Japchae Recipe (Korean Glass Noodles Stir Fry) | Easy Sweet Potato Noodles with Vegetables & Meat
Many people, like me, love Korean dishes, and Korean recipes are gaining popularity worldwide. Today, I’m sharing with you a delicious yet healthy Korean dinner recipe called Japchae (잡채) – a flavorful stir fry made with sweet potato starch noodles (Korean glass noodles), colorful vegetables, and savory marinated beef. This dish is one of Korea’s most loved recipes, often served during holidays, family gatherings, and celebrations, but also perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or meal prep lunch box.
What makes this Japchae recipe so special? The glass noodles (dangmyeon) are naturally gluten-free, chewy, and light, absorbing all the flavors of sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, and vegetables. Unlike heavy pasta dishes, this is a low-fat, nutrient-rich stir fry that can easily be adapted into a vegetarian Japchae or vegan Japchae by swapping meat for tofu or extra mushrooms.
For those who just love easy Asian noodle recipes as a healthy dinner idea, try this authentic Korean cuisine recipe. I promise it will win your heart. Also, it’s budget-friendly, meal-prep ready, and customizable to suit any diet. So, grab your chopsticks – let’s dive into this authentic Japchae recipe and bring a taste of Korea to your kitchen tonight!
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🥢 Japchae Recipe – Sweet Potato Starch Glass Noodles Stir-Fried with Vegetables & Meat
Japchae (잡채) is a classic Korean noodle stir-fry made with sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon/glass noodles), colorful vegetables, and savory marinated meat. Known for its chewy texture, umami-packed soy sauce seasoning, and slight sweetness, this dish is one of Korea’s most beloved recipes. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or party side dishes, this Japchae recipe brings authentic flavors of Korea right to your kitchen.
Ingredients
For the Noodles & Meat:
- 200g Sweet Potato Glass Noodles (Dangmyeon) – (Korean glass noodles)
- 200g Beef sirloin or ribeye (thinly sliced; can substitute chicken or pork)
- 1 tbsp Soy sauce (low-sodium for healthier version)
- 1 tsp Sesame oil
- ½ tsp Garlic, minced
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium Carrot, julienned
- 1 medium Onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium Red bell pepper, sliced
- 2 cups Spinach (blanched & squeezed dry)
- 5–6 Shiitake mushrooms (fresh or dried, sliced thin)
- 2–3 stalks Green onions, chopped
For the Sauce:
- 3 tbsp Soy sauce
- 2 tbsp Sesame oil
- 1 tbsp Brown sugar or honey
- 1 tsp Garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp Sesame seeds
- Pinch of black pepper
Instructions
Cook the Glass Noodles:
- Boil water and cook sweet potato noodles for 6–7 minutes until chewy.
- Drain, rinse under cold water, and cut into manageable lengths.
Marinate the Meat:
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, garlic, and sesame oil. Add sliced beef and let it marinate for 10 minutes.
Prepare Vegetables:
- Heat oil in a wok/skillet. Stir-fry onion, carrot, bell pepper, and mushrooms until slightly tender. Remove and set aside.
- Quickly sauté spinach until wilted, then squeeze excess water.
Cook the Beef:
- In the same pan, stir-fry the marinated beef until browned.
Combine Everything:
- Return all vegetables, beef, and noodles to the wok.
- Add prepared sauce mixture and toss well until noodles absorb flavor.
Finish & Serve:
- Sprinkle sesame seeds and extra sesame oil for aroma.
- Serve warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- For Authentic Flavor: Use Korean soy sauce (Ganjang) and sesame oil for a traditional taste.
- Vegan Japchae Recipe: Replace meat with tofu or add more mushrooms.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Japchae tastes great even the next day—just reheat lightly.
- Healthy Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce and less sugar for a lighter dish.
- Party Dish Idea: Serve Japchae as a Korean side dish (banchan) or as a main dish with kimchi.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Japchae warm as a Korean main dish or chilled as a side dish.
- Pair with Kimchi, Korean BBQ, or Bibimbap for a complete Korean meal.
