Vegetarian Korean Japchae Noodle Recipe • Steamy Kitchen Recipes Giveaways (2024)

by Jaden | Asian, Main Course, Recipes, Sides | 23 comments

Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

Vegetarian Korean Japchae Noodle Recipe • Steamy Kitchen Recipes Giveaways (1)

Scott’s garden yielded a bucket of sweet potatoesand my raised beds finished the Spring growing season sputtering out the last of the kale and swiss chard. Summer is when we put the raised beds to rest – it’s just too darn hot to grow anything except hot chile peppers and okra (which sounds kinda good together too!)

We decided on making one of Korea’s most popular dishes, Japchae, or Glass Noodles. If you have friends or family on this or that diet, this is a dish that just might please everyone (well, except for meat-only eaters).

Vegetarian Korean Japchae Noodle Recipe • Steamy Kitchen Recipes Giveaways (2)

So what are dang myung noodles??

Dang Myung noodles are made from sweet potato starch, so they are vegan, gluten-free, paleo-friendly, dairy-free, soy-free and peanut-free. The back of every package that I’ve found at the Asian market states that the only ingredient is Sweet Potato Starch. I’m not so sure of that. There’s got to be some other ingredient in these noodles – can anyone confirm?

The noodles are stretchy, neutral flavored (duh!),slightly chewy and springy in texture. What they are great for is soaking up all of the flavors in the dish. Not much seasoning is needed because the noodles really actlike a sponge.

FOOD FIGHT!!!

The other thing these noodles are fantastic for is FOOD FIGHT! Because they are so elastic, you can flick your wrist and SLAP your opponents face with a tangle mess of stinging wet noodles. Watch the recipe video…and at the end and see how well this works. I let the boys go at it with each other!

But beware….10 Minutes of food fighting fun, 40minutes of cleanup. But the boys said it was all worth it. My camera lens….not so happy. I got hit too!

Vegetarian Korean Japchae Noodle Recipe • Steamy Kitchen Recipes Giveaways (3)

Vegetarian Korean Japchae Noodle Recipe • Steamy Kitchen Recipes Giveaways (4)

Korean Japchae Glass Noodles Recipe - Super Foods Version!

The key to this recipe is adding each ingredient separately - in the video, the sweet potato takes the longest to cook, so it goes in first.

Feel free to customize! Add mushrooms (add with the onions); matchstick carrots or fresh spinach leaves (add them the same time as the kale/swiss chard).

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Servings 4

Ingredients

  • 6 oz dried Korean glass noodles (sweet potato)
  • 1 medium sweet potato
  • 4 big handfuls kale and swiss chard
  • 1 onion
  • 1 stalk green onion
  • 3-4 cloves garlic
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds
  • 1 tablespoon cooking oil

Instructions

PREP INGREDIENTS:

  • Boil a pot of water (about 2 quarts). Turn off heat and add in the glass noodles. Let sit for 10 minutes.

  • Kale/Swiss Chard: Fold leaves in half, tear away the leafy part from tough stem (discard stem). Cut or tear leaves into bite sized pieces.

  • Dice the sweet potatoes into 1/2" dice (the smaller you dice, the quicker it will cook)

  • Onion: Slice onion into thin slices.

  • Green Onion: chop.

  • Finely mince the garlic

  • In bowl, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar and sesame oil.

  • If 10 minutes have passed for the noodles, drain the noodles.

COOK:

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Items I use (and love!)

This baby is my favorite way to mince garlic. It can do up to 4 cloves at the same time!

Since we’ve sold out of the Steamy Kitchen Woks (thank you to all the customers!) I’ve been using and loving this Anolon Wok – it’s got a flat bottom, hard-anodized aluminum with nonstick, a great lid that you can see through and heat resistant handles. And, the price is amazing! Great for gas or electric.

Vegetarian Korean Japchae Noodle Recipe • Steamy Kitchen Recipes Giveaways (5)Did you try this recipe? Please leave a star rating in the recipe card below and leave a review in the comment section! I always appreciate your feedback and I know other readers do, too!

Vegetarian Korean Japchae Noodle Recipe • Steamy Kitchen Recipes Giveaways (6)Stay in touch with me in our Facebook group, on Pinterest or follow me on Instagram! Sign up for my email list, too where we chat all things recipes, tips, giveaways, and more!

  1. Onya on 8/15/16 at 7:11 pm

    Pork!!!

    Reply

  2. Tina on 6/12/16 at 9:50 pm

    can you use sea kelp noodles?

    Reply

    • Jaden on 6/15/16 at 1:20 pm

      Yes, but it will taste different.

      Reply

  3. Chelvi on 7/24/15 at 8:31 am

    Came across your site during a search. Very good recipes and I love this recipe and have to make it since I am a vegetarian.

    Reply

  4. Andrianna on 6/16/15 at 8:32 am

    Does this recipie work with Bean thread noodles (cellophane noodles)?

    Reply

    • Jaden on 6/16/15 at 11:41 am

      Yes it does- just cook the noodles according to package instructions.

