Yakisoba
Japanese Fried Noodles
A classic Japanese street food, Yakisoba features chewy wheat noodles stir-fried with tender pork, crisp vegetables, and a savory-sweet sauce. Perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
🧂 Ingredients
- 2 packs (fresh or pre-cooked) Yakisoba noodles(Fresh yakisoba noodles are ideal, but pre-cooked ones can be used. If using pre-cooked, you may need to loosen them slightly before adding to the pan.)
- 100 g Pork belly(Thinly sliced. Can substitute with thinly sliced pork shoulder or even chicken.)
- 100 g Cabbage(Roughly chopped into bite-sized pieces.)
- 1/2 Carrot(Julienned or thinly sliced into matchsticks.)
- 1/4 Onion(Thinly sliced. Optional, but adds sweetness and depth.)
- 1/4 Bell pepper(Thinly sliced. Any color works. Optional.)
- 1 clove Garlic(Minced. Optional, for extra flavor.)
- 1 tbsp Vegetable oil(Or other neutral cooking oil.)
- 3 tbsp Yakisoba sauce(Store-bought yakisoba sauce is recommended. If unavailable, a mixture of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a touch of sugar can be used as a substitute.)
- for topping Aonori (dried seaweed flakes)(Adds a distinct oceanic flavor and color.)
- for topping Beni shoga (pickled red ginger)(Provides a tangy, slightly spicy counterpoint.)
- optional Mayonnaise(Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise is often drizzled on top.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the ingredients: Slice the pork belly thinly. Chop the cabbage into bite-sized pieces. Julienne or thinly slice the carrot. Thinly slice the onion and bell pepper (if using). Mince the garlic (if using). If using fresh yakisoba noodles, gently separate them.
⏱️ 10 minutes - 2
Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat (around 190°C / 375°F). Add the vegetable oil. Once shimmering, add the sliced pork belly. Stir-fry until the pork is browned and cooked through, about 3-4 minutes. If using garlic, add it during the last minute of cooking the pork and stir until fragrant.
⏱️ 4 minutes - 3
Add the chopped cabbage, julienned carrot, sliced onion, and bell pepper (if using) to the skillet. Continue to stir-fry vigorously for another 4-5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. You want them to retain a slight bite.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Push the ingredients to one side of the skillet. Add the yakisoba noodles to the empty space. Pour the yakisoba sauce over the noodles. Stir-fry the noodles for 1-2 minutes until they begin to soften and absorb the sauce. Then, toss everything together – noodles, pork, and vegetables – until well combined and evenly coated with the sauce. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the noodles to heat through and slightly caramelize.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 5
Divide the yakisoba between two plates. Garnish generously with aonori and beni shoga. Drizzle with mayonnaise if desired.
⏱️ 1 minute
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Use high heat and stir-fry quickly to achieve the best texture for both the noodles and vegetables.
- ✓Ensure all ingredients are prepped and ready before you start cooking, as the process is fast-paced.
- ✓Don't overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper stir-frying rather than steaming.
- ✓Yakisoba is a popular festival food in Japan, often served in a hot dog bun (known as 'yakisoba pan').
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Shio Yakisoba: Use a salt-based sauce instead of the traditional sweet and savory sauce.
- Seafood Yakisoba: Add shrimp, squid, or other seafood along with the pork.
- Vegetarian Yakisoba: Omit the pork and add more vegetables like mushrooms, bean sprouts, or edamame. Use a vegetarian-friendly sauce.