Japchae: Korean Stir Fried Noodles + Recipe Video (2024)

February 8, 2017 by hipfoodiemom 18 Comments

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Japchae: Korean Stir Fried Noodles! Here is a faster spin on one of my favorite Korean dishes. My method is a little different but you still end up with some delicious Japchae! I hope you give this recipe a try!

The month of January has been a blur. I can’t believe it has already come and gone. We’ve been so busy and now, we’re heading into Girl Scout cookie sales, Valentine’s Day and Spring Break.

The weather here is getting warmer but it’s still cold. When it’s cold, I just want to curl up on the couch and eat. But I can’t do that. That wouldn’t be productive and I wouldn’t get any work done. So, I’ve been cooking. A lot. I’ve been craving, cooking and eatinga lot of comfort food.

For me, comfort food is like mac and cheese and soups and foods that remind me of my childhood. My childhood was filled with all sorts of delicious Korean food and Japchae was one of my favorites.

Japchae Recipe Video

Watch this quick recipe video to learn how easy it is to make Japchae!

Best Korean Bulgogi Meat Marinade

For the bulgogi marinade recipe, click here. If you don’t have the time to make the marinade, just marinate your beef in some soy sauce and sesame oil.

I always like to marinate the meat overnight, but if that’s not possible, marinate for at least one hour. Marinating the meat just makes it taste so much better.

Other Korean Noodle Dishes to Make:

If you enjoy the Japchae recipe, you should make these other Korean dinner recipes too!

Jajangmyeon: Korean Noodles with Black Bean Sauce
Soba Noodles with Extra Crispy Tofu

Print Recipe

4.50 from 2 votes

Japchae: Korean Stir Fried Noodles

Japchae: Korean Stir Fried Noodles! Here is a faster spin on one of my favorite Korean dishes. Traditionally, you should cook all of the vegetables separately (and you blanch the spinach); but again, this is my solution to getting dinner on the table faster on a weeknight. I hope you give this recipe a try! To watch me make Japchae the more traditional way,click hereto seemy IGTV.

PREP TIME: Includes the time to marinate the bulgogi. If wanting to keep this dish vegetarian or meatless, it will only take about 25 to 30 minutes to cook.

Prep Time1 hour hr

Cook Time40 minutes mins

Total Time1 hour hr 40 minutes mins

Ingredients

8 oz. mung bean or sweet potato noodles might be called cellophane or glass noodles or Chinese vermicelli; can be found at any Asian/Korean grocery store
4 tablespoons sesame oil divided + more if needed
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1 onion peeled and sliced into thin strips
2 to 3 cloves garlic finely chopped or minced
6 oz. marinated beef or Korean bulgogi *
3 medium carrots julienned
1/2 yellow bell pepper sliced into thin strips
1/2 orange bell pepper sliced into thin strips
1/2 red bell pepper sliced into thin strips
1/2 pound spinach
4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce plus a little more, if needed
1 teaspoon fish sauce
1 teaspoon sugar
3 green onions finely diced
toasted sesame seeds

Instructions

Cook the sweet potato noodles in boiling water for about 3 to 4 minutes. Drain and place into a bowl and set aside. Lightly drizzle a tablespoon of sesame oil over the noodles so they do not stick.
Using a large pan or wok, heat the vegetable oil over medium high heat. Add the onion slices and garlic and sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes. Add the bulgogi and cook until browned and cooked through.
Add the carrots and bell peppers and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes or, until the vegetables are beginning to soften. Add in the spinach and toss with the vegetables until slightly wilted and softened.
Turn the heat off and remove the pan or wok from the heat. Add the cooked noodles, 2 tablespoons sesame oil, soy sauce, fish sauce and sugar. Toss to combine.
Taste and adjust/add seasonings if needed. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

Rotisserie chicken, strips of egg, or fried tofu pieces are also great protein additions in this in place of the bulgogi. PREP time includes time to marinate the beef.
For the bulgogi marinade recipe, click here.

To watch me make Japchae the more traditional way, click here to see my IGTV.