Japchae

10 Easy Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles) Recipes You’ll Love

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Craving Japchae? This collection of 10 easy Japchae recipes is perfect for both Korean glass noodle newbies and seasoned chefs. From classic Japchae to fun variations, these delicious and simple Japchae recipes will have you making this beloved Korean dish at home in no time. Get ready to explore the world of glass noodles with these easy-to-follow, flavorful Japchae recipes you’ll absolutely love!

Quick & Easy Ground Meat Japchae

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to enjoy Japchae, a beloved Korean dish, using readily available ground meat. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal or a quick and satisfying lunch.

Ingredients

  • 9 oz ground beef and pork mix
  • 2-3 oz mung bean vermicelli
  • 1 bunch chives
  • 1/2 carrot
  • 1/2 leek (optional)
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (or vegetable oil)
  • 2 tablespoons sake
  • 3 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1 cup water
  • Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Ingredients: Cut the mung bean vermicelli in half. Julienne the carrot, chives, and leek (if using) into 2-inch pieces.

  2. Brown the Meat and Sauté Vegetables: Heat the sesame oil (or vegetable oil) in a large frying pan over high heat. Add the ground meat and stir-fry until browned. Add the minced garlic, leek (if using), and carrot, and continue to sauté for a few minutes.

  3. Simmer with Sauce and Noodles: Pour in the sake and water, bring to a boil, then add the sugar and soy sauce. Add the mung bean vermicelli and simmer, stirring frequently with chopsticks or tongs to coat the noodles with the sauce.

  4. Finish and Serve: Once the noodles are cooked through and coated in sauce, add the chives and stir-fry until they wilt. Remove from heat and serve immediately. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds, if desired.

Quick & Easy Beef Japchae

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to make beef japchae. With just a few key ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you can enjoy this flavorful Korean dish in no time.

Ingredients

  • 7 oz ground beef and pork mix
  • 1 onion
  • 1 carrot
  • 1 bunch chives
  • 3.5 oz glass noodles
  • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • White sesame seeds
  • Mixed Seasonings:
    • 2 1/2 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
    • 1 1/2 tablespoons sugar
    • 2 tablespoons sake
    • 2 inches garlic paste (minced)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the noodles: Soak the glass noodles in boiling water for 5 minutes, then cut them in half.

  2. Sauté the beef: Add sesame oil to a frying pan and sauté the ground meat with salt and pepper until browned.

  3. Add the vegetables: Add julienned carrot and sliced onion to the pan and sauté until tender.

  4. Combine with noodles and chives: Add the chives and glass noodles to the pan and continue sautéing.

  5. Season and finish: Add the mixed seasonings and sauté until well combined.

  6. Serve: Plate the japchae and garnish with white sesame seeds.

Keto-Friendly Japchae (Low-Carb)

This recipe provides a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Korean dish, Japchae, by substituting traditional glass noodles with low-carb shirataki noodles. This makes it a perfect meal for those following a ketogenic diet.

Ingredients

Marinade Sauce:

  • 2.5 tbsp soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Chinese cooking wine
  • 2 tbsp mirin
  • 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
  • 1/4 cup dried mushroom dashi

Main Ingredients:

  • 300g Enoki mushrooms
  • 2 Eggs
  • 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
  • 2 Capsicums (red & green)
  • 300g Spinach
  • 2 small Shiitake Mushrooms
  • Shirataki Noodles (2 packets – 400g total)
  • 300g Beef strips

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Noodles: Rinse the shirataki noodles thoroughly. Boil them in water for 5 minutes to remove any residual odor, then drain and set aside.

  2. Cook the Eggs: Cook the eggs, then set aside to cool. Once cooled, cut into thin strips.

  3. Cook the Beef: Pan-fry the beef strips until cooked through and set aside.

  4. Combine and Cook: Heat 1 tbsp of toasted sesame oil in a pan or wok. Add the minced garlic and all the vegetables (enoki mushrooms, capsicums, spinach, and shiitake mushrooms). Cook until tender-crisp. Add the cooked shirataki noodles, the prepared marinade sauce, and the cooked beef strips to the pan. Mix everything well to combine.

