Have you ever had Japchae, or Korean stir-fried noodles? Crinkly sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon) are paired with vibrant stir-fried vegetables and meat and finished in a sweet and savory sauce. This recipe will demonstrate how simple it is to prepare this popular Korean noodle dish at home.
If youre a Korean food lover, japchae needs no introduction. This well-known Korean noodle dish may be the ideal meal because it includes chewy glass noodles, thin slices of colorful vegetables, an omelet that has been thinly sliced, mushrooms, and meat all on one plate.
This japchae recipe is the result of my YouTube partnership with my close friend and celebrity chef Seonkyoung Longest, who is Korean-born. I’ll demonstrate all the techniques for preparing the best japchae at home.
Seasonings:
Finding the ideal ratio of soy sauce to sugar is the real key to creating the genuine flavor of this dish. Be sure to proportionately increase the sauce amount if you’re using more ingredients than the amounts specified in the recipe. This japchae recipe will give you that perfect balance.
I prepare a bowl of sauce in advance to be used throughout the cooking process to ease the process a little. If brown sugar is available, use it to add flavor and color.
What is japchae?
Japchae (잡채) literally means “mixed vegetables. However, Korean sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon, ), also known as glass noodles, are the primary component of this traditional dish. A must-have dish for traditional holidays and special occasions is japchae.
Different ingredients are used in numerous variations, including Spicy Seafood Japchae and Kongnamul Japchae.
When making traditional japchae, thin strips of beef (or pork) and various vegetables go well with the chewy, springy noodles in a slightly savory, sweet sauce. It’s also common to add an egg garnish (jidan, 지단). Sometimes, I also sprinkle with some finely chopped pine nuts.
Simply leave out the meat and increase the amount of mushrooms or other vegetables to make vegan japchae. Pan-fried tofu is also a good substitute for the meat.
Serve it as a starter, side dish, or as the main course over a bed of rice.
What Are Korean Sweet Potato Glass Noodles (Dangmyeon)?
Sweet potato starch is used to make the glass noodles known as “dangmyeon” in Korea. They do not contain wheat so they are gluten-free.
The stiff, grayish-looking noodles are frequently sold dried in a large bag. Once cooked, they become translucent and tender. Additionally, they come in long strands, so after cooking, you’ll need to cut them in half or thirds.
In most Asian and Korean grocery stores, you can find Korean sweet potato glass noodles. Amazon and other online Asian grocers also carry them too.
Learn more about dangmyeon in my pantry post.
Apart from the preparation required to get all the ingredients ready, making japchae is a relatively simple process. You can definitely prepare it in advance because the noodles reheat easily and store well in the refrigerator for a day or two.
*Japanese soy sauce can be substituted, but Korean soy sauce is preferred.
FAQ
Are japchae noodles healthy?
Korean dangmyeon noodles are made from sweet potato starch and are naturally fat-free and low in calories. Are japchae noodles healthy? So in my opinion, yes, they are.
Are japchae sweet potato noodles healthy?
Korean dangmyeon noodles, which are made from sweet potato starch, are naturally low in calories and fat, making them a healthy option for noodle lovers.
Is Korean glass noodles healthy?
Korean glass noodles are a great source of complex carbohydrates and can provide your body with quick energy. Glass noodles are a good choice for those trying to control their blood sugar with low-glycemic carbohydrates because they have a glycemic index score of 45.
What are Korean glass noodles made of?
Vegetable starch is used to make glass noodles, most commonly mung beans, but also occasionally sweet potatoes or peas. While glass noodles are semi-translucent when dry, they are truly glass-like and translucent when they are just cooked.