There’s something so comforting about a big plate of stir-fried noodles, and Yakisoba has always been one of my favorites. This dish brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and savory-sweet noodles tossed in a tangy sauce. It’s a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl.
My love for Yakisoba started years ago when a friend introduced me to it at a local Japanese festival. Since then, I’ve been trying to recreate that same perfect combination of flavors at home. The beauty of this dish is how versatile it is—you can easily swap out the chicken for shrimp or tofu, or load it up with whatever vegetables you have on hand.
The sauce is where the magic happens, combining the richness of soy sauce with the tang of Worcestershire and a hint of sweetness. It clings to the noodles perfectly, making every bite a burst of umami flavor. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight dinner or just because you’re craving takeout vibes at home, Yakisoba never disappoints!
Yakisoba Noodle Questions
Is yakisoba the same as ramen?
While both yakisoba and ramen share similar noodle bases, their preparation and serving styles are different. Ramen is typically served in a hot broth as a soup, while yakisoba is stir-fried with vegetables and sauce, creating a completely different dish.
What are yakisoba noodles?
Yakisoba noodles are thin wheat-based noodles that are perfect for stir-frying. You can usually find them in the refrigerated section of grocery stores, often near tofu or fresh Asian ingredients. These noodles are pre-cooked, making them easy to prepare—just heat and toss with your favorite stir-fry ingredients.
What does yaki mean in Japanese?
In Japanese, "yaki" translates to grilling, frying, or cooking over direct heat. It’s a versatile word that’s commonly used in dishes like yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) and yakitori (grilled chicken skewers).
Yakisoba Noodles with Chicken
Notes
Yakisoba Noodles with Chicken
A flavorful Japanese-inspired dish, this Yakisoba with Chicken combines tender noodles with chicken and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a savory sauce.Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 400g Yakisoba noodles or cooked ramen noodles
- 1 cup purple cabbage, shredded
- 1 large carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- Green onions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Heat one tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and stir-fry until browned and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining oil, garlic, and ginger. Sauté for a minute until fragrant.
- Add the carrots and broccoli, stir-frying until they begin to soften.
- Include the purple cabbage, continuing to stir-fry for another couple of minutes.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the noodles.
- In a small bowl, mix the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and brown sugar. Pour this mixture over the noodles and vegetables. Toss everything together to coat well and heat through.
- Garnish with chopped green onions and a sprinkle of sesame seeds before serving.