Japchae Recipe: 3 Variations of the Classic Korean Noodle Dish

Liputan6.com, Jakarta If you are looking for a delicious and unique Korean dish, then you should try a japchae recipe. This dish is famous for its balance of sweet and savory flavors, along with colorful vegetables and chewy glass noodles. Many people around the world enjoy japchae because it is light, flavorful, and satisfying.

A japchae recipe is made with stir-fried glass noodles, vegetables, and sometimes meat. The noodles are made from sweet potato starch, which gives them a chewy texture that is different from wheat-based noodles. Vegetables like spinach, carrots, and mushrooms are commonly used, making the dish both healthy and colorful. Soy sauce and sesame oil give the dish a deep, rich flavor.

In this article, we share our classic Korean japchae recipe along with 2 of its popular variations: spicy japchae and vegan japchae. We also have some extra tips and tricks to make this tasty Korean food at home. We gathered the recipe and tips from various sources, Monday (8/9/2025).

The classic japchae recipe is a traditional Korean favorite. It combines sweet potato glass noodles with beef and a mix of fresh vegetables that many people love so much.

Ingredients:

- 200g sweet potato glass noodles

- 150g beef (ribeye or sirloin, thinly sliced)

- 1 medium carrot, julienned

- 1 small onion, thinly sliced

- 1 red bell pepper, julienned

- 100g spinach

- 100g shiitake mushrooms, sliced

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 2 tbsp sesame oil

- 1 tbsp sesame seeds

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

- Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Boil the glass noodles according to the package instructions, then drain and rinse under cold water. Cut the noodles into shorter lengths to make them easier to eat.

2. Blanch the spinach in hot water for 30 seconds, then drain and squeeze out excess water. Season lightly with a drop of sesame oil and a pinch of salt.

3. Heat cooking oil in a large pan. Stir-fry the beef with garlic until cooked, then set aside.

4. In the same pan, stir-fry onions, carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers until slightly soft but still colorful. Remove from the pan.

5. In a large bowl, combine noodles, beef, spinach, and vegetables. Add soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil. Mix everything well until the seasoning coats evenly.

6. Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

If you enjoy food with a little heat, the spicy japchae recipe is perfect. This version adds Korean chili paste, known as gochujang, to the traditional dish. The spice gives the noodles a bold flavor.

Ingredients:

- 200g sweet potato glass noodles

- 150g chicken breast, thinly sliced

- 1 medium carrot, julienned

- 1 zucchini, julienned

- 1 onion, thinly sliced

- 100g oyster mushrooms, sliced

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 2 tbsp sesame oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Cook the noodles in boiling water until soft, then drain and rinse under cold water. Use scissors to cut them into shorter pieces so they are easier to mix and eat.

2. Heat cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and garlic, stir-frying until the chicken is golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

3. In the same pan, stir-fry the carrots, zucchini, onions, and mushrooms. Cook until the vegetables are tender but still colorful and slightly crisp.

4. Mix soy sauce, gochujang, sugar, and sesame oil in a small bowl to create the spicy sauce. Stir until smooth.

5. Place the noodles, chicken, and vegetables in a large bowl. Pour the spicy sauce over and mix well, using your hands or tongs to coat everything evenly.

6. Garnish with sesame seeds and serve warm for the best flavor.

For those who prefer plant-based dishes, a vegan japchae recipe is a wonderful option. This version uses tofu instead of meat and focuses on a variety of fresh vegetables to keep the dish nutritious and flavorful.

Ingredients:

- 200g sweet potato glass noodles

- 150g firm tofu, cut into thin strips

- 1 medium carrot, julienned

- 1 small onion, thinly sliced

- 1 red bell pepper, julienned

- 100g spinach

- 100g shiitake mushrooms, sliced

- 2 tbsp soy sauce

- 1 tbsp sugar

- 2 tbsp sesame oil

- 2 cloves garlic, minced

- 1 tbsp cooking oil

- 1 tbsp sesame seeds

Instructions:

1. Cook the glass noodles according to the package directions, then rinse under cold water. Cut them into shorter pieces so they are easier to handle and mix.

2. Heat cooking oil in a pan. Add the tofu strips and stir-fry until they are golden and crispy on the edges. This step gives the tofu a firmer texture that works well in the dish. Set aside.

3. In the same pan, stir-fry the onions, carrots, mushrooms, and bell peppers until they are softened but still bright in color. Avoid overcooking to keep the vegetables fresh and crisp.

4. Blanch the spinach in hot water for about 30 seconds, then drain and squeeze out the water to remove extra moisture.

5. In a large bowl, combine the noodles, tofu, spinach, and vegetables. Add soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil, then toss gently until all ingredients are coated evenly.

6. Sprinkle sesame seeds on top and serve warm or cold, depending on your preference.

Japchae is easy to make. But if you want to get the best result, you can follow these extra tips and tricks when trying our japchae recipe:

1. Cook Noodles Correctly: Do not overcook the glass noodles. They should be soft but still chewy, as this texture is the heart of japchae and gives it its special charm.

2. Season Ingredients Separately: Lightly season vegetables, spinach, and meat or tofu before mixing. This ensures that each element keeps its own flavor, making the final dish more balanced.

3. Cut Noodles Shorter: Use kitchen scissors to cut the cooked noodles into shorter lengths. This small step makes mixing easier, prevents tangling, and creates a better dining experience.

4. Balance Flavors: Adjust soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil carefully. Japchae should taste sweet, salty, and savory all at once, so balance is the key to a perfect dish.

5. Serve Warm or Cold: Japchae is versatile. It can be enjoyed hot as a main dish or cold as a side dish, and both options highlight the noodles’ delicious texture and flavor.