- Garnish with extra sesame seeds, sliced chili, or fried egg strips for extra flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
4Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 551Total Fat: 22gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 13gCholesterol: 63mgSodium: 1048mgCarbohydrates: 62gFiber: 15gSugar: 22gProtein: 34g
Related: Chicken Kathi Roll Recipe
🥢 What is Japchae?
Have you ever seen a Korean noodle recipe or wondered what those chewy, shiny noodles are at a Korean party – that’s Japchae (잡채). Japchae is a traditional Korean starch noodle dish made with sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon), also known as Korean glass noodles. These unique noodles are naturally gluten-free, slightly translucent, and have a delicious chewy flavor that makes them quite different from regular pasta or wheat noodles.
The word Japchae literally means “mixed vegetables” in Korean, because the dish was originally made with assorted seasonal vegetables, soy sauce, and sesame oil. Over time, beef, chicken, or pork were added, turning it into one of the most beloved dishes in Korean cuisine. Today, you’ll find Japchae at almost every Korean holiday celebration, wedding, or party — it’s considered a special-occasion food but is also enjoyed as an everyday healthy dinner.
What makes the Japchae recipe so popular is its balance of flavors: slightly sweet from sugar or honey, savory from soy sauce, nutty from sesame oil, and full of umami from mushrooms and meat. Also, you can enjoy Japchae either hot, at room temperature, or even chilled — making it a versatile dish for meal prep, family dinners, or Korean side dishes (banchan).
Related: Instant Pot Pulled Chicken Recipe
About This Japchae Recipe
This Japchae recipe isn’t just a meal—it’s a flavor-packed experience that combines colorful vegetables and tender meat with chewy sweet potato starch noodles, creating the ultimate Korean stir-fry recipe you’ll want again and again.
- Authentic Korean Flavor: Just like you’d enjoy at a Korean celebration or BBQ—rich, savory, and slightly sweet.
- Healthy Dinner Idea: Naturally gluten-free, lower in fat, and customizable for vegan, vegetarian, or high-protein diets.
- Versatile & Customizable: Make it with beef, chicken, pork, tofu, or go full veggie for an easy Asian noodles recipe.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Perfect for healthy lunch boxes or quick dinners—it tastes even better the next day.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a weeknight dinner, holiday party, or potluck, Japchae noodles impress every time.
- Global Favorite: Loved worldwide, Japchae is one of the most searched Korean food recipes—and now you can make it at home.
If you want to learn more about Korea while reading this recipe, you can visit the official website of the Korean Tourism Organization.
Related: Veggie Stir-Fry Recipes
Japchae Ingredients — What You Need for Authentic Korean Glass Noodles
Below is a clear, shopper-ready ingredient list for the Japchae recipe — a classic Korean stir-fry made with chewy sweet potato starch noodles (also known as dangmyeon / glass noodles). I’ll tell you exactly what to buy, smart alternatives, and quick tips so you don’t overpay for your groceries.
Core Ingredients (must-haves)
- 200g Sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon / Korean glass noodles) — chewy, gluten-free
- 200g thinly sliced beef sirloin (or chicken / pork / tofu for alternatives)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce (use Korean ganjang if possible)
- 2 tbsp sesame oil (toasted)
- 1 tbsp brown sugar or honey (balances umami & sweetness)
- 2–3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups spinach, blanched and squeezed
- 4–6 fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced (or cremini)
- 2–3 stalks green onions, sliced
- 1–2 tbsp sesame seeds for garnish
Optional & High-impact Add-ins
- Red bell pepper (for color + crunch)
- Thin egg omelette strips (traditional garnish)
- Tofu cubes — great vegan protein
- Gochujang or Korean chili flakes — for spicy japchae
- Low-sodium soy sauce or coconut aminos — for low-sodium diets
Shopping & Substitution Tips — Make the Decision Quickly
Not sure which noodle to buy? Choose dangmyeon (sweet potato starch noodles) for the authentic chewy texture. If you’re gluten-sensitive, these are naturally gluten-free. No dangmyeon nearby? Use glass noodles labeled “sweet potato” — avoid rice vermicelli (different texture).
- Vegan option: swap beef with extra shiitake + firm tofu; boost umami with a splash of mushroom soy sauce.
- Low-carb tweak: add more veggies and reduce noodles for a veggie-forward bowl.
