Ultimate Japchae Recipe: How to Make Delicious Korean Glass Noodles at Home
Japchae is a beloved Korean dish made from glass noodles stir-fried with colorful vegetables, marinated beef, and sesame oil. This recipe will guide you through making authentic japchae easily at home.
45 min
medium
Cooking Order
Ingredients
Basic ingredients
Dried glass noodles200 g(7.05 oz)
Beef (for japchae)100 g(3.53 oz)
Shiitake mushrooms3 pieces
Spinach2 handfuls
Carrot0.5 piece
Onion1 piece
Garlic chives0.5 handful
Wood ear mushrooms8 pieces
Eggs2 pieces
Bell pepper (any color)1 piece
Roasted sesame seedssome
Beef Marinade
Soy sauce1 tbsp
Sesame oil1 tbsp
Sugar1 tsp
Minced garlic1 tsp
Black peppera pinch
Glass Noodle Seasoning
Dark soy sauce3 + ½ tbsp
Sugar1 + ½ tbsp
Minced garlic1 tsp
Sesame oil3 tbsp
Black peppera pinch
Step 1:
Soak dried glass noodles in cold water for about 30 minutes.
Step 2:
Julienne the carrot, shiitake mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper (slice the bell pepper thinly).
Step 3:
Marinate the shiitake mushrooms with 1 tbsp soy sauce, ½ tbsp sugar, and ½ tbsp sesame oil. Mix well and set aside.
Step 4:
Soak wood ear mushrooms, then cut them into bite-sized quarters.
Step 5:
Marinate the beef with the beef marinade ingredients for about 10 minutes.
Step 6:
Cut off the root ends of the spinach, then wash thoroughly.
Step 7:
Blanch the spinach in boiling water with a pinch of salt for a few seconds.
Step 8:
Rinse the blanched spinach under cold water.
Step 9:
Squeeze out excess water from the spinach.
Step 10:
Season the spinach with ½ tbsp minced garlic, a pinch of salt, some sesame oil, and roasted sesame seeds. Mix well.
Step 11:
Separate egg yolks and whites, beat each with a small pinch of salt.
Step 12:
On low heat, make thin egg crepes (jidan) with the yolk and white separately, then julienne them.
Step 13:
In a pan with enough oil, sauté the carrots first. Once the carrots are soft, add onions, then wood ear mushrooms, then bell peppers, lightly seasoning with salt as you go.
Step 14:
Lastly, add the beef and marinated shiitake mushrooms and stir-fry together using chopsticks.
Step 15:
In a pot, bring water with a ladle of soy sauce and vegetable oil to a boil. Add the soaked glass noodles and boil for about 2 minutes.
Step 16:
Place the drained noodles in a pan. Add the glass noodle seasoning ingredients and stir-fry over medium-low heat for about 2 minutes until well mixed.
Step 17:
Cut the seasoned noodles into bite-sized lengths.
Step 18:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the slightly cooled noodles with the stir-fried vegetables and some sesame oil. Gently fold in the julienned egg crepes at the end. Adjust the flavor with additional soy sauce if needed, to your taste.
Step 19:
Plate the japchae neatly on a serving dish.
Editor's Detail
Have you ever wondered what makes Korean cuisine so captivating? Let me introduce you to japchae (잡채) – a colorful, satisfying dish that has been winning hearts both in Korea and around the world for centuries.
What is Japchae?
Japchae, literally meaning “mixed vegetables,” is a traditional Korean dish featuring chewy sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon) stir-fried with colorful vegetables and often beef. Dating back to the early 17th century during the Joseon Dynasty, it was originally created as a royal court dish served to King Gwanghaegun – though without noodles at first!
Today, japchae has evolved from royal cuisine to everyday comfort food, yet maintains its status as a celebration dish. It’s a staple at Korean New Year and birthdays, where the long noodles symbolize longevity and good fortune.
Ingredients Overview
The beauty of japchae lies in its colorful array of ingredients. At its heart are dangmyeon noodles – translucent, chewy sweet potato starch noodles that are naturally gluten-free. The vegetable lineup typically includes julienned carrots, spinach, shiitake mushrooms, bell peppers, onions, and bean sprouts. Each maintains its distinct color and texture, creating visual appeal.
For protein, thinly sliced beef is traditional, though variations include pork, chicken, or egg strips. The seasoning is elegantly simple: soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and a touch of sugar, finished with toasted sesame seeds for nutty crunch.
Nutritional Information
Japchae offers a balanced nutritional profile with approximately 250-350 calories per serving. The sweet potato noodles provide complex carbohydrates and sustained energy, while the abundant vegetables contribute essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. With beef included, it provides about 15-20 grams of protein per serving.
The dish is naturally gluten-free, relatively low in saturated fat, and packed with nutrients from the vegetables. However, it can be high in sodium due to soy sauce, so those watching salt intake should use low-sodium alternatives.
Cooking Tips and Cautions
Success with japchae requires proper technique, especially with dangmyeon noodles. Soak them in warm water for 30 minutes, then boil for 6-8 minutes until tender but still chewy. Overcooking results in mushy noodles that break apart.
Cook each vegetable separately to maintain distinct textures and colors. Use medium-high heat for most steps, but reduce to medium when combining to prevent burning. Season gradually – start with less soy sauce and sesame oil than you think you need, then adjust to taste.
The dish is best served immediately while warm, before noodles clump together.
Why You Should Try It
Japchae deserves a place on your culinary bucket list for its incredible versatility. It works as a light lunch, satisfying dinner, elegant side dish, or unique potluck contribution. For vegetarians, simply omit the meat and add extra mushrooms or tofu.
What makes japchae special is how it embodies Korean balanced eating philosophy. Every bite delivers a symphony of textures – chewy noodles, crisp vegetables, tender meat, and crunchy sesame seeds – while flavors range from nutty and sweet to savory and umami-rich.
Beyond taste, preparing japchae offers a wonderful introduction to Korean cooking techniques and ingredients. Culturally, sharing japchae connects you to Korean traditions of celebrating life’s important moments with good food and loved ones.
Whether you’re expanding culinary horizons, seeking healthier alternatives to heavy pasta dishes, or wanting something deliciously different, japchae offers an accessible entry point into Korean cuisine that rewards both cook and diner.
Ultimate Japchae Recipe: How to Make Delicious Korean Glass Noodles at Home Video
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