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This easy recipe for classic Korean japchae is full of tender beef, veggies, & slightly sweet sweet potato glass noodles. Your new favorite dish to curl up to!
You can also make Spicy Korean Noodles if you like a little kick in your dish!
This recipe serves 20 people easily and can be scaled up to serve even more. If you are having a potluck at work or attending a family party, this dish is easy to transport and reheat. Plus, you will be sure to impress your friends and family by opening them up to a dish they probably haven’t tried, but will soon grow to love.
If you are feeling nervous about cooking Korean cuisine, don’t be! I was pleasantly surprised at how quickly I became comfortable cooking Japchae. This dish is a great starting point for cooking outside your comfort zone.
What is Japchae?
Simply put, Japchae is the Korean version of Chinese Chow-Mein (which you probably already love). The main difference is that Japchae uses sweet potato glass noodles. This noodle dish offers a sweet and savory flavor experience that will make your tastebuds sing!
Ingredients You Need to Prepare Japchae
Traditional Japchae requires thin-sliced pieces of beef. At most Korean supermarkets, you can find this style of beef pre-cut in the butcher section. If you can’t find it, grab some sirloin from the store and slice it yourself. Japchae also incorporates a heft serving of veggies. I like to use carrots, onions, spinach and green onions, but feel free to add in some mushrooms if you like. If you don’t already have sesame oil and soy sauce on hand, you will need that to create the delicious sauce that brings the dish together.
What are Korean Noodles?
Korean sweet potato glass noodles have an excellent texture and offer a hint of sweetness. They are made using only sweet potato starch and water. When cooked, they turn a beautiful glass noodles.
How do You Cook Korean Glass Noodles?
Despite their delicate nature, these glass noodles are quite easy to cook. Bring a pot of water to boil, add some olive oil to the water and cook the noodles for 5-6 minutes. The oil will prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Where to Buy Korean Glass Noodles
Korean style sweet potato noodles are also referred to as starch noodles or Korean vermicelli. Venture into an Asian store to find them readily available and cheap. Or, order them on Amazon. Try this brand or this brand.
Calories in a Serving of Japchae
One serving of Japchae clocks in at under 250 calories, which makes it a great side dish. Double-up the serving to make it a low-calorie meal.
Bonus: Sweet potato glass noodles are low-carb and gluten free! If you have a gluten allergy, substitute your soy sauce for a gluten free variety.
Japchae Video
Hacks for Cooking Japchae
- Are your noodles still sticking together after cooking? Run some cool water over the noodles in a colander to loosen them up.
- Try swapping the beef for chicken or shrimp.
- Like it spicy? Serve the noodles with a side of Gochujang, a Korean style fermented hot sauce that has a sweet and spicy flavor. Look for it in the Asian supermarket or order it on Amazon.
- Try serving Japchae with kimchi, a fermented cabbage side dish that Koreans love and serve with almost every meal. You can also find kimchi in the asian supermarket. However, most American supermarkets have caught on to the trend of kimchi and sell it in the produce aisle.
Other Asian Recipes to Try
- Simple Yakisoba Noodles Recipe
- The Best Beef Stir Fry Recipe
Recipe
Korean Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Noodles Recipe
PrintPin
Servings
10 Servings
Prep Time 30 minutes mins
Cook Time 30 minutes mins
Total Time 1 hour hr
The first time I tried the Korean Stir-Fried Glass Noodles a.k.a Japchae was when my manager brought the dish in for a potluck a few years ago. It was literally one of The Best things I've tried, made me go back for refills.
Ingredients
- 2 lb Beef
- 1 lb Sweet Potato Noodles
- 3 medium Carrots
- 1 white Onion
- 1/2 bn Green Onions
- 6 Garlic Cloves
- 1/2 lb Spinach
- 4 tbsp Sesame Oil
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 6 tbsp Soy Sauce
- 3 tbsp Brown Sugar
US Units – Metric
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients for the recipe.
Prepare the ingredients for the sauce.
Bring water to a boil, add a bit of oil. Add noodles and cook them for 5-6 minutes. Drain when cooked.
Preheat skillet to high heat. Cook the pre-sliced beef until it's golden brown. Season beef with half portions of the following – soy sauce, sesame oil and brown sugar, while it's cooking.
Place noodles in a large bowl, top them with cooked beef.
Dice onion into long strips. Cut carrots into strips and chop green onion. Preheat an oiled skillet and toss in the carrots and onion.
When the veggies soften up, add in the remaining half portions of the following – soy sauce, sesame oil and brown sugar. Add in pressed garlic, green onions and cook for a few minutes until it's softened.
Add diced spinach into the mixture and turn off the heat imminently.
Add all vegetables to the noodles and toss everything together.
Serve while it's still warm. This dish also reheats well.
