A rainbow of colors in a bowl, Korean Japchae is a feast for both the eyes and the taste buds! It’s packed with tender strips of marinated beef and a medley of stir-fried veggies, all mixed with sweet potato noodles—aka glass noodles—in the most amazing sauce.
3green onions, white and green partsthinly sliced, divided
2cupsbaby spinach
Toasted sesame seedsoptional
Instructions
Whisk together 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce, 1 tablespoon of the brown sugar, 2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 teaspoon of the sesame oil, ½ teaspoon of the garlic, and ½ teaspoon black pepper in a large bowl. Add beef and toss until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 3 hours.
2 teaspoons rice vinegar, 1 pound boneless beef short ribs
Whisk together the remaining 1⁄3 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 3 teaspoons sesame oil, 1 teaspoon garlic, ½ teaspoon gochujang (if using), ½ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon salt in a medium bowl.
½ teaspoon gochujang or sriracha
Cook glass noodles according to package directions. Drain in a colander and transfer to a clean, large bowl. Add half of the sauce and toss to coat.
8 ounces glass noodles
Whisk the eggs with ¼ teaspoon salt in a small bowl until combined. Heat 1 tablespoon of the avocado oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add whisked eggs and swirl the skillet around until the eggs cover the entire bottom. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes, or until the eggs are cooked through. You should have one giant circle of unseparated, cooked eggs.
2 large eggs
Use two spatulas to transfer the eggs to a cutting board, being careful to keep it in one piece. Cut the egg circle in half, rotate the pieces 90 degrees and then cut into ½-inch wide strips. Add to the large bowl with the glass noodles.
Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large wok or skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrots and cook for 3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add bell peppers and onion and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, or until softened. Transfer vegetables to the bowl of glass noodles.
2 medium carrots, 1 red bell pepper, 1 small white onion
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon avocado oil to the wok. Once heated, add the mushrooms. Cook for 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the white parts of the green onions and the spinach. Cook for 1 minute, or until the spinach begins to wilt. Transfer vegetables to the bowl of glass noodles. Add the remaining soy sauce mixture and toss until well combined.
1 cup sliced button mushrooms, 2 cups baby spinach
Return the wok to the heat. Once hot, add the marinated beef, taking care to shake off any excess marinade. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the fat has rendered off, and the beef is cooked through with a crusty sear. Transfer the beef to the bowl of glass noodles. Serve with the green parts of the green onions and toasted sesame seeds, if desired.
Toasted sesame seeds
Video
Notes
Marinade Timing:The longer you let the beef marinate, the more flavorful it will be! Aim for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, letting it sit for up to 3 hours will deepen the taste.
Beef:Boneless beef short ribs are the best choice for tender, juicy bites. Other cuts like flank steak or sirloin can work but may not be as tender.
Glass Noodles:Look for sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon) for that signature chewy, slightly bouncy texture. Other noodles won’t give you the same results.
Veggies:Stir-fry each vegetable in stages—harder veggies like carrots go in first, followed by softer ones like bell peppers, onions, and spinach. This keeps everything crisp-tender instead of mushy.