  5. Finishing Touches: Sprinkle the finished dish with sesame seeds and a drizzle of sesame oil for added flavor.

Easy Vegan Japchae (Glass Noodle Stir-fry)

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to make vegan Japchae, a flavorful Korean glass noodle stir-fry. It’s packed with colorful vegetables and coated in a sweet and savory sauce.

Ingredients

Noodles & Vegetables:

  • Glass Noodles (Sweet Potato Noodles)
  • Dried Kelp Strips or Hydrated Seaweed
  • Firm Tofu or Tofu Skin, cut into strips
  • Shredded Carrots
  • Shredded Purple Cabbage

Sauce:

  • 1-2 tbsp Light Soy Sauce (less sodium)
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1 tbsp Water
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
  • 1 tbsp Sweet Vinegar
  • 1 tsp Garlic Chili Sauce (optional)
  • Salt & Pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Toasted Sesame Seeds

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Boil the glass noodles, kelp strips (or seaweed), carrots, and purple cabbage separately. Do not boil the tofu skin. Important: To prevent the glass noodles from sticking, rinse them with cold water twice after boiling and lightly coat with sesame oil. Place all boiled ingredients in a large bowl.

Step 2: Cook the Tofu

Lightly stir-fry the tofu or tofu skin in a lightly oiled pan until lightly browned. Add the cooked tofu to the bowl with the other ingredients.

Step 3: Make the Sauce

In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, honey, water, sesame oil, sweet vinegar, garlic chili sauce (if using), salt, and pepper. Adjust the seasoning to your preference.

Step 4: Combine and Stir-fry (Optional)

Pour the sauce over the ingredients in the large bowl and mix well. For a richer flavor, stir-fry the mixture for 2-3 minutes in a lightly oiled pan. Alternatively, you can enjoy the japchae without stir-frying.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Let the japchae sit for 5-10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Then, plate, garnish with toasted sesame seeds, and serve. Enjoy!

Quick & Easy Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to make Japchae, a beloved Korean dish featuring stir-fried glass noodles and vibrant vegetables. With customizable protein options and a flavorful sauce, this dish is perfect for a weeknight meal or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Noodles:

300g sweet potato noodles

Sweet Soy Sauce Mixture:

1/2 cup hot water

1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce

1/4 cup sugar

2 tbsp toasted sesame oil

Vegetables:

1 carrot, julienned

1 red or green bell pepper, cut into thin strips

1 white onion, cut into thin strips

1 bundle baby spinach, blanched and seasoned with sesame oil

4-5 shiitake mushrooms (if using dried, soak for 30 minutes in water, drain, and marinate in soy sauce and sugar)

Optional Protein:

Beef strips (preferably sirloin) marinated in bulgogi sauce (or your preferred protein)

Toppings & Garnish:

Spring onions, finely chopped

1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Noodles: Soak sweet potato noodles in warm water for 20 minutes for a springy texture. Drain and cut into shorter, manageable pieces.

  2. Make the Sauce: Combine all sweet soy sauce mixture ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

  3. Stir-fry Vegetables: Quickly stir-fry each vegetable separately over high heat, maintaining a slight crunch. Start with the carrots and bell peppers. Sweat the onion for about 20 seconds without browning. Sauté the shiitake mushrooms for 2 minutes with their marinade.

  4. Cook Protein (Optional): If using beef, stir-fry over high heat for 2-3 minutes with the bulgogi marinade until medium-rare.

  5. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Heat 1 tbsp oil in a pan over low heat. Add the noodles and stir-fry for 20 seconds. Pour in the sweet soy sauce mixture and stir until well combined.

  6. Add Vegetables and Protein: Add the stir-fried vegetables and protein to the noodles. Stir until evenly distributed and the sauce is fully absorbed. Turn off the heat.

