- Prep
- 20 min
- Cook
- 30 min
- Total time
- 50 min
- Yield
- 4 servings
- Difficulty
- EASY
- Calories
- 345 kcal
Quick summary
“Japchae is a classic Korean stir-fry prepared with sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon), golden chicken strips in sesame oil, carrots, red bell pepper, and broccoli. The translucent dough stands out for its natural elasticity and ability to absorb the soy sauce with brown sugar. The vegetables are sautéed over medium heat to preserve crunchiness and vivid colors. Sprinkled with toasted sesame seeds, it is a sweet and sour and toasted profile dish for four people.”
What you need to know
- Cook the sweet potato noodles for 6 to 8 minutes until translucent and chewy, then drain.
- Brown the chicken in sesame oil before adding the vegetables to seal the strips without releasing water.
- Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for only 5 minutes so they maintain vivid color and al dente texture.
Ingredients
Main
- 200g of sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon)
- 1 medium carrot cut into thin strips
- 1 pimentão vermelho cortado em tiras
- 100g of broccoli
- 150g of chicken strips (or tofu for a vegetarian version)
- 3 tablespoons of soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons of sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon of brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds
Instructions
Principal
- Start by cooking the sweet potato noodles in boiling water for about 6 to 8 minutes. Escorra e reserve.
- In a large skillet, heat the sesame oil over medium heat and add the chicken (or tofu). Cook until golden brown.
- Add the carrot, bell pepper, and broccoli to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Mix the cooked pasta in the skillet with the vegetables and chicken.
- Add the soy sauce and brown sugar. Mix well to incorporate all flavors.
- Collectively, cook for another 2 minutes and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Finish with the sesame seeds and serve hot.
Chef's tips
- Cut the cooked pasta with culinary scissors into 2 or 3 parts to facilitate mixing with the vegetables and serving.
- Rinse the drained noodles in cold water and drizzle with a dash of sesame oil so the strands don't stick.
- Mix the soy sauce and brown sugar beforehand in a bowl to dissolve well before putting it in the pot.
Variations
- Classic vegetarian Japchae: remove the chicken and increase the amount of fresh mushrooms and spinach leaves.
- Spicy japchae: add half a tablespoon of Korean chili flakes (gochugaru) along with the soy sauce.
- Japchae with chives: add long stalks of green onions cut to the same length as the carrot to the sauté.
Substitutions
- The chicken strips can be replaced by beef tenderloin in thin strips or by cubes of pressed firm tofu.
- The sweet potato starch noodles (dangmyeon) can be substituted with moyashi bean starch noodles (harussame) or rice vermicelli.
- Broccoli can be replaced by fresh blanched and squeezed spinach or sliced shiitake mushrooms.
How to store
Guarde em pote fechado na geladeira por até 3 dias. Reaqueça na frigideira em fogo baixo com uma colher de água para que a massa recupere a transparência elástica.
Can it be frozen?
We do not recommend freezing ready-made japchae. Sweet potato noodles lose molecular elasticity upon thawing, becoming whitish, dry, and brittle when heating.
What to serve with
Serve hot or at room temperature as a light main dish or as banchan (traditional Korean side dish) alongside steamed white rice and kimchi preserve.
Frequently asked questions
How to prevent sweet potato noodles from getting sticky after draining?
Drain the pasta and wash it immediately under cold running water to stop the cooking. Then, mix a teaspoon of sesame oil to the strands with your hands before adding to the skillet.
Why should vegetables be cut into thin strips (julienne)?
Cutting into uniform strips follows the long shape of the pasta, ensuring that with every bite there is a balance of textures between the soft strands and the crunchiness of the vegetables and chicken.
What is dangmyeon noodles and where to find them?
Dangmyeon is a Korean noodle made exclusively from sweet potato starch and water. It contains no gluten and is found in Asian grocery stores or specialized emporiums in dry translucent packages.
Can I serve japchae cold on hot days?
Yes, japchae is traditionally served warm or at room temperature at Korean banquets. Upon cooling, the sesame oil and soy sauce remain well integrated into the sweet potato dough.
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