Japchae – Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry Full of Flavor and Color

Japchae is a classic Korean dish that beautifully blends sweet, savory, and nutty flavors with vibrant vegetables and chewy glass noodles. Made with sweet potato starch noodles, this stir-fry features a colorful medley of carrots, spinach, mushrooms, onions, and bell peppers, all lightly sautéed and tossed with a balanced soy-based sauce and sesame oil. The slightly sweet and savory marinade complements the earthiness of the mushrooms and the crisp texture of the veggies, while the noodles soak up every drop of flavor. Traditionally served with thinly sliced beef, Japchae can also be made vegetarian by omitting the meat or using tofu. It’s a perfect dish for potlucks, celebrations, or a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 200g sweet potato glass noodles
  
  

• 150g beef sirloin, thinly sliced (optional)
  
  

• 1 medium carrot, julienned
  
  

• 1/2 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  
  

• 1/2 yellow onion, thinly sliced
  
  

• 1 cup baby spinach
  
  

• 5-6 shiitake mushrooms, sliced (fresh or soaked dried)
  
  

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
  
  

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce (plus more for seasoning)
  
  

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  
  

• 1 tablespoon sugar
  
  

• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
  
  

• 1 tablespoon neutral oil (for sautéing)
  
  

• Salt and pepper to taste
  
  

Directions

1. Cook the sweet potato noodles according to the package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Cut with scissors if they are too long and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
   
   

2. In a pan over medium heat, add oil and cook the beef slices with a pinch of salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon soy sauce until browned. Set aside.
   
   

3. In the same pan, lightly sauté the onions, carrots, and bell pepper until just tender. Set aside.
   
   

4. Add mushrooms and cook until soft, then add spinach and sauté until wilted. Set aside with the other vegetables.
   
   

5. In a large bowl, combine the cooked noodles with all the sautéed vegetables and beef.
   
   

6. In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon sugar, and minced garlic. Pour over the noodle mixture.
   
   

7. Toss everything well to coat evenly and adjust seasoning with extra soy sauce or salt if needed.
   
   

8. Serve warm or at room temperature, garnished with sesame seeds.
   
   

Nutritional Value (per serving)

• Calories: 310 kcal
  
  

• Protein: 12g
  
  

• Fat: 10g
  
  

• Carbohydrates: 44g
  
  

• Fiber: 3g
  
  

• Sugars: 6g