Nutrition Facts
Korean Stir-Fried Sweet Potato Noodles Recipe
Amount Per Serving
Calories 489Calories from Fat 225
% Daily Value*
Fat 25g38%
Saturated Fat 8g40%
Trans Fat 1g
Polyunsaturated Fat 3g
Monounsaturated Fat 11g
Cholesterol 64mg21%
Sodium 696mg29%
Potassium 481mg14%
Carbohydrates 47g16%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 18g36%
Vitamin A 5185IU104%
Vitamin C 9mg11%
Calcium 65mg7%
Iron 3mg17%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted July 24, 2019
About Author
Tammy HeislerApr 6, 2024 I have been wanting to try making this, but I have mung bean glass noodles and not sweet potato noodles. Would the mung bean noodles work? Is there a significant flavor difference?
Thank you!Natalya DrozhzhinApr 7, 2024 Hi Tammy, I have not tried this recipe with mung bean glass noodles. I am not even sure if this would work. But if you do try it, please report back. Thank you!
LizaFeb 10, 2024 I like your recipe very much. I used tofu instead, I seasoned and browned the tofu with very small amount of oil. Thank you.
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 12, 2024 Thanks Liza for sharing your feedback!
JudyJan 24, 2024 I made a triple batch for a staff meeting today and it was gone in a flash!! Everyone LOVED it, and I shared your recipe with a couple of team members!! I will be making this for my vegan friend when she comes to visit!! Thank you!!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 24, 2024 Hey Judy, I'm glad to hear it was such a success, and thanks for sharing our recipe with others! We appreciate it! 🙂
TrishNov 20, 2023 I am planning on making this dish for Thanksgiving dinner, would it be best to use dark or light brown sugar?
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 20, 2023 Hi Trish, this will be so delicious. Darker one would give you deeper colors but I have used both and it doesnt make too much of a difference. Enjoy
TrishNov 23, 2023 Thank you so much! I am excited to make this dish for the family. Update to come 🫶
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 23, 2023 Thank you, looking forward to hearing from you!
DariimaaOct 31, 2023 Good morning Natalya,
I loved this recipe, it was soo delicious, next time I will try to make it with rice, kids didn't like the Korean glass noodles.
Thank you for the recipe!!!Natalya DrozhzhinOct 31, 2023 Hey! I'm glad your family enjoyed the recipe. Rice will make a great substitute to the noodles. Enjoy!
Steven CzerwinskiJul 10, 2023 I like to make japchae for a quick meal after the gym. I cut up everything ahead of time. Can I make the sweet potato noodles ahead of time? Then oil them and put in the fridge?
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 11, 2023 Hi Steven, Since the noodles cook so quick, I would recommend making them fresh for the best flavor. However, you could try making them ahead of time and storing in the fridge. Let us know how it works out.
LilliMay 11, 2023 Could you freeze this?
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 11, 2023 Hi Lilli, great question.I personally dont like freezing meals with veggies because they aren't the best when you thaw them. But it holds up really well in a fridge for a while. Enjoy
Natasha EdwardsApr 21, 2023 Delicious, I used chicken instead. Not a fan of red meat. 👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 21, 2023 Hi Natasha, I am thrilled to hear that you were able to make this recipe the way you like it. Thank you for sharing your feedback with me. Enjoy!!
Irene EngelFeb 10, 2023 I substituted Shrimps fir Chicken and this dish came out delicious. Thanks.
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 11, 2023 Hi Irene, that sounds like it came out delicious!! Thank you for sharing that. Enjoy!
ChereJan 10, 2023 I made this with chicken and it was so delicious! Simple and easy, but packed a flavourful punch. Would definitely make again 🙂
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 10, 2023 Hi Chere, I am so thrilled to hear you love this recipe! Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback! Enjoy!
MimiDec 26, 2022 I have made this so many times. I love beef but have been trying to eat less meat and this is just as good with air fried tofu. I like it hot or cold. It is so yum! Thank you, def one of my faves! I will check out your other recipes!
Natalya DrozhzhinDec 26, 2022 Hi Mimi, thank you for sharing about tofu. This is such a great idea for a meatless Monday. So glad you love the recipe. Happy New Year!
MoiraNov 30, 2022 This recipe is soooo goood it’s going in my monthly rotation. Easy to make too
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 30, 2022 Hey Moira, I am with you! I love this recipe so much, its always on repeat around here as well. Happy to hear you feel the same way.
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 1, 2022 Hi there- thank you for catching that, we've updated the typo.
Ian FeatherstoneJun 30, 2022 Hi, Natalya, I came across your website when looking for how much gelatin to use to make up this recipe I want to try.
I have spent a good hour looking your website and the meals are so easy to make following your simple instructions, and they look delicious!! I love your 'asian' section, even though I live in Thailand I don't like Thai cuisine very much, they use far too many chillies!! But I love all eastern food, but not too 'chillified'!!Natalya DrozhzhinJun 30, 2022 Hi Ian- welcome! Glad you found our page, hope you enjoy all the recipes you try! 🙂
DebbieJun 19, 2022 LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!
