If you’re looking for a dish that’s as colorful as it is delicious, Easy Japchae is here to satisfy your cravings. This classic Korean stir-fry combines chewy glass noodles, vibrant vegetables, and a sweet-savory sauce that will have your taste buds dancing. Whether it’s for a weekday meal or a special occasion, japchae is a dish you can whip up quickly without compromising on flavor.
What is Japchae?
Japchae is a traditional Korean noodle dish made with sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon) tossed with stir-fried vegetables, a protein of choice, and a sweet-savory sauce. Known for its silky texture and balanced flavors, japchae is a staple in Korean cuisine, often served at parties, holidays, or as a side dish in everyday meals.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Japchae Recipe
- Quick and Customizable: Perfect for busy weeknights, you can adjust the vegetables and protein to suit your preferences or whatever’s in your fridge.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with veggies and light on oil, japchae is a wholesome meal.
- Bursting with Flavor: The combination of sesame oil, soy sauce, and brown sugar gives these noodles their signature taste.
Ingredients for Easy Japchae
For the Noodles and Vegetables:
- 8 oz Korean glass noodles – Sweet potato starch noodles for that iconic chewy texture.
- 2 large eggs – Whites and yolks cooked separately for a colorful garnish.
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil – For stir-frying the vegetables.
- 6 large shiitake mushrooms – Sliced ⅓ inch thick for an earthy depth.
- ⅓ large yellow onion – Adds sweetness when sautéed.
- ½ large red bell pepper – Julienne cut for a pop of color.
- ½ large yellow bell pepper – Complements the red pepper visually and flavor-wise.
- ½ large carrot – Thinly julienned for crunch and sweetness.
- 3 cups baby spinach – Tossed until just wilted.
- 3 cloves garlic – Minced for aromatic undertones.
- 2 stalks scallions – Chopped for garnish.
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds – Adds nutty flavor and visual appeal.
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce – The base of the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar – Provides sweetness to balance the soy sauce.
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce – Adds richness and color.
- 1½ tablespoons sesame oil – Infuses a nutty aroma and taste.
How to Make Easy Japchae
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauces, brown sugar, and sesame oil until the sugar dissolves. Set this aside for later.
Step 2: Cook the Glass Noodles
- Follow the package instructions to cook the sweet potato starch noodles. Avoid overcooking to prevent sogginess.
- Drain and transfer the hot noodles to a large bowl. Toss with the prepared sauce and let the flavors absorb.
Step 3: Cook the Eggs
- Separate the whites and yolks. Cook each in a flat pan until set.
- Slice the cooked eggs into thin strips for garnish.
Step 4: Stir-Fry the Vegetables
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the mushrooms and onions for 2 minutes.
- Add the red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, and garlic. Stir-fry for another 1–2 minutes, keeping the vegetables slightly crunchy.
- Toss in the spinach and cook until just wilted. Add a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors. Remove from heat.
Step 5: Combine and Serve
- Add the cooked vegetables and egg strips to the bowl of seasoned noodles. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients.
- Garnish with scallions and sesame seeds before serving.
Pro Tips for the Perfect Japchae
- Prep Ahead: Chop your vegetables and mix the sauce beforehand to save time.
- Don’t Overcook: Keep the vegetables slightly crunchy for the best texture.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste as you go and tweak the sauce to suit your preference.
- Chill for Flavor: Japchae can be enjoyed warm or cold. Letting it sit for a while helps the flavors meld together.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 10 g |
| Carbohydrates | 50 g |
| Fat | 8 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
FAQs About Japchae
1. Can I make japchae ahead of time?
Yes, japchae tastes even better the next day as the flavors develop. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
2. Can I add protein to this dish?
Absolutely! Thinly sliced beef, chicken, or tofu are great additions to japchae.
3. Is japchae gluten-free?
The noodles are naturally gluten-free, but ensure you use gluten-free soy sauce for the sauce.
4. What other vegetables can I use?
Feel free to use zucchini, snap peas, or napa cabbage based on availability.
5. Can I use a different type of noodle?
While sweet potato starch noodles are traditional, you can substitute with rice noodles or vermicelli in a pinch.
6. How do I store leftovers?
Refrigerate in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a pan or microwave before serving.
Conclusion
Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a quick weeknight dinner, Easy Japchae is a versatile and satisfying choice. Its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and chewy noodles make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Try this recipe and bring the magic of Korean cuisine to your table today!
