Japchae: Korean Glass Noodles with Vegetables

Japchae: Korean Glass Noodles with Vegetables

Japchae is a festive Korean dish of glass noodles (dangmyeon) with stir-fried vegetables and beef in soy sauce and sesame oil. At Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) every family makes it.

History of the dish

Japchae appeared in the Joseon era (around the 17th century) as a royal banquet dish. Originally it contained only vegetables without noodles. The glass noodles made from sweet potato starch were added later and became the main element.

Key ingredients

Dangmyeon noodles (sweet potato starch), beef (or omit for vegan), spinach, carrot, onion, shiitake mushrooms, bell pepper, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, sesame seeds.

How to cook at home

Cook each vegetable and the meat separately over high heat — this preserves texture. Do not overcook the noodles: 6–7 minutes in boiling water, then into cold water. Mix everything while warm and dress with soy sauce and sesame oil.