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Yakisoba (焼きそば)

Japan

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Yakisoba illustration in anime Studio Ghibli style, Japanese noodles

Traditional Japanese dish – stir-fried noodles with seafood and vegetables. Can be prepared with simple seasoning of salt and pepper or with aromatic Japanese-style Worcestershire sauce.

Ingredients

Steps

  1. Yakisoba preparation anime illustration in Studio Ghibli style

    Rinse the sprouted soybeans, cut the cabbage into pieces about 3 cm, cut the leek into pieces about 4 cm, slice lengthwise. Rinse and peel the shrimp, removing the black vein along the back, and lightly crush them with a knife. Cut the scallops into pieces about 1 cm.

  2. Yakisoba noodles preparation anime illustration

    Steam the noodles in a steamer for 3 minutes.

  3. Yakisoba cooking, seafood stir-fry in a pan, anime illustration

    Heat 0.5 tbsp vegetable oil in a pan, sauté the shrimp and scallops over medium heat until they turn pink. Transfer them to a separate plate.

  4. Yakisoba seafood stir-fry, anime illustration in Studio Ghibli style

    Transfer the sautéed seafood to a separate plate.

  5. Yakisoba vegetable stir-fry anime illustration

    Add another 1 tbsp vegetable oil to the pan, stir-fry the leek, cabbage, and sprouted soybeans until the vegetables become translucent.

  6. Yakisoba cooking illustration in a Studio Ghibli anime style

    Turn off the heat, add the warmed noodles, turn the heat back on and stir-fry, mixing thoroughly.

  7. Yakisoba cooking, seafood, Japanese cuisine, anime illustration

    Salt version: lightly season with salt and pepper, return the seafood to the pan, briefly stir-fry and serve.

  8. Yakisoba cooking, seafood, noodles, Studio Ghibli anime illustration

    Sauce version: instead of salt and pepper, season the noodles with Japanese-style Worcestershire sauce, then add the seafood, briefly stir-fry and serve.

  9. Yakisoba plating, Japanese noodles, anime-style cooking illustration, Studio Ghibli-inspired watercolor

    Serve the dish hot immediately after stir-frying.

FAQ

What is Yakisoba (焼きそば)?

Yakisoba is a traditional Japanese dish of stir-fried noodles, typically prepared with meat or seafood and vegetables, seasoned with a savory sauce.

Can I substitute the seafood in this Yakisoba recipe?

Yes, you can substitute shrimp and scallops with other proteins like chicken, pork, or tofu, or use more vegetables for a vegetarian version.

What kind of noodles are best for Yakisoba?

Traditional Yakisoba uses specific steamed wheat noodles, often labeled as 'Yakisoba noodles.' Ramen noodles or even spaghetti can be used as a substitute in a pinch.

How do I pronounce 焼きそば?

焼きそば is pronounced 'Yah-kee-so-bah'.

What is Japanese-style Worcestershire sauce?

Japanese-style Worcestershire sauce is a sweeter, fruitier, and less vinegary version of the classic British sauce, commonly used in dishes like Yakisoba and Okonomiyaki.