Delicious Korean Japchae Noodles Recipe

Introduction

Discover the rich flavors of a delightful beef and vegetable dish featuring sweet potato noodles. This recipe is not only satisfying but also packed with nutrition and a vibrant array of colors. The marinated beef complements the fresh vegetables and noodles perfectly, making it a fantastic choice for a family meal or a special gathering.

Detailed Ingredients with measures

Beef Options (choose one):
– 600g/1.2 lb bone-in beef short ribs (300g/10 oz boneless)
– 300g/10 oz boneless beef short ribs
– 300g/10 oz scotch fillet/boneless rib eye or other steak (recommend tenderizing)

Beef Marinade:
– 2 tsp soy sauce (all-purpose or light)
– 2 tsp white sugar
– 2 tsp finely minced garlic
– 1/2 tsp black pepper

Noodle Dressing:
– 1/4 cup soy sauce (all-purpose or light)
– 2 tsp white sugar
– 1/2 tsp finely minced garlic
– 1 1/2 tbsp sesame oil
– 1/2 tsp cooking/kosher salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper

Noodles & Vegetables:
– 250g/8 oz sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon), dried
– 4 tbsp vegetable oil (or other plain oil)
– 1 tsp cooking/kosher salt, divided
– 1 onion, peeled, halved, sliced into 6mm/1/4″ wedges
– 3 green onion stems, cut into 5cm/2″ lengths, white & green parts separated
– 200g/7 oz fresh shiitake mushrooms, stem removed, cut into 5mm/1/5″ slices
– 2 carrots, peeled, cut into 3mm/1/8″ batons
– 1 red capsicum/bell pepper, cut into 0.5cm/1/5″ slices
– 4 1/2 cups (tightly packed) baby spinach
– 2 tbsp white sesame seeds

Prep Time

Approximately 15–20 minutes for marinating the beef.

Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
Total Time: 35-40 minutes
Yield: Serves 4

Enjoy this delicious dish as a wholesome meal, perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender beef, fresh vegetables, and flavorful noodles will surely delight everyone at the table!

Detailed Directions and Instructions

Marinate Beef:

Cut beef into strips approximately 5mm thick, 1cm wide, and 5cm long. Combine beef with marinade ingredients in a bowl. Mix well and set aside to marinate for about 15–20 minutes.

Prepare Sauce and Noodles:

In a large mixing bowl, combine all noodle dressing ingredients. Cook sweet potato noodles according to package instructions (typically 8 minutes in boiling water). Drain, briefly rinse under tap water, shake off excess water, and add to the bowl with the dressing. Do not mix yet.

Cook Vegetables:

*Batch 1:* Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a large non-stick pan over high heat. Cook the onion, white part of green onions, and shiitake mushrooms with 1/2 tsp salt for 2.5 to 3 minutes, stirring constantly, until they start to soften but do not turn golden. Transfer to the noodle bowl without mixing.
*Batch 2:* In the same pan, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Cook the carrots and capsicum for 1.5 minutes, stirring constantly. Add spinach, green part of green onions, and the remaining 1/2 tsp salt. Continue cooking for 1.5 minutes until the spinach is wilted. Transfer to the noodle bowl without mixing.

Cook Beef:

In the same pan, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of oil over high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook for 1.5 minutes until lightly golden and just cooked through. Transfer to the noodle bowl without mixing.

Combine and Serve:

Add most of the sesame seeds to the noodle bowl, reserving some for garnish. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until the sauce evenly coats the noodles and vegetables. Transfer to a serving bowl, sprinkle with the reserved sesame seeds, and serve warm.

Notes

Beef Options:

Choosing the right cut of beef can affect the dish’s tenderness and flavor. If using a steak, consider tenderizing it before marinating.

Cooking Times:

Adjust cooking times as necessary based on the specific type and size of vegetables used, aiming for a tender yet crisp texture.

Storage:

Leftover dish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat in a pan over medium heat for best results.

Serving Suggestions:

This dish pairs well with additional garnish such as cilantro, chili flakes, or a squeeze of lime for added flavor.

Delicious Korean Japchae Noodles Recipe
Delicious Korean Japchae Noodles Recipe

Cook techniques

Marinating Beef

Cut beef into strips approximately 5mm thick, 1cm wide, and 5cm long. Marinate the beef with a mixture of soy sauce, white sugar, minced garlic, and black pepper for about 15–20 minutes to enhance its flavor and tenderness.

Preparing Noodle Dressing

Combine soy sauce, white sugar, minced garlic, sesame oil, cooking salt, and black pepper in a large mixing bowl to create a flavorful dressing that will coat the noodles and vegetables.

Cooking Sweet Potato Noodles

Follow the package instructions for cooking sweet potato noodles, typically boiling them for about 8 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process, then add to the noodle dressing without mixing.

Sautéing Vegetables

Cook vegetables in batches, starting with onion, white parts of green onions, and shiitake mushrooms, followed by carrots and capsicum, and finishing with spinach and green parts of the green onions, ensuring each batch maintains texture and flavor before transferring to the noodle bowl.

Cooking the Beef

Heat oil in a pan over high heat and cook the marinated beef strips for about 1.5 minutes until lightly golden and just cooked through, ensuring they retain juiciness before adding them to the noodle bowl.

Combining Ingredients

Mix the cooked vegetables, beef, and noodles in the noodle bowl thoroughly, ensuring the sauce evenly coats all ingredients. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top for added texture and flavor before serving.

FAQ

Can I use a different type of beef instead of short ribs?

Yes, you can substitute other cuts of beef such as scotch fillet or rib eye; however, consider tenderizing them before marinating for better flavor and texture.

What if I can’t find sweet potato noodles?

If sweet potato noodles are unavailable, you can use other types of noodles, such as rice noodles or even standard wheat noodles, but cooking times may vary.

How can I adjust the spice level of the dish?

You can add some chili flakes or sliced fresh chili to the marinade or noodle dressing to increase the spice level according to your preference.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Yes, to make it vegetarian, you can substitute the beef with tofu or tempeh, and ensure that the soy sauce used is vegetarian-friendly.

How do I store leftovers?

Store leftover noodles and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a little oil to prevent sticking before serving.

Conclusion

This delectable beef and sweet potato noodle dish offers a wonderful combination of flavors and textures. The marinated beef, paired with fresh vegetables and the unique softness of sweet potato noodles, creates a nourishing meal that is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is sure to impress your family and friends.

More recipes suggestions and combination
Spicy Seafood Noodles

Substitute the beef with shrimp or calamari, and incorporate chili oil into the noodle dressing for a spicy twist.

Vegetable Stir-Fry Noodles

Omit the beef and substitute it with tofu for a vegetarian option. Use a variety of colorful bell peppers, broccoli, and snow peas to enhance the dish’s nutritional value.

Thai Peanut Noodles

Replace the soy sauce in the noodle dressing with peanut sauce for a nutty flavor, and add crushed peanuts as a topping.

Teriyaki Chicken Noodles

Swap the beef for sliced chicken breast marinated in teriyaki sauce. Serve with the same vegetables for a delightful fusion of flavors.

Beef and Broccoli Noodles

Incorporate broccoli florets into the vegetable mix and use flank steak instead of short ribs for a classic beef and broccoli dish on noodles.

Delicious Korean Japchae Noodles Recipe
Delicious Korean Japchae Noodles Recipe