- Meal-prep tip: undercook noodles slightly — they finish absorbing sauce when reheated.
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Step-by-Step Instructions — How to Make Japchae (Korean Glass Noodles)
Follow this easy Japchae recipe step-by-step to make authentic Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon / sweet potato starch noodles) stirred with vegetables and savory meat.
Cook the Sweet Potato Glass Noodles (Dangmyeon)
Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil. Add 200g sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon) and cook for 6–8 minutes until the noodles are tender but still chewy. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
✅ Pro tip: Drain and rinse the noodles under cold water immediately to stop cooking and preserve chewiness. Cut long noodles into easier-to-eat lengths (12–18 inches) with kitchen scissors.
Marinate the Meat (Beef / Chicken / Pork)
Thinly slice 200g beef (sirloin or ribeye). In a bowl combine 1 tbsp soy sauce, 1 tsp sesame oil, ½ tsp minced garlic and a pinch of black pepper. Toss the meat in the marinade and let sit for 10–15 minutes. This builds savory umami that infuses your Korean noodles.
🥩 Want it vegetarian? Replace meat with firm tofu or more shiitake mushrooms — the flavor still shines.
Stir-Fry the Vegetables Separately for Best Texture
Heat a tablespoon of neutral oil in a wide skillet or wok. Stir-fry vegetables in batches so each keeps its color and bite: julienned carrot (1), thinly sliced onion (1), sliced red bell pepper (1), and sliced shiitake mushrooms (5–6). Cook each for 1–2 minutes until slightly tender but not mushy.
Blanch and Season Spinach
Quickly blanch 2 cups of spinach for 15–20 seconds, drain and squeeze out excess water. Season with a pinch of salt, a dash of sesame oil and a little sesame seed. This bright green addition locks in nutrients and gives authentic color to your glass noodles stir fry.
Cook the Marinated Meat
In the same skillet, add a little oil and stir-fry the marinated meat over high heat until browned and just cooked through — about 2–3 minutes. Remove and set aside. Browning adds caramelized flavor that makes this an irresistible authentic japchae.
Prepare the Japchae Sauce (Sweet + Savory)
Whisk together the sauce: 3 tbsp soy sauce, 2 tbsp sesame oil, 1 tbsp brown sugar (or honey), 1 tsp minced garlic and a pinch of black pepper. This balance of salty-sweet is the backbone of classic Japchae flavor.
Combine Noodles, Vegetables & Sauce — Toss to Finish
Add drained noodles to the skillet, return vegetables and meat to the pan, pour the sauce over everything and toss vigorously for 1–2 minutes until the noodles absorb the sauce evenly. Finish with a drizzle of sesame oil and sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds.
🔥 Special Tip: Taste and adjust — add a little more soy for saltiness or a pinch of sugar if you prefer sweeter Japchae. Don’t over-sauce; the noodles should be glossy, not drowned.
Serve Hot or at Room Temperature
Transfer Japchae to a serving plate. Garnish with more sesame seeds, sliced green onions or thin egg crepes for a festive touch. Japchae is delicious hot, warm or at room temperature — perfect for meal prep or parties.
- ✅ Noodles cooked al dente (chewy), rinsed and cut.
- ✅ Veggies stir-fried separately to keep texture & color.
- ✅ Sauce balanced (3 tbsp soy : 2 tbsp sesame oil : 1 tbsp sugar).
- ✅ Toss everything quickly so noodles absorb sauce — glossy, not soggy.
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Variations of Japchae Recipe — Easy, Vegan, Spicy & Low-Sodium Options
Japcha (Korean glass noodles) are highly adaptable – you’ll find variations to suit your tastes, such as a vegan japcha recipe, high-protein chicken japcha, or spicy gochujang japcha.
Vegan Japchae — Plant-Based & Flavorful
This vegan japchae swaps beef for hearty mushrooms and tofu.
- Protein swap: Firm tofu (pan-fried) or tempeh.
- Umami boost: Use shiitake mushrooms + a splash of mushroom soy sauce or tamari.
- Sauce tweak: Maple syrup or brown sugar + rice vinegar for balance.
