Recipes

Japchae (Stir-Fried Starch Noodles with Beef and Vegetables)

A classic Korean dish made with sweet potato starch noodles, beef, and vegetables

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 7 ounces (200g) Korean sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon)
  • Beef and Vegetables:
    • 4 ounces (115g) lean tender beef (sirloin, chuck tender, or rib eye)
    • 3-4 ounces (85-115g) fresh shiitake mushrooms
    • 6 ounces (170g) fresh spinach
    • 1 carrot (about 3 ounces)
    • 1/2 medium onion
    • 2 scallions
  • Sauce:
    • 3.5 tablespoons soy sauce
    • 3 tablespoons sugar
    • 2 tablespoons sesame oil
    • 2 teaspoons minced garlic
    • 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
    • black pepper to taste
  • oil for stir frying
  • salt

Notes

  • You can substitute pork loin for beef
  • Other vegetables like bell peppers, garlic chives, or cucumbers can be used
  • Vegan version can be made by omitting meat and adding more vegetables or tofu

Instructions

  1. Combine all sauce ingredients in a small bowl and mix well until sugar is dissolved.

  2. Bring 5 cups water to boil in a large pan. Add noodles and cook 6-8 minutes until translucent and soft. Drain and rinse under cold water. Cut into 6-7 inch lengths.

  3. Toss noodles with 3 tablespoons of prepared sauce.

  4. Blanch spinach in boiling water until wilted, about 1 minute. Drain and shock in cold water. Squeeze out water and season lightly with salt.

  5. Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in pan over medium heat. Stir-fry noodles 4 minutes until translucent and sticky. Transfer to mixing bowl.

  6. Heat 1/2 tablespoon oil in same pan. Stir-fry carrot over medium high heat with pinch of salt. When halfway cooked, push to side and add onion slices. Cook until translucent. Add scallions and cook briefly. Transfer to bowl with noodles.

  7. Add beef and mushrooms to pan with 2 tablespoons sauce. Cook 2-3 minutes until meat is cooked through. Transfer to bowl.

  8. Add spinach and remaining sauce to bowl. Toss everything together by hand. Adjust seasoning with more soy sauce or sugar if needed.