Japchae

This traditional Korean dish is so easy to make and can be stylized according to what you have on hand. Glass noodles made from sweet potato are chewy and tasty!

What is Japchae

It’s a Korean stir fried noodle dish using sweet potato glass noodles. Commonly stir fried with mushrooms, julienned vegetables and spinach flavored with sugar and soy sauce. What was once a royal dish is now common all over the world. It got its name from Jap meaning mixed and chae meaning vegetables. Can be served warm or cold, popular during 1st birthdays, 16th birthdays and pot lucks due to ease of bulk preparation. Also tastes good after a day or two in the fridge. So what are you waiting for! Head on to the kitchen and give it a try!

Our Variation

I found these puffed tofu and decided to give it a try. I also used shiitakes, bell peppers and onions. I used oyster mushroom sauce instead of soy & sugar. Feel free julienne any vegetables you have on hand and mix it with your glass noodles. Make sure to season it up good and drizzle sesame oil on it too for extra flavor. The tricky part here is mixing the noodles, it is best to use hands to really get into the nitty gritty and get every noodle flavored.

What you need

• Sweet potato noodles
• Oyster mushroom sauce
• Onion
• Bell Pepper
• Mushrooms
• Sesame oil
• Puffed Tofu
• Eggplant

What you do

• Toss noodles puffed tofu and oyster mushroom sauce in
• Boil Sweet Potato noodles
• Sauté julienned vegetables, mushrooms, eggplant with aromatics
• Mix thoroughly using hands or tongs
• Finish with sesame oil and scallions

Japchae is a popular Korean dish made with glass noodles, vegetables, and a savory sauce. Traditionally, it includes meat and sometimes eggs, but it can easily be made vegan by making a few substitutions. Here's a vegan version of Japchae along with some variations, substitutions, FAQs, and storage tips

Variations

• Add tofu or tempeh: If you want to add some protein to your Japchae, you can pan-fry or bake tofu or tempeh and add it to the dish.
• Include more vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables like zucchini, bean sprouts, or broccoli to add more variety and nutrition to your Japchae.
• Spicy Japchae: If you like a bit of heat, you can add some gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.

Substitutions

• Sweet potato glass noodles: If you can't find sweet potato glass noodles, you can use other types of glass noodles or even rice noodles as a substitute.
• Maple syrup or agave nectar: If you don't have these sweeteners on hand, you can use brown sugar or any other liquid sweetener of your choice.
• Vegetables: Feel free to substitute or add different vegetables based on your preferences or what you have available in your pantry.

FAQs

Q: Can I make Japchae in advance?
A: Yes, you can make Japchae in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.

Q: Can I freeze Japchae?
A: It is not recommended to freeze Japchae as the texture of the glass noodles may change upon thawing.

Q: Can I reheat Japchae?
A: Yes, you can reheat Japchae in a pan or microwave until heated through. Add a splash of water or vegetable broth if it appears dry.

Storage

Store any leftover Japchae in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat before serving.

Enjoy this vegan version of Japchae, packed with delicious flavors and nutritious vegetables!