      Reply

  5. The noodle is called "dahng-myoun", dhang means starch and myoun(mien in Chinese) means noodle. on 6/30/14 at 11:45 am

    The noodle is called “Dahng-Myoun”, dahng means starch and myoun (Mien in Chinese; Men in Japanese). Yes, the package information is correct. I
    Too make Dahang-Myoun, you first make sweet potato powder. Mix the powder with water and collect the starch that sink at the bottom.
    Now, you add some water and make sort of soft dough. Extrude the dough (through a noodle maker) into boingling water. Rinse the noodle and dry, you have now Dahng-Myoun. You do not neet any other ingredients! Pure natural.

    Reply

  6. Maryann on 6/26/14 at 1:25 pm

    Thanks for posting this recipe! I love Asian noodle dishes and am always looking for something new to try. Have never tried this, but I will when I find them.

    Reply

  7. Heather Gilmour on 6/23/14 at 4:28 am

    Thanks for that delicious recipe! I made it for dinner and now is a family favourite!

    Reply

  8. Joanne on 6/22/14 at 11:05 am

    I’ve never cooked with these noodles before, but I love love love eating them! Their texture is the best and it’s awesome how they soak up all the sauce flavors!

    Reply

  9. Alison on 6/18/14 at 6:29 pm

    I made this tonight and it was delicious! Your original jap chae recipe is a standard in our house, and this one was a hit too. The sweet potato was great. Thank you for the recipe!

    Reply

  10. Betty on 6/17/14 at 10:12 am

    Jaden,
    Thanks for replying back about the type blenders. Trader Joes sell green drinks but price is so high so decided to make my own for my family and myself to enjoyed.

    Japchae is so popular in Hawaii and with me in San Francisco. You bring it in potluck cold and all vegetable in it is great. People like it as cold pasta salad which is why it always went quick in potluck partries.

    Reply

  11. Judy in SATX on 6/13/14 at 10:07 pm

    I’m looking forward to trying this recipe! What meat would you recommend/is traditional with this dish?

    Reply

    • esther on 6/16/14 at 12:13 pm

      This dish looks great but is a bit different from the traditional version as the vegetables are very different and I have never seen sweet potatoes and swiss chard in japchae.

      To answer your question: thin slices of beef marinated with soy sauce, sugar and a little sesame oil.

      Reply

  12. L on 6/13/14 at 2:06 pm

    Ok, I haven’t had the chance to actually read this, but I am SO excited to see Japchae today! Just yesterday I was telling some friends it’s one of my favourite foods! I was taught by a Korean friend how to make this, and I haven’t made it in years so I didn’t remember everything especially the name to even find out! So thank you! I can’t wait to make this again. I no longer live in the city so if I can’t find the noodles you recommend, is there anything else I can substitute? I’ve seen cornstarch noodles and rice noodles…not sure of the sweet potato noodles…

    Reply

  13. Cindy on 6/12/14 at 6:56 pm

    What brand of Japchae did you use? What is the difference between Japchae and Shirataki ?

    Reply

    • SteamyKitchen on 6/13/14 at 8:51 am

      The noodle is called “dang myun” or sweet potato noodle. The fried noodle dish that I made is called Japchae.
      Shirataki is made from a special type of Asian potato that when processed into shirataki it becomes slippery and jelly-like. Sweet potato noodles are more chewy, springy and more resembles what we are used to texture-wise.

      Reply

  14. SteamyKitchen on 6/12/14 at 4:26 pm

    Video fixed. Thanks for the feedback! 😉

    Reply

  15. caryl hodgdon on 6/12/14 at 2:03 pm

    I couldn’t find the video but this looks delicious. I’m definitely trying it and I think the kids will manage the noodle war without the video!!!

    Reply

  16. Lyndsey on 6/12/14 at 11:58 am

    The Asian store close to me on Gulf Gate is owned and ran by Koreans so they carry many Koren food items, I love it. On Saturdays they make their noodle dish, Korean sushi (gimbap) and dumplings…so we visit there often for Sat lunch. I need to pick up more of the sweet potato noodle now, this looks too good not to try.

    Reply

  17. Ljana Vimont on 6/12/14 at 11:21 am

    Hi Jaden,

    I think you linked the wrong video as I am seeing an Oxi Clean commercial!

    Great recipe none the less. I LOVE Japchae!!!

    Thanks!

    Ljana

    Reply

  18. Kelley on 6/12/14 at 11:04 am

    Is the video supposed to be “How to Remove Grout Stains with OxiClean”? Or is my computer being weird…?

    Reply

Submit a Comment

Vegetarian Korean Japchae Noodle Recipe • Steamy Kitchen Recipes Giveaways (2024)

FAQs

Are japchae noodles healthy? ›

If you haven't tried Korean japchae, then you don't know what you're missing! This authentic stir-fry uses nutritious sweet potato noodles and virtuous vegetables for a meal that's healthy, easy and delicious.

What is japchae sauce made of? ›

The japchae sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made of brown sugar, dark soy sauce, and sesame oil. It's the perfect balance of sweet and savory.

