Korean

Sesame-Slick Korean Japchae Noodles

Chewy sweet potato noodles get tossed with beef, spinach, mushrooms, onion, carrot, and bell pepper, each cooked just long enough to keep its own color and texture. A sweet-salty sesame dressing clings to the noodles instead of drowning them, so every strand stays glossy and springy.

  • Adapted from Maangchi's Easy Japchae and Korean Bapsang's Japchae
  • Primary source maangchi.com
40 mins Medium cost Serves 2
Gluten-FreeDairy-FreeHigh ProteinHigh CarbHigh VeggiesQuick WeeknightMeal Prep Friendly

At a Glance

Time
40 mins
Serves
2
Cost
Medium
Cuisine
Korean
Dietary fit
Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Instructions

  1. Boil the sweet potato noodles according to the package until they are translucent and chewy-tender, then drain, rinse briefly, and toss with 1 teaspoon sesame oil so they do not stick. Cut long noodles a few times with kitchen scissors if needed.
  2. Toss the beef with 1 tablespoon tamari, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 1 teaspoon sugar, and the garlic. Let it stand for 10 minutes while you prep the vegetables.
  3. Blanch the spinach for 20 to 30 seconds in boiling salted water, rinse under cold water, squeeze dry, and season with a pinch of salt and a few drops of sesame oil.
  4. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with the neutral oil. Cook the carrot for 1 minute, the onion and bell pepper for 2 minutes, and the mushrooms for 3 minutes, removing each as soon as it is just tender. Cook the beef last for 2 to 3 minutes until browned at the edges.
  5. Return everything to the skillet with the noodles. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons tamari, remaining 2 teaspoons sugar, remaining sesame oil, black pepper, and the spinach, then toss for 1 to 2 minutes until the noodles are evenly seasoned and glossy. Finish with sesame seeds and scallions and serve warm or at room temperature.

Adaptations

Works As Written
  • Gluten-Free: Works As Written Works as written; verify packaged ingredients as noted below.
  • Dairy-Free: Works As Written Works as written; verify packaged ingredients as noted below.
  • Vegetarian: Not Vegetarian Not adaptable; this recipe is built around meat, poultry, or seafood.

How to adapt: Sweet potato noodles are naturally gluten-free and the dish stays dairy-free as written.

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