Go Back
Japchae
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

How to Cook Japchae (Korean Stir-Fried Noodles)

Japchae is one of the Korean dishes that most Pinoys have adapted and became a favorite next to bibimbap. Actually japchae is very similar to pancit sotanghon guisado where instead of using bihon in cooking pancit, sotanghon is used.
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Course: Noodles recipe
Cuisine: Korean
Keyword: japchae, korean noodles, stir fried noodles
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 167kcal
Author: Manny

Ingredients

  • 400 grams sweet potato vermicelli noodles dangmyeon
  • 1/4 kilo beef sirloin slice thinly
  • 340 grams spinach
  • 1 pc beaten egg
  • 1 pc carrot peeled and sliced into strips
  • 1 pc white onion sliced
  • 1/2 pc red bell pepper slice into strips
  • 6 pcs dried shiitake mushrooms
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup soy sauce
  • 2 Tbsp sesame oil
  • roasted sesame seeds optional
  • 1 tsp red hot chili pepper optional
  • ground black pepper
  • salt to taste
  • sugar to taste

Instructions

How to cook Japchae:

  • Soak the dried mushrooms in 1/4 cup hot water until soft. Strain then slice into strips. Reserve the liquid for later use.
  • Cook the noodles according to package instruction then drain. Toss the noodles with sesame oil so it won't stick together. Then set it aside.
  • In a pan or wok, heat a teaspoon of cooking oil and fry the beaten egg until set. Fold into half then slice into thin strips. Set aside.
  • Coat the beef slices with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  • Blanch the spinach, and then rinse it with cold water, drain and set aside.
  • In a medium size wok, heat some oil in high heat then stir fry the beef strips for about 3 minutes. Set aside.
  • In the same wok, saute garlic until fragrant, add mushrooms and continue to stir for half a minute.
  • Then add the carrots and onions, stir fry for a minute or until the onions are tender.
  • Add the cooked noodles, spinach, bell pepper, beef slices, soy sauce, chili pepper, salt, sugar and ground black pepper.
  • Stir until the ingredients are evenly mixed then turn off the heat. Toss with strips of omelet and roasted sesame seed.

Notes

Cooking Tips for Perfect Japchae:

  1. Properly Cook and Drain the Noodles: To ensure that your Japchae noodles have the perfect texture, it's important to cook them according to the package instructions. Overcooking the noodles can result in a mushy texture, while undercooking them will make them too firm. Once cooked, drain the noodles thoroughly and toss them with sesame oil to prevent them from sticking together. This step is crucial for achieving the desired consistency and taste of Japchae.
  2. Use High Heat for Stir-Frying: When stir-frying the ingredients for Japchae, it's essential to use high heat. High heat allows for quick and even cooking, preserving the flavors and textures of the ingredients. It helps to maintain the vibrant colors of the vegetables while giving the beef a delicious sear. Stir-fry each ingredient separately, starting with the beef, to ensure that they are cooked properly and retain their individual flavors.