  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish generously with toasted sesame seeds and spring onions. Drizzle with a little extra sesame oil for added flavor. Serve immediately.

  8. Tip: Prepare extra sweet soy sauce mixture in case the noodles are too chewy and need more liquid during cooking.

Delicious Homemade Japchae

This recipe guides you through making a delicious and authentic Japchae dish. With simple, step-by-step instructions, you’ll learn how to prepare this flavorful Korean stir-fried noodle dish. From marinating the beef to perfectly cooking the glass noodles and vegetables, this recipe ensures a satisfying and flavorful meal.

Ingredients

Beef Marinade:

  • 6 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tsp granulated white sugar
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper
  • 1 tbsp sesame seed oil

Japchae Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp sesame seed oil
  • 1 tsp granulated white sugar
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper

Remaining Ingredients:

  • 1 lb sweet potato noodles (glass noodles)
  • 3 medium carrots
  • 1 medium package of white mushrooms
  • 3 green onions
  • 1 white onion (cut lengthwise)
  • 6 garlic cloves
  • 1/2 lb spinach
  • 2 tsp white sugar

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients. Slice the beef thinly, julienne the carrots and onions, and chop the green onions and garlic. Prepare the spinach by washing and trimming the stems.

Step 2: Marinate the Beef. Combine all the beef marinade ingredients in a bowl with the sliced beef. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.

Step 3: Cook the Noodles. Boil water in a pot, add a little oil, and cook the glass noodles for 5-6 minutes until tender. Drain and rinse with cold water to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Cook the Beef. In a skillet over high heat, cook the marinated beef until golden brown. Set aside.

Step 5: Sauté the Vegetables. In the same skillet, sauté the carrots, mushrooms, and onions until softened. Add the japchae sauce ingredients and minced garlic. Cook for a few minutes until fragrant.

Step 6: Wilt the Spinach. Add the spinach to the skillet and cook just until wilted. Turn off the heat immediately.

Step 7: Combine and Serve. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles, beef, and sautéed vegetables. Toss everything together until well coated. Serve warm and enjoy!

Delicious and Easy Japchae Recipe

This recipe provides a simple and straightforward way to make delicious Japchae, a beloved Korean glass noodle stir-fry. Follow these steps to create a flavorful and satisfying dish.

Ingredients:

  • Noodles: 1 bag Korean sweet potato noodles (Dangmyun)
  • Protein: Choice of sirloin, chuck, short ribs, tri-tip beef, shrimp, or pork patty
  • Eggs: 2-3 eggs
  • Vegetables: ½ onion, 1 red bell pepper, 1 orange bell pepper, 1 large carrot, 1 clove chopped garlic, 5 shiitake mushrooms (optional), 1 bag spinach (optional)
  • Sauces & Oils: Sesame oil, sesame seeds, vegetable oil, rice wine (optional), soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, black pepper, salt

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Noodles:

  1. Boil the sweet potato noodles in a large pot for about 15 minutes, or until softened. Drain and place in a large bowl.

2. Prepare the Meat:

  1. Peel shrimp (if using) and slice beef or pork patty into thin strips. Place in a bowl.
  2. Add chopped garlic, soy sauce, sugar, black pepper, sesame oil, and rice wine (optional) to the meat. Marinate briefly.
  3. Stir-fry the marinated meat in vegetable oil until cooked through.

3. Prepare the Eggs:

  1. Lightly beat eggs with a pinch of salt.
  2. Cook the egg mixture in a pan with vegetable oil until set.
  3. Cut the cooked egg into thin strips and set aside.

4. Prepare the Vegetables:

  1. Quickly blanch spinach in boiling salted water. Rinse with cold water, squeeze out excess water, and set aside.
  2. Thinly slice the onion, bell peppers, and shiitake mushrooms (if using).
  3. Shred the carrot.
  4. Separately stir-fry each vegetable (onion, carrot, bell peppers, and then mushrooms if using) in vegetable oil with a pinch of salt. Set aside.

