Japchae is a traditional Korean noodle dish made from glass noodles (Dangmyeon), which are produced from sweet potato starch. These noodles have a unique, slightly chewy consistency and absorb flavors particularly well. Japchae is typically prepared with a variety of colorful sliced vegetables such as carrots, spinach, onions, and mushrooms, often with marinated beef. The dish is seasoned with an aromatic mixture of soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, sugar, and sometimes black pepper. Japchae is versatile: it can be served warm or at room temperature, making it excellent as a main course, side dish, or even a party and festive meal, especially during Korean holidays like Chuseok or New Year. Although it looks simple, preparing Japchae requires some care—each ingredient is cooked separately to preserve its taste and texture before being combined.

Serves

For 3 Persons Preparation Time ca. 30 Minuten

Ingredients

• 200g sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon)
• 150g beef (thinly sliced, optional)
• 1 medium carrot (julienned)
• 1/2 onion (sliced)
• 1 cup spinach (blanched)
• 100g mushrooms (shiitake or oyster, sliced)
• 1 egg (optional, for garnish)
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Ingredients

• Cook the glass noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse in cold water, drain well, and set aside.
• If using beef, marinate it with a little soy sauce, sesame oil, minced garlic, sugar, salt, and pepper. Set aside for 10–15 minutes.
• Blanch the spinach in boiling water for about 30 seconds. Rinse in cold water, squeeze out excess water, and cut into bite-size pieces.
• Individually stir-fry the vegetables (carrots, onions, mushrooms) in a bit of oil with a pinch of salt until tender. Set each aside.
• Stir-fry the marinated beef until cooked through. Set aside.
• In a large pan or wok, add a bit of sesame oil and combine all cooked ingredients with the noodles.
• Season with soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, and minced garlic. Toss everything together over low-medium heat until well mixed and heated through.
• Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
• Optional: Cook a thin egg omelet, slice it into strips, and use it as garnish.
• Top with toasted sesame seeds before serving. Serve warm or at room temperature.