I have been making this recipe for a few years now.
I have introduced many people to this dish which instantly becomes their new favorite meal. I even make it and deliver it for special occasions to my friends. I will be doing just that for Fathers' Day today.
Thank you for the fabulous recipe.Natalya DrozhzhinJun 20, 2022 Debbie, your comment made me smile. Thank you so much for the enthusiastic feedback. Your friends are lucky to have you, delivering homemade meals to them! Take care 🙂
NatalyaJun 10, 2022 Natalya, THANK YOU for this dish!
IT was A.M.A.Z.I.N.G.
I felt like we were eating take out food from a high end restuarant since we have never had the glass noodles before.
We like mildly flavored dishes so we can add our own toppings and sauces like sweet and sour, sriracha or soy sauce.
This is definitely a KEEPER! Thanks!!Natalya DrozhzhinJun 11, 2022 Thank you so much! I appreciate your kind words and I'm so glad you enjoyed the japchae!
AnthonyMay 31, 2022 Oh yeah!! Definite keeper!
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 31, 2022 Thanks, Anthony! Glad you enjoyed it!
LilianeMay 24, 2022 Delicious, my kids love this meal so quick and easy
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 24, 2022 Liliane, this is so great to hear. Thank you for sharing.
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 16, 2022 Thanks, Joseph. We totally agree - it's healthy comfort food. A win-win in our book. 🙂
TriaNov 12, 2021 I don’t eat added sugar. Can I leave out the sugar and still be left with and amazing recipe? Could I substitute date paste instead? Thanks
PriaMay 6, 2023 You could totally use date paste, it’s that little hint of sweetness that it calls for, whether you use monk fruit sweetener, or dates or whichever suits your diet, will work.
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 15, 2021 Hey Tria, I have never tried this recipe without sugar. If you do try it, please let me know how it came out. Thanks
CoreyJan 27, 2023 I tried this without the sugar and it was still delicious! The next time I substituted with a little honey and that was really nice as well
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 28, 2023 Hi Corey, I am delighted to hear that the recipe was a success! Thank you for your feedback! The added honey sounds so delicious!!
Melissa HaywardNov 10, 2021 This Dishes so delicious! Our family loves it! It’s so great as well for a self who is sensitive to gluten. The recipe says that this is 20 servings. I’m assuming that’s a missed type. It seems like there’s about maybe six servings or eight. I’m not quite sure how to count the calories of this dish because I assume that the calories relate to one serving and I’m not sure how to calculate this. Do you mind giving me some feedback? Thanks!
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 15, 2021 Hey Melissa, you are correct. I would say it makes 10 servings but we typically add a ton of sides so we have 20. We have updated the serving and calories are also updated. Enjoy
CatherineAug 24, 2021 Is it possible to make this dish without soy sauce? Ie can you use coconut aminos or other? Thanks!
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 24, 2021 Hi, Catherine, yes you can replace it with coconut aminos.
LillyAug 5, 2021 Love this dish and so does the kiddos
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 5, 2021 So glad to hear that, thank you for your feedback!
SalyMay 21, 2021 Is the olive oil part of the sauce mixture? I see it is in the picture but it doesn't mention anywhere to put it in while cooking.
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 21, 2021 Hey Saly, oil is used in step 3 and you can also use it to brown the meat.
DoloresApr 11, 2021 I add toasted sesame seeds, mushrooms and egg, sometimes crushed red pepper. Yummm
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 11, 2021 Sounds delicious! Glad you enjoyed it!
Kat BMar 9, 2021 Amazing!!! I made it with chicken instead and was not disappointed. Thank you for inspiring me to cook. I have been trying a lot of your recipes as a new cook and I must say I am super pleased with all of them.
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 9, 2021 Kat, I'm so glad you have enjoyed our recipes, including this one, thank you for taking the time to comment!
SanaFeb 19, 2021 I really wanna make it.. But i can't afford some of them😢
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 19, 2021 You can replace some of the ingredients. Which ingredients, in particular, do you need to replace?
Gale RomanowskiJan 28, 2021 Yummy! Added shiitake mushrooms and bokchoy! Also bean sprouts are great! Don’t forget the fried eggs!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 28, 2021 That sounds like a great combo. Thanks for the tips.
GregJan 16, 2021 Many Koreans also make a vegetarian version by adding mushrooms in place of the beef. Since so many people are vegetarian, now they can enjoy this delicious entree as well.
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 16, 2021 That is a great tip, Greg! Thank you 🙂
BurlJan 3, 2021 what is a "1/2 bn" measurement?
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 3, 2021 Hey Burl, It is a bunch. Hope you love this recipe. It's one of our favorites.