5. Prepare the Sauce:

  1. Combine soy sauce, sugar (or honey), sesame oil, sesame seeds, and black pepper in a bowl and mix well.

6. Combine and Finish:

  1. Toss the cooked noodles with sesame oil and 2/3 of the prepared sauce.
  2. Add the cooked vegetables and egg to the noodles.
  3. Add the cooked meat.
  4. Pour in the remaining sauce and mix thoroughly.
  5. Add oyster sauce and give it a final mix.

Serve your Japchae immediately and enjoy!

Japchae: A Delicious Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry

This recipe guides you through creating a flavorful and colorful Japchae, a beloved Korean dish featuring glass noodles stir-fried with an assortment of vegetables and marinated pork.

Ingredients

For the Pork Marinade:

  • Thin strips of pork
  • 1/2 tsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tsp sugar
  • A dash of sesame oil
  • A dash of mirin
  • 1 minced garlic clove

For the Noodles and Sauce:

  • 25g Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon)
  • 1/2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1/2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • A pinch of black pepper

For the Stir-Fry:

  • Spinach
  • Carrot
  • Red bell pepper (capsicum)
  • Shiitake mushrooms
  • 1 egg
  • Yellow onion
  • Salt (to taste)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Noodles and Spinach: Boil the glass noodles according to package directions until tender. Blanch the spinach in the same boiling water briefly, then remove and set aside.

  2. Stir-fry the Vegetables: Stir-fry the carrot, red bell pepper, and onion with a pinch of salt until slightly softened. Separately, stir-fry the shiitake mushrooms without oil or salt until tender.

  3. Cook the Egg: Fry the egg thinly and cut it into strips.

  4. Stir-fry the Pork: Stir-fry the marinated pork until cooked through.

  5. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Once the noodles are cooked, drain them and toss them with half of the noodle sauce.

  6. Mix Everything Together: Combine the noodles, vegetables, egg, and pork in a large bowl. Add the remaining noodle sauce and toss well to coat. Serve immediately.

Easy Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)

This recipe provides a simple and delicious way to make Japchae, a beloved Korean dish featuring sweet potato noodles (dangmyun) stir-fried with flavorful vegetables and a savory sauce. This version can be made with or without beef.

Ingredients

Noodles:

  • 170 g (6 oz) dangmyun (sweet potato noodles)

Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 1/2 tbsp granulated white sugar
  • 2 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 tsp minced garlic

Stir-fry Ingredients:

  • 4 oz lean beef (optional)
  • 1 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 6 oz spinach or cabbage
  • 1 small carrot, sliced into matchsticks
  • 4 button or portobello mushrooms (optional)
  • 1 small onion
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Chopped onion leaves and roasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir until the sugar is completely dissolved.

  2. Cook the Noodles: Boil water in a pot and add the dangmyun. Cook according to the package directions. Drain the noodles and set aside.

  3. Stir-fry the Ingredients: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan or wok over medium-high heat. If using beef, add it to the pan and sauté until browned. Add the minced garlic and onion, and cook until the onion becomes translucent. Then, add the spinach/cabbage, carrots, and mushrooms (if using). Cook until the vegetables are tender.

  4. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked dangmyun and the prepared sauce to the pan with the stir-fried ingredients.

  5. Simmer and Reduce: Increase the heat to high and stir continuously until the liquid is reduced and absorbed by the noodles.