Vegetarian Japchae Korean Glass Noodles
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe
const share_pin_buttons = document.getElementsByClassName( ‘share-pin button’ );
if ( share_pin_buttons ) {
for ( let share_key = 0; share_key {
e.stopPropagation();
window.open(e.target.dataset.href,’targetWindow’,’toolbar=no,location=no,status=no,menubar=no,scrollbars=yes,resizable=yes,width=500,height=500′);
return false;
} );
}
}
Description
Delight in the sweet and savory flavors of Easy Japchae, Korea’s beloved glass noodle stir-fry. Featuring chewy sweet potato noodles, vibrant vegetables, and a sesame-infused sauce, this dish is as delicious as it is beautiful. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing side dish at your next gathering!
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Vegetables:
- 8 oz Korean glass noodles (sweet potato starch noodles or dangmyeon)
- 2 large eggs (whites and yolks separated)
- 2 tablespoons avocado oil
- 6 large shiitake mushrooms, sliced ⅓ inch thick
- ⅓ large yellow onion, sliced ⅓ inch thick
- ½ large red bell pepper, julienned ¼ inch thick
- ½ large yellow bell pepper, julienned ¼ inch thick
- ½ large carrot, julienned ⅛ inch thick
- 3 cups baby spinach, packed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 stalks scallions, chopped (for garnish)
- 2 teaspoons toasted white sesame seeds (for garnish)
For the Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon dark soy sauce
- 1½ tablespoons sesame oil
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix together low-sodium soy sauce, brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil. Stir until the sugar dissolves and set aside. - Cook the Noodles:
Boil the Korean glass noodles according to package instructions, ensuring not to overcook them. Drain and place in a large bowl. Toss the hot noodles with the sauce and let them absorb the flavors while you prepare the other ingredients. - Cook the Eggs:
Separately cook the egg whites and yolks in a flat pan. Slice them into thin strips for garnish and set aside. - Stir-Fry the Vegetables:
- Heat 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a pan over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and onions, stir-frying for 2 minutes.
- Add the red and yellow bell peppers, carrots, and minced garlic. Stir-fry for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Toss in the spinach, cooking until just wilted. Add a pinch of salt to season. Remove from heat.
- Combine Everything:
Add the stir-fried vegetables and sliced eggs to the bowl of noodles. Toss gently to combine all the ingredients. - Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle sesame seeds and chopped scallions on top. Serve immediately, either warm or at room temperature.
Notes
- Prep all your vegetables and mix the sauce before cooking to save time, as the noodles cook quickly.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course or Side Dish
Method: Stir-fry
Cuisine: Korean
window.trCommon={“minRating”:6,”ajaxurl”:”https:\/\/forurenergy.com\/wp-admin\/admin-ajax.php”,”ratingNonce”:””,”postId”:1021};
window.TastyRecipes = window.TastyRecipes || {};
window.TastyRecipes.smoothScroll = {
init() {
document.addEventListener( ‘click’, ( e ) => {
let anchor = e.target;
if ( anchor.tagName !== ‘A’ ) {
anchor = anchor.closest( ‘a.tasty-recipes-scrollto’ );
}
if ( ! anchor || ! anchor.classList.contains( ‘tasty-recipes-scrollto’ ) ) {
return;
}
const elementHref = anchor.getAttribute( ‘href’ );
if ( ! elementHref ) {
return;
}
e.preventDefault();
this.goToSelector( elementHref );
});
},
goToSelector( selector ) {
const element = document.querySelector( selector );
if ( ! element ) {
return;
}
element.scrollIntoView( { behavior: ‘smooth’ } );
}
};
document.addEventListener(
‘DOMContentLoaded’,
() => window.TastyRecipes.smoothScroll.init()
);
(function(){
document.querySelectorAll(‘[data-tr-ingredient-checkbox]’).forEach(function(el) {
var input = el.querySelector(‘.tr-ingredient-checkbox-container input[type=”checkbox”]’);
if ( ! input ) {
return;
}
if (input.checked) {
el.dataset.trIngredientCheckbox = ‘checked’;
}
el.addEventListener(‘click’, function(event) {
if ( ‘A’ === event.target.nodeName
|| ‘INPUT’ === event.target.nodeName
|| ‘LABEL’ === event.target.nodeName ) {
return;
}
input.click();
});
input.addEventListener(‘change’, function() {
el.dataset.trIngredientCheckbox = input.checked ? ‘checked’ : ”;
});
});
}());
window.TastyRecipes = window.TastyRecipes || {};
window.TastyRecipes.cookMode = {
wakeLockApi: false,
wakeLock: false,
cookModeSelector: ‘.tasty-recipes-cook-mode’,
