Super Quick Japchae: Ready in Minutes!
Whip up Japchae in a Flash! A simplified recipe with double the flavor and half the fuss.
Japchae often gets a reputation for being a complicated dish to make. However, with this simplified recipe from “Chon Ajim” (Country Auntie) and “Baegopeun Mom” (Hungry Mom), you can enjoy this delicious stir-fried glass noodle dish with significantly fewer ingredients and steps. It’s so easy that you just need to stir-fry everything, making it perfect for busy days. We’ve adapted it significantly, but the taste is even better – a truly successful recipe! This version streamlines the traditional process without compromising on the rich flavors, making it accessible for anyone to create a fantastic Japchae at home.
Basic Japchae Ingredients- 200g wide glass noodles (dangmyeon)
- 2 Tbsp soy sauce (for marinating noodles)
- 1 Tbsp sesame oil (for marinating noodles)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil (for marinating noodles)
- 1 Tbsp corn syrup or oligodang (for marinating noodles)
- 1 Tbsp plum extract or maesilcheong (for marinating noodles)
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare 200g of wide glass noodles (dangmyeon). Bring a generous pot of water to a boil and add the noodles. Cook for about 6 minutes. It’s crucial not to overcook them, as they can become mushy when stir-fried. Once cooked, immediately rinse the noodles under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Drain them thoroughly in a colander to remove excess water, which prevents them from sticking or becoming gummy. In a bowl, gently toss the drained noodles with 2 Tbsp soy sauce, 1 Tbsp sesame oil, 1 Tbsp cooking oil, 1 Tbsp oligodang, and 1 Tbsp maesilcheong. This initial seasoning allows the noodles to absorb flavor deeply.
Step 2
Now, let’s start stir-frying. Heat a wok or a deep pan over medium heat. Add 1 Tbsp cooking oil and 1 Tbsp sesame oil to create a fragrant base. Add 1 Tbsp minced garlic and stir-fry for about 30 seconds, being careful not to burn it, until the garlic is fragrant. This step infuses the oil with garlic aroma.
Step 3
Once the garlic is fragrant, add 1 Tbsp gochugaru (Korean chili flakes). Stir-fry quickly over medium-high heat, making sure it doesn’t burn, for about 10 seconds. Lightly toasting the chili flakes enhances the color and depth of flavor in the Japchae.
Step 4
Add the thinly sliced 200g pork neck to the pan. Break up the meat with chopsticks or a spatula as it cooks. Stir-fry until the pork is no longer pink and is mostly cooked through.
Step 5
While the pork is cooking, prepare the pork marinade. In a separate bowl, mix 3 Tbsp soy sauce, 3 Tbsp rice wine or mirin, 1 Tbsp oligodang, 1/2 Tbsp maesilcheong, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Pour this marinade over the pork in the pan. Stir-fry over medium heat until the pork is well coated and cooked through.
Step 6
Once the pork is well-marinated, add the prepared vegetables. First, add the thinly sliced carrot (1/8 carrot) and onion (1/4 onion). Stir-fry until the onions become translucent. Then, add the white parts of the green onion, sliced diagonally, and stir-fry briefly to keep them slightly crisp. Avoid overcooking the vegetables, as they can release too much water.
Step 7
When the vegetables are partially cooked, add 100g of torn or sliced mushrooms. Stir-fry until the mushrooms soften and release their moisture. Mushrooms add a chewy texture and enhance the overall flavor profile of the Japchae.
Step 8
Now it’s time to add the noodles. Place the pre-seasoned glass noodles on top of the stir-fried ingredients. Using chopsticks, gently loosen the noodles and toss them with the other ingredients until everything is well combined and the noodles are coated in sauce. Continue to stir-fry for about 1-2 minutes until the noodles become glossy and absorb the flavors. Adjust the heat as needed to prevent the noodles from sticking together.
Step 9
Finally, add the green parts of the green onion, sliced diagonally, and stir-fry quickly over high heat for about 10 seconds. This adds a fresh aroma and brightens the dish. Your super quick and delicious Japchae is now ready! Serve hot and enjoy this wonderful dish.