Is japchae good for diabetics? ›

One of my favorite Korean dishes, chapchae (or japchae) involves yam noodles that are delicious, but total poison to a diabetic due to their high-carb, low-fiber content. However, just a couple aisles over in my Korean supermart are carb-free shirataki noodles, made from a tuber that is very similar to yams.

Is japchae served hot or cold? ›

The beauty of japchae is that you can eat it hot, room temperature, or even cold. It makes a great on-the-go lunch, as the noodles don't get soggy and there's a nice balance of vegetables and starch. This dish is also nice for potlucks, as it doesn't have to be served hot.

Which is the healthiest noodles in the world? ›

6 Healthy Noodles You Should Be Eating, According to a Dietitian
  • Whole-Wheat Pasta.
  • Chickpea Pasta.
  • Veggie Noodles.
  • Red Lentil Pasta.
  • Soba Noodles.
  • White Pasta.
Jul 13, 2023

Are glass noodles anti inflammatory? ›

Glass noodles are sugar-free

By reducing sugar in your diet, you can help lower your cholesterol, blood pressure, chronic inflammation, and more. Because of this, glass noodles are often recommended to those with diabetes.

What is a good substitute for japchae noodles? ›

Made with chewy, slippery sweet potato noodles (dangmyeon) which are available in large grocery stores, though can be substitute with glass noodles (bean thread noodles) or vermicelli noodles in a pinch. Makes a big batch – leftovers make for a terrific lunch!

Why do Koreans eat japchae? ›

Korean name

Once a royal dish, japchae is now one of the most popular traditional celebration dishes, often served on special occasions, such as weddings, birthdays (especially dol, the first birthday, and hwangap, the sixtieth), and holidays.

Is japchae high in carbs? ›

Some Carbs: While not super high in carbs, japchae does contain glass noodles (made from sweet potato starch) and sometimes rice or other starches.

What noodles are best for blood sugar? ›

The best pasta for diabetics to eat is pasta made from whole grains or wheat. Pasta made from whole grains is less likely to cause spikes in blood sugar, making this kind of pasta ideal for diabetics.

What is the healthiest snack for a diabetic? ›

Raw carrots, bell pepper, cucumber, celery, and other vegetables paired with hummus make for a delicious diabetes-friendly alternative to chips and dip. Vegetables are low in calories and high in fiber, which slows digestion and helps stabilize blood sugar levels.

What is the difference between glass noodles and shirataki noodles? ›

Glass Noodles. Yamash*ta says that the biggest difference between shirataki noodles and glass noodles is the base ingredient. Shirataki is made from the konjac yam, while glass noodles are made from either mung bean starch, potato starch, sweet potato starch, tapioca or canna starch.

What is a fun fact about japchae? ›

History of Japchae

It was made from sweet potato noodles, vegetables and beef. It is believed to have been created by Queen Injeong as a way to feed the royal family. In the 1930s, japchae became widespread when it began to be served in restaurants.

What is japchae in english? ›

Japchae 잡채

Japchae, sweet potato starch noodles stir fried with vegetables and meat, is one of Korea's best-loved dishes, and one of the most popular on my website as well.

Should you refrigerate japchae? ›

Note: Japchae is one of those dishes that are meant to be eaten the day of. If however, you do want to store the leftovers, please store in refrigerator (1-day max) and re-heat in the microwave. (Microwave does a better job than stir-frying when re-heating dangmyeon noodles.)

Are glass noodles healthier than pasta? ›

Despite not being made with flour, glass noodles are nutritionally similar to white flour–based pastas. (Each 1 cup serving of cooked glass noodles has 160 calories and 39 grams of carbohydrates, whereas the same amount of cooked spaghetti has 200 calories and only 24 grams of carbs.)

Are Korean glass noodles healthy? ›

Glass noodles are fat-free and great for weight-loss diets. Reducing fats in your meal will combat obesity, cardiovascular disease, and several other metabolic disorders. Cellophane noodles are also a great source of iron. Getting enough iron in your diet ensures that oxygen is transported through the body.

Are japchae noodles high in carbs? ›

Shirakiku Korean Japchae Glass Noodles With Vegetables (1 package) contains 46g total carbs, 44g net carbs, 2g fat, 2g protein, and 210 calories.

Are glass noodles healthier than rice? ›

Glass noodles are lower in calories and GI.

This is because they can absorb a lot more water than rice and wheat noodles; so a plate of cooked glass noodles actually contains less carbs because there's more water in it. They are also lower in glycemic index than rice or wheat noodles.

References

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Maia Crooks Jr

Last Updated:

Views: 6080

Rating: 4.2 / 5 (43 voted)

Reviews: 82% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Maia Crooks Jr

Birthday: 1997-09-21

Address: 93119 Joseph Street, Peggyfurt, NC 11582

Phone: +2983088926881

Job: Principal Design Liaison

Hobby: Web surfing, Skiing, role-playing games, Sketching, Polo, Sewing, Genealogy

Introduction: My name is Maia Crooks Jr, I am a homely, joyous, shiny, successful, hilarious, thoughtful, joyous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.