init() {
if (“wakeLock” in navigator && “request” in navigator.wakeLock) {
this.wakeLockApi = navigator.wakeLock;
}
const cookModes = document.querySelectorAll(this.cookModeSelector);
if (cookModes.length > 0) {
for (const cookMode of cookModes) {
if (this.wakeLockApi) {
cookMode.querySelector(‘input[type=”checkbox”]’).addEventListener(“change”, event => {
this.checkboxChange(event.target);
}, false);
} else {
cookMode.style.display = “none”;
}
}
}
},
checkboxChange(checkbox) {
if (checkbox.checked) {
this.lock();
} else {
this.unlock();
}
},
setCheckboxesState(state) {
const checkboxes = document.querySelectorAll(this.cookModeSelector + ‘ input[type=”checkbox”]’);
for (const checkbox of checkboxes) {
checkbox.checked = state;
}
},
async lock() {
try {
this.wakeLock = await this.wakeLockApi.request(“screen”);
this.wakeLock.addEventListener(“release”, () => {
this.wakeLock = false;
this.setCheckboxesState(false);
});
this.setCheckboxesState(true);
} catch (error) {
this.setCheckboxesState(false);
}
},
unlock() {
if (this.wakeLock) {
this.wakeLock.release();
this.wakeLock = false;
}
this.setCheckboxesState(false);
}
};
(function(callback) {
if (document.readyState !== “loading”) {
callback();
} else {
document.addEventListener(“DOMContentLoaded”, callback);
}
})(() => {
window.TastyRecipes.cookMode.init();
});
window.TastyRecipes = window.TastyRecipes || {};
window.TastyRecipes.staticTooltip = {
element: null,
tooltipElement: null,
deleting: false,
init( element ) {
if ( this.deleting ) {
return;
}
this.element = element;
this.buildElements();
},
destroy() {
if ( ! this.tooltipElement || this.deleting ) {
return;
}
this.deleting = true;
this.tooltipElement.classList.remove( ‘opened’ );
setTimeout( () => {
this.tooltipElement.remove();
this.deleting = false;
}, 500 );
},
buildElements() {
const tooltipElement = document.createElement( ‘div’ );
tooltipElement.classList.add( ‘tasty-recipes-static-tooltip’);
tooltipElement.setAttribute( ‘id’, ‘tasty-recipes-tooltip’ );
const currentTooltipElement = document.getElementById( ‘tasty-recipes-tooltip’ );
if ( currentTooltipElement ) {
document.body.replaceChild( tooltipElement, currentTooltipElement );
} else {
document.body.appendChild( tooltipElement );
}
this.tooltipElement = document.getElementById( ‘tasty-recipes-tooltip’ );
},
show() {
if ( ! this.tooltipElement ) {
return;
}
const tooltipTop = this.element.getBoundingClientRect().top
+ window.scrollY
– 10 // 10px offset.
– this.tooltipElement.getBoundingClientRect().height;
const tooltipLeft = this.element.getBoundingClientRect().left
– ( this.tooltipElement.getBoundingClientRect().width / 2 )
+ ( this.element.getBoundingClientRect().width / 2 ) – 1;
const posLeft = Math.max( 10, tooltipLeft );
this.maybeRemoveTail( posLeft !== tooltipLeft );
this.tooltipElement.setAttribute( ‘style’, ‘top:’ + tooltipTop + ‘px;left:’ + posLeft + ‘px;’ );
this.tooltipElement.classList.add( ‘opened’ );
},
maybeRemoveTail( removeTail ) {
if ( removeTail ) {
this.tooltipElement.classList.add( ‘tr-hide-tail’ );
} else {
this.tooltipElement.classList.remove( ‘tr-hide-tail’ );
}
},
changeMessage( message ) {
if ( ! this.tooltipElement ) {
return;
}
this.tooltipElement.innerHTML = message;
}
};
window.TastyRecipes.ajax = {
sendPostRequest( url, data, success, failure ) {
const xhr = new XMLHttpRequest();
xhr.open( ‘POST’, url, true );
xhr.send( this.preparePostData( data ) );
xhr.onreadystatechange = () => {
if ( 4 !== xhr.readyState ) {
return;
}
if ( xhr.status === 200 ) {
success( JSON.parse( xhr.responseText ) );
return;
}
failure( xhr );
};
xhr.onerror = () => {
failure( xhr );
};
},
preparePostData( data ) {
const formData = new FormData();
for ( const key in data ) {
formData.append( key, data[key] );
}
return formData;
},
};
window.TastyRecipes.ratings = {
defaultRating: 0,
currentRatingPercentage: 100,
savingRating: false,
init( minRating ) {
this.minRating = minRating;
this.formWatchRating();
this.closeTooltipWhenClickOutside();
this.addBodyClassBasedOnSelectedRating();
this.backwardCompFormRatingPosition();
},
formWatchRating() {
const ratings = document.querySelectorAll(‘.tasty-recipes-no-ratings-buttons [data-rating]’);
if ( ratings.length {
event.preventDefault();
this.defaultRating = event.target.closest( ‘.checked’ ).dataset.rating;
this.setCheckedStar( event.target );
this.maybeSendRating( this.defaultRating, event.target );
this.setRatingInForm( this.defaultRating );
} );
}
},
closeTooltipWhenClickOutside() {
window.addEventListener( ‘click’, e => {
// Bailout (don’t remove the tooltip) when the clicked element is a rating star, or it’s the tooltip itself.
