Authentic Japchae Recipe
Japchae (also spelled as chap chae) is my favorite Korean noodle dish. I love Korean recipes, they are healthy, spicy and absolutely delicious.
In this recipe, you will learn how to make authentic and simple Japchae.
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The Ingredients for Japchae Noodles
I love the springy and chewy texture of Japchae noodles, which are made from sweet potato starch.
- Sweet potato noodles
- Vegetables such as spinach, carrots and scallions
- Mushrooms such as shiitake mushrooms
- Seasonings such as soy sauce and sugar
This dish is vegan and vegetarian-friendly.
Cook’s Tips
How long do you soak the sweet potato noodles before cooking? Many readers ask me this question. Here are my tips:
- Sweet potato noodles are fatter and tougher, so soaking in water won’t get you the desired results. I always boil the noodles in hot boiling water for 5 minutes, drain and cut into shorter lengths.
- Traditionally, the noodles are mixed together with the other ingredients by hand. For ease of cooking, I always make the noodles in a skillet.
- For extra flavors, you can add beef bulgogi or Korean fish cakes to the dish.
How Many Calories Per Serving?
This recipe is only 396 calories per serving.
What Dishes to Serve with this Recipe?
For a wholesome Korean meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.
Pairs well with:
Japchae (Chap Chae) Recipe
Japchae or chap chae is a popular Korean noodle dish made with sweet potato noodles. Learn how to make japchae at home in 30 minutes. Easy japchae recipe.
Ingredients
- 8 oz sweet potato noodles
- 4 oz spinach
- 1 1/2 tablespoons oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 small onion, thinly sliced
- 3-4 fresh shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 1 small carrot, cut into thin strips
- 1 stalk scallion, cut into 1-inch lengths
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
- salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon toasted white sesame
Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
Directions
- 1
Cook the sweet potato noodles in a large pot of boiling water for about 5 minutes. Drain the water and rinse the noodles under cold running water. Cut the noodles using a pair of scissors into about 6-inch lengths. Set aside.
- 2
Heat up a pot of water and bring it to boil. Blanch the spinach until they are wilted, about 1 minute. Drain the water and rinse the spinach under cold running water. Form the spinach into a ball and squeeze it to discard the remaining water. Cut the spinach ball into half.
- 3
Heat up the oil in a skillet or wok and add the garlic, onion, mushroom, and carrot and cook for about two minutes. Add the scallion and stir-fry for another minute. Turn the heat to low and add the noodles and spinach into the skillet or wok, follow by the sesame oil, the Sauce, and salt to taste. Stir to combine well. Dish out, sprinkle with the sesame seeds, and served at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
The japchae noodles can be found at Asian supermarkets. They are usually labelled as sweet potato noodles.
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Carla
My husband always had Japchae at the Korean restaurant. Finally I decided to make it for him. He absolutely loved it. Your recipe is easy and foolproof. Thanks
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Carla, thanks so much for trying my Japchae recipe, I am so glad your husband loves it. Please try more recipes on my site: https://rasamalaysia.com/recipe-index-gallery/
tyler
it tates good and easy to make
Janet
Love this recipe! I’ve been reading about Japchae for a while now and even ordered noodles online, but was kind of intimidated to get started–obscure ingredients, etc. But, as usual, you have pared things down to the essential tastes and made the recipe simple. I did add a little chili oil, although I don’t see that in any of the other recipes I looked at. Thanks for reposting and making something “exotic” both real and simple. This will certainly appear on our table with some frequency–perfect for meatless Monday!
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Janet, thanks for trying this japchae. I am so glad you love it.
Barbara Gabbe-Harris
Where can I buy sweet potato noodles?
Rasa Malaysia
Asian stores or online.
Susie Thompson
Those Noodles are soooooo hard to find here in my little commen town. Asian markets are far I just love them though. Maybe you can add them to “win them” list eh? Hugs
Rasa Malaysia
Hi Susie, you can buy online!
Chrissie Baker
Made this just now and it was perfect! I’ve tried other Jap Chae recipes and yours is the best. Thanks a bunch!
Jso
Hello,
I’ve made this recipe before and specifically remember the sauce ingredients use to include oigatsuo tsuyu soup base to add depth of sweetness. Now it’s only soy sauce and sugar??? What happened?
Rasa Malaysia
I have two recipes. You can use oigatsuo tsuyu to add flavors. Most people don’t have tsuyu so I simplified to soy sauce and sugar.
Jennifer
Hi there, this was a very simple recipe. Thank you so much for sharing. I substituted the sugar with a little oyster sauce. Using tongs made it easier to toss as well:)
Ellen Scott
I love japchae noodles too, it is really wonderful! But why I can not read your recipe, i dont see it appear in this post.
Rasa Malaysia
Ellen, my recipe is where it says GET RECIPE. Tab or click on that and the recipe is there.
Tina
I have made this recipe multiple times. I double the recipe and sometimes add Korean style meatballs.My family of 4 loves it. Thank You!
Rasa Malaysia
Awesome thanks Tina for trying my Japchae recipe!