Japchae - Korean Glass Noodle Stir-Fry with Pork & Vegetables

Ingredients (Serves 3)

Main Ingredients

• Sweet potato glass noodles (dangmyeon) – 10.5 oz (300 g)

• Ground pork – 10.5 oz (300 g)

• Oyster mushrooms – 5.3 oz (150 g)

• Beech mushrooms – 5.3 oz (150 g)

• Red bell pepper – 5.3 oz (150 g)

• Carrot – 5.3 oz (150 g)

• Onion – 5.3 oz (150 g)

• Spinach – 7 oz (200 g)
  
  

Sauce & Seasoning

• Soy sauce – 4 Tbsp

• Dark soy sauce – 1 Tbsp

• Oyster sauce – 1 Tbsp

• Sugar – 3 Tbsp

• Oligodang syrup (or corn syrup) – 2 Tbsp

• Cooking wine (mirin or sake) – 2 Tbsp

• Minced garlic – 1 Tbsp

• Sesame oil – 1 Tbsp

• Toasted sesame seeds – 1 Tbsp

• Vegetable oil – 3 Tbsp

• Salt & black pepper – to taste
  

Instructions

1. Prepare the noodles
   Soak the sweet potato glass noodles in cold water for at least 30 minutes. This helps soften them before stir-frying.

2. Prep the vegetables

   • Julienne the carrot, red bell pepper, and onion.

   • Tear oyster and beech mushrooms into thin strips.

   • Cut spinach into bite-sized pieces (less than 2 inches).

3. Cook the pork
   Heat a skillet with 1 Tbsp vegetable oil. Stir-fry the ground pork until about 80% cooked. Add minced garlic and continue cooking until fully done. Deglaze with cooking wine, then season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Stir-fry vegetables
   Add carrot and cook until about 70% done. Toss in red bell pepper and cook for 1 minute. Add mushrooms and stir-fry until tender. Then, add onion and cook 2 minutes. Finally, stir in spinach and cook for 2 minutes. Remove pork and vegetables from the skillet and set aside.

5. Cook the noodles with sauce
   In the same skillet, combine soy sauce, dark soy sauce, oyster sauce, sugar, and remaining vegetable oil. Simmer for 2 minutes. Add soaked noodles and stir-fry for about 4 minutes, until glossy and tender.

6. Combine everything
   Return pork and vegetables to the skillet. Stir-fry together for 3 minutes. Add oligodang syrup (or corn syrup) and toss well to coat.

7. Finish & serve
   Drizzle sesame oil over the noodles and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds. Serve warm and enjoy!
   
   

Tips for the Best Japchae

• For a vegetarian Japchae, skip the pork and add extra mushrooms or tofu.

• You can prepare the noodles and sauce in advance, then stir-fry everything together before serving.

• Japchae can be enjoyed warm or at room temperature, making it perfect for parties or meal prep.

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