if ( e.target.closest( ‘.tasty-recipes-rating’ ) || e.target.classList.contains( ‘tasty-recipes-static-tooltip’ ) ) {
return;
}
window.TastyRecipes.staticTooltip.destroy();
} );
},
setRatingInForm( rating ) {
const ratingInput = document.querySelector( ‘#respond .tasty-recipes-rating[value=”‘ + rating + ‘”]’ );
if ( ! ratingInput ) {
return;
}
ratingInput.click();
},
addBodyClassBasedOnSelectedRating() {
const ratingInputs = document.querySelectorAll( ‘input.tasty-recipes-rating’ );
if ( ! ratingInputs ) {
return;
}
for ( const ratingInput of ratingInputs ) {
ratingInput.addEventListener( ‘click’, currentEvent => {
const selectedRating = currentEvent.target.getAttribute( ‘value’ );
this.handleBodyClassByRating( selectedRating );
this.toggleCommentTextareaRequired( selectedRating );
} );
}
},
handleBodyClassByRating( rating ) {
if ( rating < this.minRating ) {
document.body.classList.remove( 'tasty-recipes-selected-minimum-rating' );
return;
}
document.body.classList.add( 'tasty-recipes-selected-minimum-rating' );
},
toggleCommentTextareaRequired( rating ) {
const commentTextarea = document.getElementById( 'comment' );
if ( ! commentTextarea ) {
return;
}
if ( rating {
window.TastyRecipes.staticTooltip.changeMessage( response.data.message );
window.TastyRecipes.staticTooltip.show();
this.updateAverageText( response.data, recipeCardElement );
this.maybeFillCommentForm( response.data );
// Hide the tooltip after 5 seconds.
setTimeout( () => {
this.maybeResetTooltip( recipeCardElement, response.data, rating );
}, 5000 );
},
() => {
this.resetTooltip( recipeCardElement );
}
);
},
updateAverageText( data, recipeCardElement ) {
if ( ! data.average ) {
return;
}
this.setRatingPercent( data );
if ( ! data.count ) {
return;
}
const quickLink = document.querySelector( ‘.tasty-recipes-rating-link’ );
if ( quickLink ) {
this.setTextInContainer( quickLink, data );
this.setPartialStar( quickLink );
}
const cardStars = recipeCardElement.querySelector( ‘.tasty-recipes-ratings-buttons’ );
cardStars.dataset.trDefaultRating = data.average;
this.setTextInContainer( recipeCardElement.querySelector( ‘.tasty-recipes-rating’ ), data );
},
setTextInContainer( container, data ) {
if ( ! container ) {
return;
}
if ( data.label ) {
const ratingLabelElement = container.querySelector( ‘.rating-label’ );
if ( ratingLabelElement ) {
ratingLabelElement.innerHTML = data.label;
}
return;
}
const averageElement = container.querySelector( ‘.average’ );
if ( averageElement ) {
averageElement.textContent = data.average;
}
const countElement = container.querySelector( ‘.count’ );
if ( countElement ) {
countElement.textContent = data.count;
}
},
setPartialStar( container ) {
const highestStar = container.querySelector( ‘[data-rating=”‘ + Math.ceil( this.defaultRating ) + ‘”]’ );
if ( highestStar ) {
highestStar.dataset.trClip = this.currentRatingPercentage;
}
},
setRatingPercent( data ) {
this.defaultRating = data.average.toFixed( 1 );
const parts = data.average.toFixed( 2 ).toString().split( ‘.’ );
this.currentRatingPercentage = parts[1] ? parts[1] : 100;
if ( this.currentRatingPercentage === ’00’ ) {
this.currentRatingPercentage = 100;
}
},
setCheckedStar( target ) {
const cardRatingContainer = target.closest( ‘.tasty-recipes-ratings-buttons’ );
const selectedRatingElement = cardRatingContainer.querySelector( ‘[data-tr-checked]’ );
if ( selectedRatingElement ) {
delete selectedRatingElement.dataset.trChecked;
}
const thisStar = target.closest( ‘.tasty-recipes-rating’ );
thisStar.dataset.trChecked = 1;
thisStar.querySelector( ‘[data-tr-clip]’ ).dataset.trClip = 100;
},
maybeFillCommentForm( data ) {
if ( ! data.comment || ! data.comment.content ) {
return;
}
const commentForm = document.querySelector( ‘#commentform’ );
if ( ! commentForm ) {
return;
}
const commentBox = commentForm.querySelector( ‘[name=comment]’ );
if ( ! commentBox || commentBox.value ) {
return;
}
// Add comment details for editing.
