Name: Beef Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 8 oz beef (ribeye or sirloin); 8 oz glass noodles (dangmyeon); 1 medium onion, thinly sliced; 2 medium carrots, julienned; 1 cup spinach; 1/2 cup shiitake mushrooms (optional); 3 tbsp soy sauce (divided); 1 tbsp sesame oil (divided); 1 tbsp sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tbsp sesame seeds (for garnish); 2 green onions, chopped (for garnish)

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Okay, so if you’re looking for a dish that’s savory, slightly sweet, and full of flavor, you’ve gotta try this Beef Japchae. Japchae is a classic Korean dish made with chewy glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables, meat (in this case, beef), and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. It’s one of those recipes that’s just as satisfying to eat as it is to make—and it’s one that will have everyone at the table asking for seconds. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll see why it’s such a beloved dish in Korean cuisine!

Japchae is perfect for any occasion. It can be served as a side dish at a big family meal, or as a main dish that’s filling and comforting. It’s also great for meal prep, since it tastes just as good (if not better) the next day after all the flavors have had time to marry.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Full of flavor: Sweet, savory, and umami-packed, this dish is a flavor explosion in every bite.
Chewy noodles: The glass noodles (also called dangmyeon) are incredibly satisfying and add the perfect texture.
Healthy and customizable: It’s packed with fresh vegetables like spinach, carrots, and mushrooms, and you can add your favorite veggies to make it your own.
Great for any meal: Whether you serve it as a side or a main, it’s a dish that fits any meal occasion.

Ingredients

Here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need to make this flavorful dish. The full list of ingredients is further below:

Beef (ribeye or sirloin works best)
Glass noodles (dangmyeon)
Onion, spinach, and carrots for the veggie base
Shiitake mushrooms (optional, but they add an amazing earthy flavor)
Soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar for seasoning
Garlic, sesame seeds, and green onions for garnish

Directions

Step 1: Cook the Glass Noodles

Start by cooking the glass noodles according to the package instructions. They usually need to be boiled for about 5-7 minutes until they’re soft and chewy. Once cooked, drain and rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process, then set them aside.

Step 2: Prepare the Beef

Thinly slice the beef against the grain. In a bowl, toss the beef slices with a tablespoon of soy sauce, a pinch of sugar, and a little sesame oil. Let it marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This helps tenderize the beef and infuse it with flavor.

Step 3: Stir-fry the Vegetables

In a large skillet or wok, heat a tablespoon of sesame oil over medium-high heat. Add the sliced onion, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms (if using). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until they’re slightly softened. Then, add the spinach and cook for another minute or two until it wilts down. Remove the vegetables from the pan and set them aside.

Step 4: Cook the Beef

In the same pan, add a little more sesame oil and cook the marinated beef for about 2-3 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. Make sure to stir-fry the beef quickly so it stays tender.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Once the beef is cooked, add the cooked noodles and vegetables back into the pan with the beef. Pour in the remaining soy sauce, a drizzle of sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Toss everything together until well combined and heated through.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Top your Japchae with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Give it one last toss to mix everything together, and then serve hot!

Expert Tips and Tricks

Don’t overcook the noodles: Glass noodles cook very quickly, so be sure to keep an eye on them while boiling. Overcooking them can cause them to become mushy.
Marinate the beef: Even just a short marinating time will help enhance the beef’s flavor, so don’t skip this step!
Customize the veggies: If you don’t have shiitake mushrooms, you can use any other kind of mushroom, or even add more bell peppers, zucchini, or whatever veggies you like.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Chicken or pork: If you prefer a different protein, you can easily swap the beef for chicken breast or pork tenderloin.
Add kimchi: For a spicy kick, serve your Japchae with a side of kimchi or stir some chopped kimchi into the dish.
Gluten-free version: If you’re gluten-sensitive, check that your soy sauce is gluten-free, or use tamari as a substitute.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Japchae is great on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with other Korean dishes like bulgogi (Korean BBQ beef) or kimchi jjigae (kimchi stew). If you’re serving it as a side dish, it would go beautifully with a simple grilled chicken or even fried rice. It’s also fantastic with a side of steamed vegetables or a light cucumber salad to balance out the richness.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: You can reheat Japchae in a pan over medium heat, adding a bit of water or soy sauce to loosen it up. Alternatively, you can microwave it, but I recommend covering it with a damp paper towel to keep it from drying out.

4 FAQs

Can I use any type of noodles for this recipe?
Glass noodles (dangmyeon) are the traditional choice, but you can also use rice noodles if that’s what you have on hand.
How spicy is this dish?
Japchae is generally not spicy, but if you want to add some heat, you can stir in some gochujang (Korean chili paste) or sliced fresh chili peppers.
Can I make Japchae ahead of time?
Yes! Japchae can be made ahead and stored in the fridge. Just make sure to reheat it properly before serving.
What kind of soy sauce should I use?
For the best flavor, use regular soy sauce. If you’re looking for a gluten-free version, tamari works just as well.

Conclusion

This Beef Japchae is a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and slightly smoky flavors, with a chewy, satisfying texture from the glass noodles. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s perfect for a family dinner, a party spread, or even meal prep. I can’t wait for you to try this—it’s one of those dishes that just keeps you coming back for more!

Beef Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)

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eef Japchae is a savory and slightly sweet Korean dish made with chewy glass noodles stir-fried with beef, vegetables, and seasoned with soy sauce and sesame oil. This flavorful and customizable dish is perfect for any meal.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish, Korean
Method: Stir-frying
Cuisine: Korean
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Cook the Glass Noodles: Boil the glass noodles according to the package instructions (usually 5-7 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking, then set aside.
Prepare the Beef: Thinly slice the beef against the grain. Marinate the beef with 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sugar, and 1 tsp sesame oil for 10-15 minutes.
Stir-fry the Vegetables: Heat 1 tbsp sesame oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion, carrots, and shiitake mushrooms (if using). Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes. Set the vegetables aside.
Cook the Beef: In the same pan, add a bit more sesame oil and cook the marinated beef for 2-3 minutes until it’s cooked through.
Combine Everything: Add the cooked noodles and vegetables back into the pan. Add the remaining soy sauce, sesame oil, and a pinch of sugar. Toss everything together until well mixed and heated through.
Garnish and Serve: Top with sesame seeds and chopped green onions. Toss again and serve hot.

Notes

Noodle Tip: Don’t overcook the glass noodles to avoid mushiness.
Customize Veggies: Add other vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini if desired.
Marinate Beef: Marinate for a deeper flavor.