Yakisoba (Japanese Stir-Fried Noodles)
Local name: 焼きそば
In short: Wheat noodles stir-fried with pork and cabbage in a tangy-sweet brown sauce, finished with seaweed flakes and pickled ginger. It takes about 27 min in total and makes 4 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 12 min
- Total
- 27 min
- Servings
- 4
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 580 kcal
Yakisoba is the noodle dish of Japanese festival stalls, school fairs and weeknight kitchens: wheat noodles stir-fried hot and fast with pork and cabbage, then tossed in a sauce that tastes tangy, sweet and a little fruity. Despite the name, there is no buckwheat in it. Cooking the meat and vegetables in stages keeps the cabbage crisp, and a hot pan gives the noodles light, savory browned edges.
Instructions
- Stir the Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, oyster sauce, soy sauce and sugar together in a small bowl.
- Loosen the noodles by microwaving the packs for 1 minute, or rinsing the noodles under hot water, and pull them apart gently.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a large wok or skillet over high heat. Stir-fry the pork for 2 to 3 minutes, until browned and cooked through.
- Add the onion and carrot and cook for 2 minutes. Add the cabbage and cook for 2 to 3 minutes more, until wilted but still crisp-tender. Push everything to one side.
- Add the remaining oil and the noodles. Stir-fry for 2 to 3 minutes, letting them brown lightly in places.
- Pour in the sauce and toss everything for 1 to 2 minutes, until the noodles are evenly coated. Add 2 tablespoons of water if the pan looks dry.
- Serve hot, topped with aonori, pickled ginger and bonito flakes.
Tips
- Use a large pan and do not crowd it. Cook in two batches if needed, so the noodles fry instead of steam.
- Swap the pork for shrimp, squid or sliced chicken, and add bean sprouts or sliced shiitake. A fried egg on top is a popular extra.
Questions and answers
Is there buckwheat in yakisoba?
No. Despite the name, yakisoba uses wheat noodles similar to ramen. Here soba is an older word for Chinese-style wheat noodles, not the buckwheat kind.
Can I use spaghetti for yakisoba?
In a pinch, yes. Boil spaghetti with 1/2 teaspoon of baking soda per liter of water to get a springier, ramen-like texture, then stir-fry as usual.
What is yakisoba sauce made of?
It is a thick, tangy-sweet sauce similar to Worcestershire sauce, made from fruit, vegetables and spices. The mix here of Worcestershire, ketchup and oyster sauce comes close to the shop-bought version.
How long does it take to make Yakisoba (Japanese Stir-Fried Noodles)?
About 27 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 12 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Yakisoba (Japanese Stir-Fried Noodles)?
About 580 kcal per serving, with 20 g of protein, 66 g of carbohydrates and 26 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 580 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 20 g |
| Carbohydrates | 66 g |
| Fat | 26 g |
| Fiber | 5 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 1500 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