  6. Season: If the saltiness from the sauce isn’t sufficient, add salt and pepper to taste.

  7. Garnish and Serve: Garnish with chopped onion leaves and roasted sesame seeds. Serve hot.

Healthy and Easy Japchae with Shirataki Noodles

This recipe provides a lighter take on the classic Korean dish, Japchae, by substituting traditional glass noodles with shirataki noodles. This swap makes the dish lower in carbohydrates and calories, while still delivering a delicious and satisfying meal. Follow these simple steps to create a healthy and flavorful Japchae.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 package Shirataki Noodles
  • 50g Beef, thinly sliced
  • 1 bowl Spinach
  • 1/2 Carrot, julienned or thinly sliced
  • 1/4 Onion, thinly sliced
  • 4 Mushrooms, sliced
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Salt
  • Pepper
  • Sesame Oil
  • Soy Sauce
  • Sweet Soy Sauce
  • 1/4 bowl Water

Instructions

  1. In a pan or wok, stir-fry the onions until softened, then add the carrots and continue to cook until slightly tender.
  2. Add the beef to the pan and cook until browned. Then, add the mushrooms and cook until softened.
  3. Season the mixture with soy sauce and pepper.
  4. Add the spinach to the pan and cook until wilted. Next, add the shirataki noodles and a splash of water to help them soften and combine with the other ingredients.
  5. Season the noodles with salt, pepper, soy sauce, and sweet soy sauce to taste.
  6. Finally, sprinkle with sesame seeds and drizzle with sesame oil for added flavor and aroma.

Enjoy your healthy and delicious Shirataki Noodle Japchae!

History of Japchae

Japchae, meaning “mixed vegetables,” holds a surprisingly royal history. Contrary to its current status as a common dish, japchae was originally created in the royal kitchens during the Joseon Dynasty in the early 17th century. It wasn’t a peasant food; it was a dish fit for a king!

The story goes that King Gwanghaegun was so impressed with a noodle dish prepared for a banquet that he named it japchae. This early version likely focused on vegetables and may not have even included noodles at all. Sweet potato noodles, now synonymous with japchae, didn’t become a staple ingredient until much later.

Over time, japchae evolved from a royal delicacy into a beloved dish enjoyed by all classes. The addition of ingredients like meat and mushrooms further enriched the flavor profile, transforming it into the celebratory and symbolic food we know and love today. It’s often served at special occasions like weddings and birthdays, signifying good health and long life.

Nutritional Content and Benefits of Japchae

Japchae, a beloved Korean dish featuring glass noodles and an array of colorful vegetables, offers more than just a delightful culinary experience. It also boasts a surprisingly balanced nutritional profile.

Sweet potato starch noodles, the base of japchae, are a good source of carbohydrates, providing energy for your day. While they are relatively low in fiber compared to other noodles, they are also gluten-free, making them suitable for those with sensitivities.

The vibrant mix of vegetables in japchae, typically including spinach, carrots, mushrooms, and onions, contributes a wealth of vitamins and minerals. Spinach is packed with vitamin K and iron, carrots offer vitamin A, and mushrooms provide selenium and B vitamins. These nutrients support various bodily functions, from boosting immunity to promoting healthy vision.

The addition of protein, usually beef or pork, elevates the nutritional value of japchae further. Protein is crucial for building and repairing tissues and plays a role in satiety, helping you feel fuller for longer.

While japchae is undoubtedly a healthier option compared to many other noodle dishes due to its vegetable content, it’s important to be mindful of the sesame oil used in the dish, which can contribute to the overall fat content. Enjoying japchae in moderation as part of a balanced diet is key to reaping its nutritional benefits.

Tips for Choosing Quality Sweet Potato Noodles

Choosing the right sweet potato noodles, also known as dangmyeon, is crucial for a delicious japchae. Look for noodles that are smooth and slightly translucent. They should have a consistent thickness and a slightly chewy texture after cooking.

Check the ingredients list. Ideally, it should only contain sweet potato starch and water. Avoid noodles with added fillers or preservatives. The color should be a natural off-white or slightly grayish hue. Avoid noodles that are overly bright white, as this may indicate bleaching.

Pay attention to the expiration date to ensure freshness. Also, consider the packaging. Choose noodles packaged in a sealed bag or container to prevent breakage and maintain quality. Often, high-quality noodles are vacuum-sealed.

Finally, don’t be afraid to experiment with different brands to find your favorite. Some brands may have slightly different textures or cooking times. Once you find a brand you love, stick with it for consistently great japchae.

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