Description
Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodle Stir-Fry, or Japchae, is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines chewy glass noodles with a colorful medley of stir-fried vegetables tossed in a savory and slightly sweet soy-based sauce. This dish showcases classic Korean flavors and makes a perfect main or side dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Noodles
- 4 oz sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 medium onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 cup spinach leaves
- 4 shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 3 green onions, chopped
Sauce & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the sweet potato glass noodles and cook according to package instructions, about 6-7 minutes, until soft yet still chewy. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. Set aside.
- Heat Oil and Garlic: In a large pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir-Fry Vegetables: Add sliced onions, julienned carrot, and red bell pepper to the pan. Stir-fry for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften.
- Add Mushrooms: Incorporate the sliced shiitake mushrooms and cook for an additional 2 minutes until tender.
- Wilt Greens: Toss in the spinach leaves and chopped green onions, stirring just until the spinach wilts.
- Make Sauce and Mix: In a small bowl, combine soy sauce, sesame oil, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Pour this sauce over the vegetables in the pan and stir well to coat evenly.
- Add Noodles: Add the cooked noodles to the pan. Toss everything together carefully but thoroughly, allowing the noodles to absorb the sauce and blend with the vegetables.
- Season and Garnish: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Remove the pan from heat and sprinkle toasted sesame seeds on top.
- Serve: Serve the Japchae warm, optionally garnished with extra green onions or sesame seeds.
Notes
- You can add thinly sliced beef or tofu for additional protein.
- For a spicier kick, incorporate a teaspoon of gochujang (Korean red pepper paste) into the sauce mix.
- Do not overcook the noodles; they should retain a slight chewiness for the best texture and authenticity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish / Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
