Chapchae, Famous Korean Stir-Fried Noodles
Sweet potato noodles stir-fried with crispy vegetables
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 30 minutes

Chapchae is an iconic Korean dish that transforms simple sweet potato noodles into a colorful and flavorful feast. With its crispy vegetables and sesame-scented sauce, this vegan dish is perfect as a side dish or light main course.
Ingredients
-
sweet potato vermicelli noodles
-
onions
Sweet -
baby spinach leaves
-
carrots
coupées en bâtonnet -
spring onions
hachés -
brown button mushrooms
coupés en lamelles -
green zucchini
coupé en demi-lunes -
clove of garlic
hachées finement -
olive oil
-
sesame oil
-
soy sauce
-
sugar
-
salt
Recipe steps
Prepare the vegetables
Chop the onions and garlic. Cut the carrots into sticks and the zucchini into rounds or half-moons.
Prepare the noodles and spinach
Cook the sweet potato noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Blanch the spinach.
Stir-fry the vegetables
In a large skillet or wok over medium heat, heat the olive oil and add one tablespoon of sesame oil. Add the onion slices and chopped garlic, sauté for about 1 minute.
Add the remaining vegetables
Add the carrots, mushrooms, zucchini, and blanched spinach. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables are half-cooked and still slightly crispy.
Mix with the noodles
Lower the heat and add the cooked noodles, soy sauce, sugar, and remaining sesame oil. Mix well and cook for another 2 minutes.
Season and serve
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt or more soy sauce if needed. Sprinkle with chopped chives and serve immediately.
Tips and variations
- You can add toasted sesame seeds when serving for extra crunch and flavor.
- For a richer version, add shiitake mushrooms or bamboo shoots.
Anti-waste tips
Don’t throw away carrot tops! You can use them to make an original pesto or add them to your soups and broths.
Mushroom stems can be stored in the freezer to enrich your vegetable broths.