Japchae (Chap Chae)

4.57 from 78 votes
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Japchae - Korean noodle dish with sweet potato noodles and vegetables. Learn how to make Japchae in 30 minutes with this easy Japchae recipe.

Korean Japchae with sweet potato noodles and vegetables in a bowl with a pair of wooden chopsticks.
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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.

Korean glass noodle dish with sweet potato noodles and vegetables topped with sesame seeds in a bowl.

Ingredients For Japchae Noodles

Ingredients for japchae.

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

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients.

This dish is vegan and vegetarian-friendly.


Cooking Tips

Quick and easy Korean Japchae recipe.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many calories per serving?

This recipe is only 396 calories per serving.

Japchae Korean noodle picked with a pair of chopsticks.

What To Serve With Japchae

Served this recipe with a side dish of Korean soy sauce eggs (Mayak eggs) or Seaweed Salad for that added punch of flavor or a main dish (such as Spicy Korean Chicken). For a wholesome Korean meal and easy weeknight dinner, I recommend the following recipes.

I hope you enjoy this post as much as I do. If you try my recipe, please leave a comment and consider giving it a 5-star rating. For more easy and delicious recipes, explore my Recipe Index, and stay updated by subscribing to my newsletter and following me on FacebookPinterest, and Instagram for new updates.


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4.57 from 78 votes

Japchae (Chap Chae)

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.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 3 people
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Ingredients  

  • 8 oz (230g) sweet potato noodles
  • 4 oz. (125g) 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 (2.5cm) lengths
  • 1/2 tablespoon sesame oil
  • salt , to taste
  • 1 teaspoon toasted white sesame

Sauce:

  • 4 tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons sugar

Instructions 

  • 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. Use a pair of scissors to cut the noodles into about 6-inch lengths. Set aside.
  • Heat a pot of water and bring it to a boil. Blanch the spinach until wilted, about 1 minute. Drain the water and rinse the spinach under cold running water. Form the spinach into a ball and squeeze out the remaining water. Cut the spinach ball in half.
  • Heat the oil in a skillet or wok and add the garlic, onion, mushroom, and carrot. 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 to the skillet or wok, followed by the sesame oil, sauce, and salt to taste. Stir to combine well. Dish out, sprinkle with sesame seeds, and serve at room temperature.

Video

Notes

The japchae noodles can be found at Asian supermarkets. They are usually labelled as sweet potato noodles.

Nutrition

Serving: 3people, Calories: 396kcal, Carbohydrates: 83g, Protein: 5g, Fat: 10g, Saturated Fat: 6g, Sodium: 1388mg, Fiber: 4g, Sugar: 13g

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Please rate and comment below!

About Rasa Malaysia

Bee is a recipe developer and best-selling cookbook author, sharing easy, quick, and delicious Asian and American recipes since 2006. With a strong following of almost 2 million fans online, her expertise has been featured in major publications, TV and radio programs, and live cooking demos throughout the United States and Asia.

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Recipe Rating





52 Comments

  1. Cece says:

    This was a hit! This so far -is the simplest but the best recipe I have ever tried! Thank you! I never have to order it for take out again when I can make one at home that is just as good :)

    1. Nga says:

      What kind of soy sauce do you recommend to use for this recipe?

  2. Annette says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious.

  3. Alana says:

    YES! I’ve been buying this dish from a Korean restaurant in London at least once a week. I even asked them about the noodles and how they cooked them because I loved them so much. Then I found them in a Korean food store directly opposite. I’m so excited that I’ve seen this recipe and I can now make my own.!!

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Hi Alana, that’s great, it’s very easy to make!

  4. Mark says:

    5 stars
    Jap-chae is so <3 <3
    when i saw it the first time i thought this dish is something salty but when the noodles touches my tongue it gone through my heart. the sweetness the texture of the noodles the tender of the beef everything it is completely delicious

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Hi Mark, thanks for your sweet comment. I am really happy that you love my Japchae. :)

  5. Ethel Gaco says:

    5 stars
    Hi! Ms Rasa Malaysia
    Im ethel the one who your folllower im glad to see your recipe in your blog im so blessed to learn more how to cook korean food, i love korean food so much…thank you to share your recipe..

  6. Shawn says:

    5 stars
    I can only assume you test, test and re-test your recipes before posting them! This Japchae recipe is perfect! I have never gone wrong following one of your recipes

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Hi Shawn, thanks so much for your sweet comment. I only cook my recipe once and share them, I don’t re-test. Thanks for sweet words, you have made my day. So glad you enjoy my recipes!

  7. Shawn says:

    5 stars
    This Japchae recipe turned out perfectly. I can only assume you test, test and re-test recipes before you post them. I have never gone wrong following your recipes! Thank you!

  8. George says:

    5 stars
    I worked with a lot of Koreans who were always friendly and eager to share their food. I love the Japchae they shared with me. The other day I found your recipe and tried it. OMG! Amazing! it came out fantastic. My only problem now is, I’m always being invited to parties because of my Japchae . My social life has improved dramatically! It’s better than having a pool. Thank you!

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Hi George, that’s awesome, I am so happy that you love the japchae recipe and that now you are Mr. Popular. LOL. Please try out my Korean fried chicken recipe…and more: https://rasamalaysia.com/recipe-index-gallery/

  9. Sarah says:

    5 stars
    I finally tried making Japchae after seeing lots of K-dramas mentioning it. It was simple to make and sooooo delicious! Thank you!

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Thanks for trying my Japchae recipe.

  10. Sheen says:

    This Japchae recipe looks simpler compared to the one I tried before. Going to try this soon! Have tried your zuchinni and shrimp stir fry. Husband loved it! Thanks!

    1. Rasa Malaysia says:

      Hi Sheen, thanks. :)