Discover a Great Flavor in Your Home
Yakisoba is a popular Japanese dish that consists of stir-fried noodles, meat or vegetables, and a sweet and savory sauce.
It has become a staple food in Japanese cuisine, often served at festivals and street fairs.
Yakisoba can be made with various ingredients, making it a versatile and delicious dish.
Learn more on Wellix.
Once upon a time, in Japan…
The origin of this food is believed to be in China, where a similar dish called chow mein was first made.
They brought it to Japan in the early 20th century and quickly became popular as a street meal.
Today, it is a staple dish in Japanese cuisine, and many restaurants in Japan specialize in Yakisoba.
It’s not just noodles…
To make Yakisoba, you will need:
- 8 oz. Yakisoba noodles (the supermarket is a great place to get some)
- 1/2 lb. pork belly or boneless chicken thighs, sliced, some meat can be a good idea too
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 cups cabbage, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for non-vegan)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the Yakisoba noodles according to package instructions, drain and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the sliced pork, chicken or meat and cook until browned.
3. Add the sliced onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Put the julienned carrot and sliced cabbage to the pan and cook until tender.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and sugar.
7. Add the sauce mixture to the pan and stir until all ingredients are coated.
8. Slice butter to the pan and continue cooking and stirring until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Only with vegetables is also a great idea:
For a vegetarian or vegan version of the dis, replace the meat with tofu or just use vegetables.
Here’s a recipe for a vegetarian/vegan Yakisoba:
Ingredients:
- 8 oz. Yakisoba noodles
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 2 cups cabbage, sliced
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- 1 cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for non-vegan there is a vegan version)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian/vegan version available)
- 1 tsp sugar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook your Yakisoba noodles according to their instructions, drain and set aside.
2. Heat vegetable oil in a large wok or frying pan over medium-high heat. Reach the point you like.
3. Put the sliced onion and garlic to the pan and cook until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the julienned carrot, sliced cabbage, bell pepper, and sliced mushrooms to the pan and cook until it’s tender.
5. Add the cooked noodles to the pan and stir to combine with the other ingredients.
6. In a small bowl, mix together the soy sauce, oyster sauce (if using), Worcestershire sauce, and sugar.
7. Pour the sauce mixture into the pan and stir until all ingredients are coated.
8. Continue cooking and stirring until the noodles are evenly coated and heated through.
9. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve hot.
Sauce Recipe because this is why a Yakisoba is Yakisoba:
The sauce used with the noodles is a key component of the dish’s flavor.
Here’s a recipe for making it:
Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce (optional, for non-vegan)
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp sugar
- 1 tbsp mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine)
Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce (if using), ketchup, sugar, and mirin.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed.
3. Use the sauce immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Fun Facts, Cool Facts About Yakisoba:
- They serve Yakisoba on a hot plate or a griddle, which adds a crispy texture to the noodles.
- In Japan, it is often served at outdoor festivals and events, and is a popular dish for camping and picnics.
- This dish can be made with various ingredients, making it versatile and delicious.
- The famous anime character Doraemon is known for his love of Yakisoba, and the dish is often featured in the series.
- The city of Okonomimura in Hiroshima is known for its many restaurants specializing in Yakisoba and other street foods.
You Don’t Need to Be in the Far East to Eat It
This meal is a delicious and nutritious Japanese dish that is loved by many around the world.
It has a rich history, and its recipes have evolved over time to include different ingredients and variations.
Whether you prefer the traditional recipe or the veggie version, Yakisoba is a satisfying and tasty dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Try making it at home with our easy-to-follow recipes, and enjoy the fun facts and cool facts that make Yakisoba a unique and beloved food.
By Alonso Ruiz