Japchae (Stir-fried Glass Noodles)

Japchae: Korea’s Favorite Festive Dish

Japchae is a colorful stir-fry of glass noodles and vegetables. Historically, it was a royal dish served to the King. Today, it is the #1 dish served on special occasions like birthdays, weddings, and holidays (Seollal, Chuseok). The name means "Mixed Vegetables."

What are Glass Noodles?

The main ingredient is Dangmyeon, noodles made from sweet potato starch. Unlike wheat pasta, these noodles are gluten-free and have a distinctive chewy, springy texture. They absorb the soy sauce seasoning beautifully.

The Secret to Perfect Japchae

Many beginners make the mistake of boiling everything together. Don't do that! To keep the colors vibrant and textures distinct (crispy carrots, soft spinach, chewy mushrooms), you must stir-fry each ingredient separately and mix them at the end. It takes more effort, but the result is "Expert Level" Japchae.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Boil the Noodles: Cook the glass noodles in boiling water for about 6-7 minutes. Rinse them in cold water to stop the cooking and maintain chewiness. Drain well.
2. Prep Vegetables: Slice beef (ribeye), onions, carrots, and mushrooms into thin strips. Blanch the spinach.
3. Stir-fry Separately: In a pan with a little oil and salt, stir-fry the light-colored vegetables first (onions -> carrots -> mushrooms -> beef). This prevents colors from bleeding.
4. Make the Sauce: Mix soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, and plenty of sesame oil.
5. Mix: In a large mixing bowl, combine the noodles, stir-fried ingredients, and sauce. Toss gently with your hands (use plastic gloves).
6. Garnish: Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and egg garnish (optional).

Storage Tip

Japchae is delicious warm or at room temperature. If you have leftovers, store them in the fridge. To reheat, simply stir-fry them in a pan for a few minutes to bring back the chewy texture.