Chicken Japchae — High Protein Dinner Idea
Here you can use sliced chicken breast or Thai instead of beef, which is a great option for a high protein dinner.
- Marinade: Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic — marinate 10–20 minutes.
- Cook tip: Use high heat to sear chicken quickly so noodles stay chewy.
- Meal prep: Layer chicken on top when packing to keep moisture separate.
Spicy Japchae — Gochujang Kick
This recipe is for those looking for a slightly spicier version of Korean noodles. Add gochujang or gochu-garu (Korean chili flakes) for heat without losing the classic japchae flavor.
- How much: Start with 1 tsp of gochujang, adjust to taste.
- Balance: Add a bit more sugar/honey to counteract the heat.
- Serving: Top with sliced chilies and toasted sesame seeds.
Seafood Japchae Recipe— Shrimp or Scallop Option
You can make a seafood version of this japchae recipe. Use prawns or scallops with a squeeze of lemon.
- Cooking: Sear seafood separately to avoid overcooking.
- Pairing: Serve with a side of kimchi or a light sesame salad.
Veg-Heavy Japchae — Loaded with Color & Fiber
Load up on bell peppers, zucchini ribbons, shredded cabbage, and spinach.
- Texture tip: Keep vegetables slightly crisp for contrast with chewy glass noodles.
- Nutrition: High fiber, lower calories.
Low-Sodium Japchae Recipe
Use low-sodium soy sauce and reduce sweeteners.
- Substitutions: Low-sodium tamari, coconut aminos, or diluted soy sauce.
- Flavor hack: Add grated pear or apple for natural sweetness instead of sugar.
Which Japchae recipe variation should you make?
- Short on time: Chicken or shrimp japchae — cooks fast and is meal-prep friendly.
- Feeding a crowd: Veg-heavy or beef japchae scales well and is crowd-pleasing.
- Want healthy & gluten-free: Vegan japchae with tamari and extra greens.
Related: Beef Dinner Recipes
Serving Suggestions — How to Serve Japchae Recipe (Korean Glass Noodles) Like a Pro
Best Pairings — what to serve with Japchae
- Classic Korean combo: Kimchi + Korean BBQ (Bulgogi or Galbi) — ideal for a celebratory spread.
- Quick weeknight: Pan-fried tofu or grilled chicken breast — a high-protein Korean recipe option.
- Comfort & balance: Bibimbap bowls — use Japchae as a side or topping for textural contrast.
- Light lunch: Cold Japchae salad with sesame dressing — great for meal prep and office lunches.
- Party & potluck: Small appetizer cups: spoon Japchae into lettuce cups or mini bowls for bite-sized servings.
Portioning & plating tips
- Portion: ¾–1 cup per person as a side, 1.5–2 cups as a main.
- Plating: Twirl noodles into nests for a restaurant look; top with thin egg strips and toasted sesame seeds for color contrast.
- Garnish: Julienned red pepper, scallions, toasted sesame seeds, and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Dietary & variation cues (decision-driving)
Want gluten-free noodles? Sweet potato starch glass noodles are naturally gluten-free.
For vegan japchae, swap beef for marinated tofu or extra shiitake mushrooms.
Reheating & meal-prep advice
- Fridge: Keeps 3–4 days in an airtight container — ideal for meal prep keywords.
- Reheat: Toss in a hot pan for 1–2 minutes with a splash of water or low-sodium soy sauce; microwave 60–90s and stir halfway.
- Freeze: Not recommended for best texture (glass noodles soften). Instead store portions for weekly meal-prep rotation.
Beverage & wine pairing
Light Soju, chilled Riesling, or a crisp lager pairs well.
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FAQs — Japchae Recipe (Korean Glass Noodles)
What is Japchae and what are Korean glass noodles (dangmyeon)?
Are Japchae glass noodles gluten free and healthy?
How do I stop japchae noodles from getting soggy?
Can I make Japchae vegan or vegetarian?
Can Japchae be made ahead and how do I store it?
Which protein works best in Japchae — beef, chicken, pork, or tofu?
What can I use if I can’t find sweet potato glass noodles?
How do I balance sweet and savory in the Japchae sauce?
How many calories are in a typical serving of Japchae?
Best plating & serving ideas — side dish or main course?
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