commentBox.innerHTML = data.comment.content;
if ( data.comment.name ) {
commentForm.querySelector( ‘[name=author]’ ).value = data.comment.name;
commentForm.querySelector( ‘[name=email]’ ).value = data.comment.email;
}
},
maybeResetTooltip( recipeCardElement, data, rating ) {
if ( this.savingRating === rating ) {
this.resetTooltip( recipeCardElement, data );
}
},
resetTooltip( recipeCardElement, data ) {
window.TastyRecipes.staticTooltip.destroy();
this.savingRating = false;
// Reset the default rating.
const cardRatingContainer = recipeCardElement.querySelector( ‘.tasty-recipes-ratings-buttons’ );
if ( cardRatingContainer ) {
this.defaultRating = ( data && data.average ) ? data.average.toFixed(1) : cardRatingContainer.dataset.trDefaultRating;
cardRatingContainer.dataset.trDefaultRating = this.defaultRating;
this.resetSelectedStar( cardRatingContainer, data );
}
},
resetSelectedStar( cardRatingContainer ) {
const selectedRatingElement = cardRatingContainer.querySelector( ‘[data-rating=”‘ + Math.ceil( this.defaultRating ) + ‘”]’ );
if ( selectedRatingElement ) {
selectedRatingElement.querySelector( ‘[data-tr-clip]’ ).dataset.trClip = this.currentRatingPercentage;
selectedRatingElement.parentNode.dataset.trChecked = 1;
}
const previousSelectedElement= cardRatingContainer.querySelector( ‘[data-tr-checked]’ );
if ( previousSelectedElement ) {
const currentSelectedRating = previousSelectedElement.querySelector(‘[data-rating]’);
if ( currentSelectedRating !== selectedRatingElement ) {
delete previousSelectedElement.dataset.trChecked;
}
}
},
backwardCompFormRatingPosition() {
const ratingsButtons = document.querySelector( ‘#respond .tasty-recipes-ratings-buttons, #tasty-recipes-comment-rating .tasty-recipes-ratings-buttons’ );
if ( ! ratingsButtons ) {
return;
}
const ratingsButtonsStyles = window.getComputedStyle(ratingsButtons);
if ( ! ratingsButtonsStyles.display.includes( ‘flex’ ) ) {
ratingsButtons.style.direction = ‘rtl’;
}
if ( typeof tastyRecipesRating !== ‘undefined’ ) {
// Select the rating that was previously selected in admin.
ratingsButtons.querySelector( ‘.tasty-recipes-rating[value=”‘ + tastyRecipesRating + ‘”]’ ).checked = true;
}
const ratingSpans = ratingsButtons.querySelectorAll( ‘.tasty-recipes-rating’ );
for (const ratingSpan of ratingSpans) {
ratingSpan.addEventListener( ‘click’, event => {
if ( ratingSpan === event.target ) {
return;
}
ratingSpan.previousElementSibling.click();
} );
}
}
};
(function(callback) {
if (document.readyState !== “loading”) {
callback();
} else {
window.addEventListener( ‘load’, callback );
}
})(() => {
window.TastyRecipes.ratings.init( window.trCommon ? window.trCommon.minRating : 4 );
});
The post Vegetarian Japchae Korean Glass Noodles appeared first on FOR UR ENERGY RECIPES.
