Japchae with Korean Vegetables, Kimchi and Corned Beef

 A fusion comfort dish bringing together sweet-soy Korean noodles, fermented heat, and the salty richness of corned beef.

Introduction

Sometimes the best dishes happen when tradition meets improvisation. This bowl brings together classic Korean japchae — those glossy, chewy glass noodles sautéed with vegetables — with fiery kimchi and the hearty depth of corned beef.

The result is a rustic, warming plate that is equal parts Korean comfort food and pantry creativity.

Ingredients

(Quantities approximate — adjust to taste)

Korean sweet-potato glass noodles (dangmyeon), cooked and drained

Sesame oil

Soy sauce

Sugar or mirin

Korean mixed vegetables (carrot, onion, cabbage, mushrooms…) sautéed

Kimchi, chopped

Corned beef, lightly pan-heated or folded in warm

Garlic, minced

Gochugaru or gochujang

Black pepper

Spring onions or sesame seeds to finish

Method

1. Stir-fry the vegetables

Heat sesame oil in a pan and sauté onions, carrots, cabbage, mushrooms or any Korean vegetable mix until slightly caramelised. Add garlic and cook briefly.

2. Season the base

Add soy sauce and a touch of sugar or mirin to balance. Let it glaze the vegetables.

3. Add the noodles

Stir in the cooked dangmyeon. Toss until the noodles absorb the sauce and turn glossy.

4. Fold in the kimchi

Add chopped kimchi and allow its juices to mingle with the noodles. This gives the dish its signature tang and gentle heat.

5. Warm the corned beef

Lightly heat the corned beef separately or fold it directly into the pan. It melts into the noodles, adding richness and depth.

6. Adjust seasoning

Add soy, pepper or gochugaru if you want it spicier.

7. Serve hot

Plate generously, letting the noodles and vegetables sit alongside the tender, savoury corned beef.

Tasting notes

This dish is all about contrasts: the chewiness of japchae, the acidity of kimchi, the mellow sweetness of the glaze, and the savoury punch of corned beef. It is hearty, rustic and strangely addictive — perfect winter comfort food.

Another great fusion idea involving corned beef:

Chana pulao with corned beef