What is Japchae: Guide to Korean Glass Noodles

Japchae is a Korean dish involving stir-fried glass noodles and vegetables. This popular noodle dish was once served in the royal court and is often served as a celebratory dish for weddings, birthdays, and holidays. It makes for a fantastic party dish due to its flexibility: it can be eaten hot, cold, freshly made, or the day after.

As well as its ease as a dish, japchae is popular for being extremely tasty: a perfect balance of sweet and savoury flavours with a warm, nutty taste and chewy texture. This dish proves to be easy to make as well as a wonderful eating experience.

History of Japchae

The dish dates back to the 17th century during Korea’s Joseon Dynasty, when it was first created for a royal banquet hosted by King Gwanghaegun. Interestingly, the original version did not contain noodles at all and was simply a mix of finely shredded vegetables and mushrooms. Sweet potato glass noodles, known as dangmyeon, were introduced to Korea in the early 20th century and eventually became the defining ingredient of the dish.

What is in Japchae?

Japchae is made with glass noodles, or dangmyeon, made from sweet potato starch. Other ingredients typically include vegetables, mushrooms, and meat. It is also usually seasoned with sesame oil and soy sauce. The meat used is traditionally beef due to its rich flavour – it should be very thinly sliced chuck or rib eye cuts of beef.

For vegetables, japchae usually includes carrot, spinach, red bell pepper, and shiitake mushrooms, although many recipes alter and add other ingredients. The vegetables are traditionally stir-fried separately to maintain optimal texture and taste.

Japchae Variations

While the traditional dish is simple and widely loved, it is also an easily adaptable recipe and has garnered quite a few alternative variations. Some of the most popular variations of japchae include:

• Jokchae, made with jokpyeon (jellied cow trotters)
• Gochu-japchae, made with shredded green pepper
• Haemul-japchae, made with seafood

For those who are looking for a meat-free recipe, the meat served with japchae can be easily substituted with tofu, or vegetables can be used in lieu of meat altogether. Some also find it easier to stir-fry the vegetables all together, rather than separately and combining them at the end, as to avoid using more dishes.

What Noodles to Use For Japchae

Dangmyeon noodles are semi-transparent, chewy noodles, which, alongside the typical inclusion of mushrooms and crunchy vegetables like carrots and peppers, help to make japchae a wonderfully textured dish.

Can I Use Vermicelli for Japchae?

If you’re out of dangmyeon noodles but are craving a japchae dish, you can use alternative noodle ingredients, although it will create a slightly different texture and flavour from the traditional version.

Authentic japchae is made with Korean sweet potato glass noodles, called dangmyeon, which are chewy, glossy, and slightly elastic. Vermicelli noodles are thinner and softer, so the dish will feel lighter and less chewy.

If you cannot find Korean glass noodles, vermicelli works as a substitute and still pairs nicely with the classic japchae ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, vegetables, and beef or tofu. Mung bean vermicelli is usually the closest alternative in texture to traditional japchae noodles.

How to Serve Japchae - Do You Eat Japchae Hot or Cold?

Though you can eat japchae at any temperature, it is best served slightly warm. Some like to finish the dish with shredded egg garnish, sesame seeds, or onion for further flavour as well as to elevate its presentation.

The dish can be eaten as a side dish, which is its traditional serving style, but it can also make for a hearty main meal. Japchae is often served over rice, which is typically accompanied by gravy or black bean sauce.

This timeless and versatile Korean dish serves as an excellent option for a side dish at parties, potlucks, and large dinners, though it also makes for a wonderful home-cooked main meal. A long-beloved traditional Korean dish, japchae is easy to love and accessible. The dish is extremely adaptable and can be altered to suit all kinds of diets and occasions.

For more tasty Korean bites, see our online Korean supermarket and discover a new favourite!