.

Notes

• Marinate beef for maximum flavor by letting it sit longer, up to 2 hours in the refrigerator for deeper taste penetration.
• Rinse sweet potato noodles thoroughly to remove excess starch, ensuring a perfect, non-sticky texture that allows each strand to shine.
• Customize vegetable selection based on seasonal availability or personal preference, keeping the core cooking technique consistent for authentic Korean taste.
• Make this dish gluten-free by using tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, maintaining the rich umami flavor without compromising dietary needs.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Korean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 51 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 20 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg