Aaron and Claire adapted by JojoM

Quick 15-minute japchae with chewy sweet potato noodles, pork, and colorful veggies in a savory-sweet soy sauce. Weeknight-friendly Korean classic.
Japchae is a Korean stir-fry of chewy sweet potato noodles, vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce. This version is streamlined for busy nights, keeping the traditional balance of textures and flavors while finishing fast.
Cooking the noodles directly in the pot and tossing them with sesame oil prevents sticking, while quick stir-frying keeps the vegetables bright and crisp. The sauce blends sugar, soy, and oyster sauce for a balanced, glossy finish.
Dangmyeon noodles bring the signature chew. Pork loin adds lean protein, while onion, carrot, bell pepper, shiitake, and garlic chives round out the color and flavor. The sauce is pantry-friendly and easy to whisk together.
Slice everything thinly so it cooks in minutes. Boil the noodles for six minutes, toss with sesame oil, then stir-fry the pork and vegetables in stages. Add the sauce, then fold in the noodles on low heat to coat without breaking them.
Use beef or chicken if you prefer, and swap in spinach or green onion for the chives. For a lighter flavor, reduce the sugar slightly and add a splash of water to loosen the sauce.
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to revive the noodles.
Quick 15-minute japchae with chewy sweet potato noodles, pork, and colorful veggies in a savory-sweet soy sauce. Weeknight-friendly Korean classic.

Slice everything thinly so it cooks quickly and evenly.
Rinse the noodles briefly after draining if they seem too sticky.
Use beef or chicken if you do not have pork.
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Slice the pork into thin strips.
Slice the onion, carrot, bell pepper, and shiitake mushrooms into thin strips.
Cut the garlic chives into long strips and set everything aside.
Add the noodles and water to a pot; stir in dark soy sauce if using.
Bring to a boil over medium heat and cook for 6 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Drain and toss the noodles with sesame oil; set aside.
Mix sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and MSG if using until dissolved.
Heat neutral oil in a wok over medium heat, then add pork and season with salt and pepper.
When the pork is no longer pink, add garlic, onion, carrot, and bell pepper; stir-fry until slightly softened.
Add mushrooms, garlic chives, and the sauce; stir to coat.
Reduce heat to low, add the noodles, and toss until evenly combined.
Serve immediately and finish with toasted sesame seeds.
12/28/2025
Loved the chewy noodles and the balance of sweet and savory.
12/26/2025
Used beef instead of pork and it still tasted great. Quick dinner.
12/22/2025
The timing is spot on. Everything cooked evenly without getting soggy.
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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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