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KoreanContains beef

From Korea

Japchae

Glossy sweet-potato noodles tossed with beef, mushrooms and bright vegetables.

A colourful Korean noodle dish built in layers: each vegetable is cooked briefly to preserve its character, the beef is marinated until savoury, and springy dangmyeon noodles absorb a sesame-soy dressing without becoming greasy.

Complete bowl of Korean Japchae glass noodles with beef and vegetablesCookSphere original · Full dish view
Prep
35 min
Cook
25 min
Total
1 hr
Serves
4
Level
Medium
Per serving
430 kcal

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Step by step

Method

8 steps
  1. 01

    Mix the dressing ingredients, reserving the sesame seeds. Toss beef with 1 teaspoon each soy and sesame oil; marinate 15 minutes.

  2. 02

    Make a thin omelette in a lightly oiled non-stick pan. Cool, roll and cut into fine ribbons.

  3. 03

    Blanch spinach for 30 seconds, cool in ice water, squeeze very dry and season with 1 teaspoon of the dressing.

  4. 04

    Cook noodles according to the packet, usually 6–7 minutes. Rinse briefly, drain well and snip twice with kitchen scissors for manageable strands.

  5. 05

    In a large pan, cook onion, carrot, pepper and mushrooms separately with a little oil and a pinch of salt, keeping each bright and lightly crisp.

  6. 06

    Sear the marinated beef over high heat for 2–3 minutes until just cooked.

  7. 07

    Add noodles and dressing to the pan; toss over medium heat for 2 minutes until glossy and the sauce is absorbed.

  8. 08

    Fold through vegetables, spinach and beef. Top with egg ribbons and sesame seeds; serve warm or at room temperature.

Cook's notes

Make it excellent

  • Cooking each vegetable separately keeps colours clear and textures distinct.
  • Drain the noodles thoroughly so the dressing clings instead of turning watery.
  • Replace beef with firm tofu and use vegan soy sauce for a plant-based bowl.

Serve it with

Kimchi, crisp lettuce wraps and a light cucumber salad.

Store & reheat

Refrigerate up to 3 days. Loosen in a pan with a teaspoon of water and a few drops of sesame oil.