Japchae: Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles with Marinated Beef
Japchae is a beloved Korean classic featuring silky glass noodles made from sweet potato starch, stir-fried with colorful vegetables and tender sesame-marinated beef. The balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors makes it as satisfying as it is beautiful. Serve it as a main dish or an impressive side at any dinner table.
🛒 Ingredients
6 servings
- 250 g (9 oz) sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)
- 250 g (9 oz) beef tenderloin, thinly sliced
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp sugar
- 2 tsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- black pepper to taste
- 1 small carrot, julienned
- 1/2 onion, sliced into strips
- 1/2 red bell pepper, cut into strips
- 1/2 small zucchini, julienned
- 1 small bunch fresh spinach
- salt to taste
- sliced green onion or garlic chives to garnish
- toasted sesame seeds to garnish
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Directions
- 1
Combine the beef with garlic, sugar, soy sauce, sesame oil, and black pepper. Mix well and marinate for 15–20 minutes.
- 2
Cook the glass noodles in boiling water for 7 to 10 minutes, or according to package instructions.
- 3
Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
- 4
Heat sesame oil in a large pan and sauté the onion and carrot over medium heat until slightly softened.
- 5
Add the bell pepper and zucchini, stir-fry for a few minutes, season with salt, and set aside.
- 6
Blanch the spinach in boiling water for 1 minute, then transfer immediately to a bowl of ice water to preserve its color.
- 7
Squeeze out excess water from the spinach, season with salt, and set aside with the other vegetables.
- 8
In the same pan, add a little more sesame oil and cook the marinated beef over medium-high heat until browned on both sides.
- 9
In a large bowl, combine the noodles, vegetables, and beef. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
- 10
Plate and garnish with sliced green onions and toasted sesame seeds before serving.
💡 Chef's Tip
Don't overcook the noodles — they should stay slightly chewy. Prep the vegetables and marinade a day ahead for a faster assembly at mealtime.
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