Japchae is a beloved Korean-Japanese fusion dish of bouncy glass noodles stir-fried with vegetables and meat. This version uses Bell Foods Premium BBQ Sauce as the base seasoning ? replacing the traditional mix of soy sauce, sugar, and sesame oil with one bottle that does it all. The result is a savoury-sweet noodle dish that's ready in under 20 minutes.

Why This Recipe Works

Glass noodles (also called bean thread or cellophane noodles) are available at every market in Cambodia and cook in minutes. Bell Foods Premium BBQ Sauce provides the exact balance of soy, sweetness, and depth that Japchae needs ? no measuring five different condiments. Add whatever vegetables you find at your local market and dinner is sorted.

Ingredients (Serves 2?3)

• 150 g glass noodles (bean thread noodles)
• 150 g beef (sirloin or flank), thinly sliced
• 3 tbsp Bell Foods Premium BBQ Sauce
• 1 tbsp Bell Foods Soy Sauce
• 1 small carrot, julienned
• 1/2 bell pepper (any colour), thinly sliced
• 1 cup spinach or morning glory, roughly chopped
• 3 shiitake mushrooms (or oyster mushrooms), sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 tbsp vegetable oil
• Toasted sesame seeds, for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the noodles. Soak glass noodles in warm water for 10 minutes until soft. Drain and cut into manageable lengths with scissors.
2. Marinate the beef. Toss sliced beef with 1 tbsp Bell Foods Premium BBQ Sauce and set aside for 5 minutes.
3. Stir-fry the vegetables. Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large pan over high heat. Add garlic and stir for 15 seconds. Add carrot, bell pepper, and mushrooms. Stir-fry for 2 minutes. Add spinach and cook until just wilted. Remove vegetables and set aside.
4. Cook the beef. In the same pan, sear the marinated beef for 2 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.
5. Combine everything. Add drained noodles to the pan. Pour in the remaining 2 tbsp Bell Foods Premium BBQ Sauce and Bell Foods Soy Sauce. Toss over medium heat for 1?2 minutes. Return vegetables and beef to the pan. Drizzle with sesame oil and toss to combine.
6. Serve. Plate and sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds.

Serving Suggestion

Serve as a main course with steamed rice, or as a side dish alongside grilled meat. It also works beautifully at room temperature, making it ideal for potlucks and gatherings.

Pro Tip

For a vegetarian version, skip the beef and double the mushrooms ? oyster mushrooms from Phnom Penh markets are meaty and affordable. Add a splash of Bell Foods Sesame Dressing at the end for extra nutty richness.