Japchae

Japchae is everything what is amazing and wonderful about Korean stir fry noodles. Made with mushrooms, broccoli and for lots of flavor gochujang paste. Everything comes together really fast and will make your tastebuds really, really happy.

Reasons to love this Japchae

What I love about this Japchae Recipe, which is the epitome of comfort food in Korea, is that you can almost use any vegetables that you like.

Same goes for the noodles. Of course, generally glass noodles are used that is what I do (they taste great), but it will still be delicious with any kind of pasta.

What always promises to make any noodles better for real is the sauce like the Stir Fry Sauce and this Japchae sauce will never get boring, so tasty.

Have you ever had Gochujang paste? It will be an amazing change from hot sauces.

What you need for this Japchae Recipe

Noodles: As I mentioned above, I use glass noodles and you can use any stir fry noodles or pasta. It will add an amazing texture anyways.

Shiitake mushrooms add wonderful flavor. Keep in mind, if you use dried shiitake, you will need to soak them first, because this is what develops the flavor. Also you can use other mushrooms, if you prefer.

For a stir fry, I prefer using Broccolini which has longer and smaller stalks than broccoli florets. I really like the taste in this stir fry here. You can also use broccoli for sure which is widely available if you can find them easier in your supermarket. 

Red onions: for sure one can use scallions, but I find red onions amazing as it only adds a wonderful pop of color and the contrast flavors.

What is Japchae sauce made of?

Japchae sauce made with simple ingredients and full of flavors, what’s not to love?

Soy sauce adds a great umami flavor which is something that is always great in any stir fry sauce.

Brown sugar is to give some sweetness to the savory sauce. Any sweetener can be used, but that almost caramel flavor from brown sugar in my gusto is unmatched.

I use Sesame oil to cook the noodles and vegetables. Second, a bit of sesame oil for the Japchae sauce adds lots and lots of delicious flavor.

Finally, Gochujang paste is a Korean hot paste and full of flavor that adds an amazing heat to our glass noodle stir fry.

How to make Japchae

Start with making the Japchae sauce. In a bowl combine 2 Tbs sesame oil, leave remaining for cooking, gochujang paste, brown sugar, soy sauce, garlic and a salt pinch of salt pepper. Set aside until use.

Prepare your glass noodles according to the package directions. How that works depends on the used brand. Also, if you use other noodles or pasta you will adjust the preparation the way the preparation is given on the package.

Next, in a pan heat remaining 2 Tbs sesame oil. When hot, add red onions, shiitake mushrooms and broccolini. Cook everything for around 7 minutes.

Finally, add back glass noodles and sauce. Cook for 5 minutes more and serve.

Tips and tricks

For the noodles: Leftover are also great which will save you time.

Japchae sauce can be made in advance around 3 days.

You can switch and add any vegetables you love and like.

Leftovers are great for around 4 days. You can eat them cold, warm or hot.

Freezing is not recommend, because it will get mushy.

Other recipes to try

• Korean Rice
• Garlic Pasta
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich
• Dumpling Soup
• Creamy Mac and Cheese

Share the remakes of Japchae with a tag on Instagram or Facebook.

Enjoy, Florian.