Jap Chae: Korean Noodles Recipe (2024)

Recipe from New Wonjo Restaurant

Adapted by Elaine Louie

Total Time
1 hour, plus 1 to 2 hours soaking of dried mushrooms, if using
Rating
4(251)
Notes
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Featured in: The Temporary Vegetarian: Jap Chae, Korean Noodles

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Ingredients

Yield:2 servings

  • 4ounces Korean dried sweet potato noodles
  • 3teaspoons sesame oil
  • 2tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2teaspoons sugar
  • 2tablespoons peanut or other vegetable oil
  • 2Napa or other cabbage leaves, thinly sliced
  • Half a carrot, julienned to make about ¼ cup
  • ¼teaspoon minced garlic
  • 3scallions, white and light green parts only, trimmed and cut into 2-inch lengths
  • 4fresh shiitake or dried shiitake mushrooms that have been soaked 1-2 hours, stemmed and thinly sliced
  • 10spinach leaves and stems, washed well, drained, and squeezed dry
  • ¼teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1teaspoon toasted sesame seeds

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (2 servings)

485 calories; 24 grams fat; 3 grams saturated fat; 0 grams trans fat; 14 grams monounsaturated fat; 6 grams polyunsaturated fat; 57 grams carbohydrates; 6 grams dietary fiber; 7 grams sugars; 12 grams protein; 948 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Jap Chae: Korean Noodles Recipe (1)

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    Bring a medium pot of water to a boil. Add noodles, and cook until tender-chewy, about 5 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Shake excess water off and transfer to a bowl. Using kitchen shears, cut noodles into 8-inch lengths. Add 1½ teaspoons sesame oil, mix well, and set aside.

  2. Step

    2

    In a small bowl, combine soy sauce and sugar. Mix well, and set aside.

  3. Step

    3

    Place a wok or large sauté pan over high heat, add peanut oil, and swirl to coat the entire wok or pan. When the oil is shimmering, add the cabbage and carrot and cook until tender, stirring occasionally, 1 to 3 minutes.

  4. Step

    4

    Add garlic, scallions, and mushrooms. Fry until scallions begin to soften, about 1 minute. Add spinach, soy sauce-sugar mixture, noodles, and black pepper. Cook until noodles are heated through, stirring vigorously, about 3 minutes. Turn off heat, and add sesame seeds and remaining 1½ teaspoons of sesame oil. Mix well. Divide between two plates, and serve.

Ratings

4

out of 5

251

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Jt

Ive made this twice in so many days. The recipe is solid, but i wanted more veggies, so i pretty much doubled them. And a dash of fish sauce and salt and pepper. It also improves overnight ten fold!

Jt

Double veggies at least. Add dash fish sauce and salt and pepper. More sesame oil.

Geoff Last

This the first time I had cooked with these noodles, they are not exactly appetizing looking due to their translucent gray/green color. I had to cook them longer than 5 minutes as they were like rubber bands at that point. I substituted baby bok choy for the spinach, overall the flavors were good but I think I will use vermicelli next time.

Julie

Fabulous! For my taste, I split in half lengthwise the 2-inch segments of scallions. I used wood-ear mushrooms. The Napa cabbage disappeared so next time I'll put in a couple cups. Thanks for my introduction to Napa - delicate and mild.

Vancheska

Delicious. Used a teaspoon of honey instead of sugar. Used leftover Swiss chard instead of spinach and purple cabbage added nice color. Great for using the leftover soy sauce from my Korean pickled garlic-jalapenos, which added extra flavor.

Ellen

Do not b e afraid to use lots more veggies! I used an entire bunch of baby spinach, two carrots, half a red pepper, a bunch of scallions, and half a small head of red cabbage. I didn't have fresh mushrooms so I used black tree fungus. I love this dish and often use it to clean out the fridge. I also double the sauce. You can also add tofu or meat. I use toasted sesame oil. It adds so much flavor.

Geoff Last

This the first time I had cooked with these noodles, they are not exactly appetizing looking due to their translucent gray/green color. I had to cook them longer than 5 minutes as they were like rubber bands at that point. I substituted baby bok choy for the spinach, overall the flavors were good but I think I will use vermicelli next time.

Julie

Fabulous! For my taste, I split in half lengthwise the 2-inch segments of scallions. I used wood-ear mushrooms. The Napa cabbage disappeared so next time I'll put in a couple cups. Thanks for my introduction to Napa - delicate and mild.

Vancheska

Delicious. Used a teaspoon of honey instead of sugar. Used leftover Swiss chard instead of spinach and purple cabbage added nice color. Great for using the leftover soy sauce from my Korean pickled garlic-jalapenos, which added extra flavor.

Jt

Ive made this twice in so many days. The recipe is solid, but i wanted more veggies, so i pretty much doubled them. And a dash of fish sauce and salt and pepper. It also improves overnight ten fold!

