How to Cook Japchae with Local Ingredients (Easy Recipe)

Japchae (잡채) is a popular Korean glass noodle dish often served during celebrations. It’s savory, slightly sweet, and packed with colorful vegetables and meat. While traditional Japchae can call for specific ingredients, this recipe is designed to be flexible, using readily available substitutes you can find at your local Walmart or Trader Joe’s.

Ingredients:

Glass Noodles (Dangmyeon): 8 oz (Available at Asian markets or online. If unavailable, try using thin rice noodles, but the texture will be different.)
Beef: 4 oz thinly sliced (Sirloin, flank steak, or even pre-sliced stir-fry beef work well)
Spinach: 5 oz fresh spinach
Carrot: 1 medium
Onion: 1/2 medium
Mushrooms: 4 oz (Shiitake is traditional, but Baby Bella/Cremini mushrooms from Trader Joe’s are a great substitute)
Bell Pepper: 1/2 (any color)
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
Sesame Seeds: 1 tbsp, toasted (optional)
Cooking Oil: Vegetable oil or canola oil

Marinade for Beef:

Soy Sauce: 1 tbsp
Sugar: 1 tsp
Sesame Oil: 1 tsp
Garlic: 1/2 clove, minced
Black Pepper: Pinch

Sauce for Japchae:

Soy Sauce: 4 tbsp
Sugar: 2 tbsp
Sesame Oil: 2 tbsp
Water or Beef Broth: 2 tbsp
Garlic: 1 clove, minced
Black Pepper: Pinch

Ingredient Substitutions (Walmart/Trader Joe’s Friendly):

Daepa (Korean Leek): Use regular leeks or green onions (scallions) from Walmart or Trader Joe’s.
Cheongyang Chili Pepper: If you like spice, use a jalapeno pepper (finely diced) from Walmart or Trader Joe’s. Remove the seeds for less heat. A pinch of red pepper flakes also works.
Pork Belly: Substitute with bacon (cooked and crumbled) for a smoky flavor or just use more beef.
Shiitake Mushrooms: Baby Bella (Cremini) mushrooms from Trader Joe’s or even white button mushrooms from Walmart are perfectly acceptable substitutes.
Korean Sesame Oil: While essential for flavor, regular sesame oil will do in a pinch. You can enhance the sesame flavor by toasting the sesame seeds well.

Instructions:

Prepare the Noodles: Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add the glass noodles and cook according to package directions (usually 6-8 minutes). Drain the noodles and rinse with cold water. Cut the noodles into shorter, manageable lengths (about 4-5 inches).
Marinate the Beef: In a small bowl, combine the beef with the marinade ingredients. Mix well and set aside for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Vegetables: Wash and prepare all the vegetables. Thinly slice the carrots and onion. If using Baby Bella mushrooms, slice them thinly. Wash the spinach thoroughly.
Cook the Spinach: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Blanch the spinach for about 30 seconds, until wilted. Drain and rinse with cold water. Squeeze out excess water and season lightly with a pinch of salt and a drizzle of sesame oil.
Cook the Beef: Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the marinated beef and cook until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Stir-fry the Vegetables: Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Stir-fry the onion and carrots until slightly softened (about 3-4 minutes). Add the mushrooms and bell pepper and continue to stir-fry for another 2-3 minutes until slightly tender. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together all the sauce ingredients.
Combine Everything: In the same skillet (or a large bowl), combine the cooked noodles, beef, vegetables, and sauce. Toss everything together well to ensure the noodles are evenly coated with the sauce.
Serve: Transfer the Japchae to a serving dish. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds (optional). Serve warm or at room temperature.

Tips and Variations:

Adjust the sweetness: Taste the sauce and adjust the amount of sugar to your preference.
Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or thinly sliced cabbage.
Make it vegetarian: Omit the beef and add extra vegetables or tofu.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a finely diced jalapeno to the sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Japchae! This adaptable recipe makes it easy to enjoy this delicious Korean dish no matter where you are.