How to Make Authentic Korean Japchae Noodles at Home
A step-by-step guide to making Authentic Korean Japchae Noodles at home. This traditional dish features chewy sweet potato glass noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and a savory-sweet soy-sesame sauce, making it a perfect Korean main dish or side.
Equipment
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Frying pan or wok
- Strainer (for draining noodles)
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs or chopsticks (for tossing noodles)
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
For the Noodles:
- 8 oz sweet potato starch noodles Dangmyeon
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking
- For the Protein: Choose one or mix multiple
- ½ pound beef ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced
- ½ pound chicken breast thinly sliced
- ½ pound tofu cubed (for vegan Japchae)
For the Vegetables:
- 1 small carrot julienned
- 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
- ½ yellow onion sliced
- 4 oz shiitake mushrooms sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic minced
For the Japchae Sauce:
- ¼ cup soy sauce use tamari for gluten-free
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar or honey
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
For Garnish:
- 1 stalk green onions chopped
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Noodles
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook sweet potato starch noodles according to package instructions (about 5–7 minutes).
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Cook the Protein
- If using beef or chicken, season with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, ½ teaspoon sesame oil, and minced garlic.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and stir-fry the protein until fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- In the same pan, add 1 teaspoon oil and stir-fry the onions, bell peppers, and carrots until slightly softened.
- Add the mushrooms and spinach, cooking for another 2 minutes until wilted.
- Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Japchae Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and black pepper.
Step 5: Assemble the Japchae
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked noodles, stir-fried vegetables, and protein.
- Pour the Japchae sauce over the mixture and toss until evenly coated.
- Stir-fry for an additional 2 minutes to enhance the flavor.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Transfer the Japchae to a serving dish.
- Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions.
- Serve warm or at room temperature as a side dish or main meal.
Notes
- For a vegan Japchae: Replace meat with tofu or add extra mushrooms.
- To add spice: Mix in gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes.
- For meal prep: Japchae can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan with a drizzle of sesame oil.