Jt

Double veggies at least. Add dash fish sauce and salt and pepper. More sesame oil.

Wednesday

1ST time I made it I dredged the fish in rice flour, second time I didn't - both were excellent, tho' I have a slight preference for the flour version.

Wednesday

Excellent - I used only one heaping tsp sugar and watercress insted of spinach.

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Jap Chae: Korean Noodles Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What is chap chae noodles made of? ›

Dangmyeon noodles: These are the traditional sweet potato noodles (also known as “glass noodles”) used to make japchae. They are made from two ingredients — sweet potato starch and water — and have an ever-so-slightly-sweet taste and a satisfying chewy texture.

What is japchae sauce made of? ›

The japchae sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made of brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

What is the difference between japchae and chapchae? ›

Japchae (잡채 – or chapchae) is a classic Korean stir-fried noodle dish seasoned with a sweet and savory sauce. The name japchae describes a mix of finely cut ingredients—vegetables, egg, mushroom, and meat—that are included in the noodles.

Should japchae be hot or cold? ›

The beauty of japchae is that you can eat it hot, room temperature, or even cold. It makes a great on-the-go lunch, as the noodles don't get soggy and there's a nice balance of vegetables and starch. This dish is also nice for potlucks, as it doesn't have to be served hot.

Why do Koreans eat japchae? ›

Korean name

Once a royal dish, japchae is now one of the most popular traditional celebration dishes, often served on special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays (especially dol, the first birthday, and hwangap, the sixtieth), and holidays.

Are japchae healthy? ›

If you haven't tried Korean japchae, then you don't know what you're missing! This authentic stir-fry uses nutritious sweet potato noodles and virtuous vegetables for a meal that's healthy, easy and delicious.

Does japchae spoil easily? ›

Japchae is best served at room temperature but it can be served warm too. Glass noodles will spoil if left out longer than half a day in warmer temperatures, especially in the summer so store in the fridge right away. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a few days. It reheats well in the microwave.

Are Korean glass noodles healthy? ›

Glass noodles are fat-free and great for weight-loss diets. Reducing fats in your meal will combat obesity, cardiovascular disease, and several other metabolic disorders. Cellophane noodles are also a great source of iron. Getting enough iron in your diet ensures that oxygen is transported through the body.

What is a substitute for glass noodles in japchae? ›

Made with chewy, slippery sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon) which are available in large grocery stores, though can be substitute with glass noodles (bean thread noodles) or vermicelli noodles in a pinch. Makes a big batch – leftovers make for a terrific lunch!

Should you refrigerate japchae? ›

Note: Japchae is one of those dishes that are meant to be eaten the day of. If however, you do want to store the leftovers, please store in refrigerator (1-day max) and re-heat in the microwave. (Microwave does a better job than stir-frying when re-heating dangmyeon noodles.)

Can you eat japchae the next day? ›

There's a lot to prep for japchae—there's no avoiding that, given the many components and the different preparations for them—but the good news is that it can all be done well in advance of serving. The japchae can then be refrigerated for a day or two and reheated in a skillet before serving.

What is the difference between bibimbap and japchae? ›

The term bibim means "mixing" and bap is cooked rice. Japchae is a savory and slightly sweet dish of stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables that is popular in Korean cuisine. Sundubu-jjigae is a jjigae in Korean cuisine. The dish is made with freshly curdled extra soft tofu which has not been strained.

What Chinese dish is similar to japchae? ›

Buddha's delight is a Chinese vegetarian dish made with mung bean noodles, tofu, and vegetables. Korean glass noodle Japchae is made with sweet potato starch noodles and rainbow colour thinly slices vegetables, topped with toasted sesame seeds.

What are Korean instant noodles made of? ›

Korean ramen noodles are typically made from wheat flour, not maida. Maida is a type of wheat flour that is commonly used in Indian cuisine, while Korean ramen noodles are made from a type of wheat flour that is specifically used to make noodles, called kansui flour.

What are Korean chewy noodles made of? ›

Jjolmyeon (Korean: 쫄면) is either a type of Korean noodle with a very chewy texture made from wheat flour and starch, or a cold and spicy dish bibim-jjolmyeon (비빔쫄면) made with the noodles and vegetables. Jjolmyeon can add many vegetables such as cabbage and bean sprouts.

Are Korean sweet potato noodles healthy? ›

Made from sweet potato starch, Korean dangmyeon noodles are naturally fat free and low in calories, making them a healthy choice for noodle lovers.

What are Korean noodles made of? ›

Noodles in Korea can be made from sweet potato starch, wheat flour, buckwheat, corn flour, rice flour, and acorn flour to name a few. In general, a number of Korean noodle dishes offer a variation on the meats, broths, vegetables, and noodles used.

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