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Yakisoba (Japanese Stir-Fried Noodles) – Savory, Colorful & Easy

Yakisoba is one of Japan’s most popular street foods — a quick and flavorful stir-fried noodle dish that combines chicken, cabbage, and vegetables with a tangy-sweet savory sauce. It’s the kind of dish you’ll find sizzling away at Japanese festivals, but it’s also easy to recreate at home with simple ingredients. The magic of yakisoba lies in its sauce — a blend of soy sauce, Worcestershire, oyster sauce, and ketchup that coats the noodles and veggies in deep umami flavor. Pair it with tender chicken thighs and shiitake mushrooms, and you’ve got a balanced meal ready in less than 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

🍗 Meat:
  • 1 lb chicken thighs boneless & skinless, cut into bite-sized strips
🥦 Fruits & Vegetables:
  • 2 cups cabbage shredded
  • ½ carrot julienned
  • ½ onion thinly sliced
  • ½ red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 3 scallions chopped
  • 4 oz shiitake mushrooms sliced
🥫 Condiments & Sauce:
  • 1 ½ tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tbsp mirin
  • 3 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 3 tbsp soy sauce
  • 3 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
🍜 Noodles & Grains:
  • 2 packs yakisoba noodles fresh
🌿 Seasonings:
  • 2 tsp sugar
🥄 Oils & Fats:
  • 1 ½ tbsp oil vegetable or canola for stir-frying

Equipment

  • Large skillet or wok
  • Tongs or wooden spatula
  • Knife & cutting board
  • Small mixing bowl (for sauce)

Method
 

Step 1 – Prepare the Sauce
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together ketchup, mirin, oyster sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar. Set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Chicken
  1. Heat 1 tbsp oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Add chicken strips and cook for 5–6 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3 – Stir-Fry the Vegetables
  1. Add remaining oil to the pan.
  2. Stir-fry onion, carrot, bell pepper, cabbage, mushrooms, and half the scallions for about 4–5 minutes until slightly tender but still crisp.
Step 4 – Cook the Noodles
  1. Add yakisoba noodles to the pan. If they’re stuck together, loosen by rinsing briefly under warm water first.
  2. Stir-fry noodles with veggies for 2–3 minutes.
Step 5 – Combine & Sauce
  1. Return chicken to the pan.
  2. Pour in the prepared sauce and toss everything until noodles and veggies are evenly coated.
Step 6 – Serve
  1. Garnish with remaining scallions and serve hot.

Notes

🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 3 days.
Freezer: Not recommended (noodles lose texture).
Reheating: Warm in a skillet with a splash of soy sauce or water to loosen noodles.
🥄 Variations
Seafood Yakisoba: Swap chicken for shrimp or squid.
Vegetarian Version: Skip meat and add extra mushrooms or tofu.
Spicy Kick: Add chili paste or a drizzle of sriracha.
Festival Style: Top with Japanese mayonnaise and pickled ginger (beni shoga).
❓ 10 FAQs
What are yakisoba noodles?
Fresh wheat-based noodles, similar to ramen, commonly used in stir-fries.
Can I use instant ramen instead?
Yes, just cook and drain before stir-frying.
What if I don’t have oyster sauce?
Replace with hoisin sauce or extra soy sauce for a slightly different flavor.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Use tamari instead of soy sauce and gluten-free noodles.
Is yakisoba spicy?
Traditionally no, but you can add chili flakes or sriracha for heat.
What protein can I use instead of chicken?
Beef strips, pork, shrimp, or tofu all work.
Do I need mirin?
It adds sweetness, but you can replace with a splash of rice vinegar + sugar.
What toppings go well with yakisoba?
Pickled ginger, nori (seaweed strips), Japanese mayo, or sesame seeds.
Can I meal prep yakisoba?
Yes, it reheats well for up to 3 days.
What sides go best with yakisoba?
Miso soup, gyoza dumplings, or a light cucumber salad.
🏁 Conclusion
This Yakisoba recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Japanese street food right into your kitchen. With its balance of tender chicken, colorful veggies, and umami-rich sauce, it’s the perfect quick stir-fry for busy weeknights. Serve it hot, garnish with scallions, and enjoy a taste of Japan at home!