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Yakisoba is a classic Japanese noodle dish with a salty, sweet and sour sauce. Made in one-pan, this recipe is so easy to make and is always a crowd pleaser.
Yakisoba noodles have become quite the staple in our home. We love ordering takeout just like the next family, but this recipe is so quick we can whip it up before a delivery order could even arrive.
These noodles are made with chicken, but if you are craving beef try making Beef Yakisoba instead. Also, feel free to omit the chicken or beef if you are a vegetarian! The noodles are just as delicious meatless or tossed with some grilled tofu instead.
What is Yakisoba?
Yakisoba noodles look similar to ramen noodles, but they are slightly different. They are made of wheat and best when stir-fried. A traditional yakisoba dish is made with thin slices of pork, carrots, cabbage, onions and a signature sweet and salty sauce. We love our yakisoba with chicken, but feel free to substitute pork if you so wish!
Ingredients for Yakisoba Noodles
- Red Bell Pepper – you can also use green or yellow bell peppers.
- Carrot – add some color by adding mixed colored carrots.
- Green Onions – if you don’t have any on hand, you can skip out on it.
- Boneless Chicken – beef, pork, shrimp, tofu or more veggies are also great options.
- Cabbage Head – green cabbage is the best in this recipe.
- Yellow Onion – you can also use white onions.
- Yakisoba Noodles – ramen noodles, sold in most grocery stores fridge section.
Yakisoba Sauce Ingredients:
- Sugar – white sugar will give you the best flavors in this dish.
- Soy Sauce – low sodium soy sauce will make the best option.
- Oyster Sauce – that deep flavor, such a great addition to the sauce.
- Ketchup – this will add a tart and sweet taste to the dish.
- Worcester Sauce – is a must for the recipe, it gives it a really great deep flavor.
How to Make Yakisoba
- Combine all your sauce ingredients together
- Prep your veggies and cook your noodles.
Note: some varieties come precooked and only need a quick reheating. - Cook all your veggies in a skillet until golden brown.
- Cook your chicken in a separate pan.
- Add your veggies back into your chicken pan. Add in the sauce and stir to combine.
- Add your noodles into the mixture. Cook for a few minutes. Serve!
Where to Buy Yakisoba Noodles
Yakisoba noodles are becoming so popular that you can find them in most grocery stores. If you are having a hard time spotting them, your local Asian specialty store will definitely have them. You can also order them from Amazon in a pinch.
As a heads up, yakisoba noodles are sold a couple of different ways. Sometimes they are stored in packages with water and only need to be drained and tossed in the pan. Other times, yakisoba noodles are vacuum-sealed and need to be revived by placing them in cold water to loosen them up before cooking.
Tips for the Best Yakisoba
- Prepare all your ingredients ahead of time for easier stir-frying.
- Use a wok pan to prepare your noodles if you have one. If you don’t, use a large skillet.
- Slice your chicken into thin strips for quicker cooking.
- Don’t overcook your yakisoba. This dish has a tendency to dry out if stir-fried too long.
Other Asian Noodle Recipes
Asian noodle dishes are always LOVED in our home. Try your hand at making a couple other of our favorites:
- Beef Lo Mein – Most people LOVE chow mein, but have you tried it’s close cousin lo mein?
- Japchae Recipe – Korean sweet potato noodles are so addicting. I got this recipe from an old coworker and I have been smitten ever since.
- Veggie Lo Mein – This vegetarian dish is perfect for a light lunch or with a fried egg over the top for a filling breakfast.
- Spicy Korean Noodles – Craving something spicy? These hot Korean noodles bring the heat.
Recipe
Yakisoba Noodles
Print Pin
Servings
10 Servings
Prep Time 25 minutes mins
Cook Time 25 minutes mins
Total Time 50 minutes mins
Recipe contributed by: Natalya Drozhzhin
Yakisoba is a classic Japanese noodle dish with a salty, sweet and sour sauce. Made in one-pan, this recipe is so easy to make and is always a crowd pleaser.
Ingredients
Yakisoba Noodles Ingredients
- 1 tbsp oil avocado or olive
- 1 large red bell pepper
- 1 large carrot
- 1/2 bunch of green onions
- 1 lb boneless chicken
- 1/2 small cabbage head
- 1/2 large yellow onion
- 16 oz yakisoba noodles
Yakisoba Sauce Ingredients
- 2 tsp sugar
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp oyster sauce
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 4 tbsp worcester sauce
US Units – Metric
Instructions
Combine the sauce ingredients together. Set it aside.
Prepare all veggies for the recipe. Cut them into the size of your preference. Some noodles may need to be preheated in their original packaging. Follow the instructions on the box for the noodles.
Cook all vegetables separately in a pan on high heat, just for a few minutes. This will add a golden color to them.
Cook chicken in an oiled skillet until all sides turn golden brown.
Add sautéed veggies and all the sauce ingredients to the pan.
Add in noodles to the mixture. Cook for a few minutes and serve.
Nutrition Facts
Yakisoba Noodles
Amount Per Serving
Calories 282 Calories from Fat 72
% Daily Value*
Fat 8g12%
Saturated Fat 4g20%
Cholesterol 29mg10%
Sodium 1386mg58%
Potassium 426mg12%
Carbohydrates 36g12%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 5g6%
Protein 16g32%
Vitamin A 1110IU22%
Vitamin C 19.2mg23%
Calcium 45mg5%
Iron 2.7mg15%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Posted July 5, 2020
About Author
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MarcieAug 6, 2024 The sauce taste overwhelmingly like ketchup and Worcestershire sauce. I’ve lived in Japan for many years and this is nothing like what it’s supposed to be.
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 7, 2024 Hey Marcie, I'm sorry to hear this dish did not meet your expectations. You can totally adjust the amount of ketchup and Worcestershire sauce and find that perfect balance for your taste!
MarinaAug 1, 2024 This recipe has become one of our favorites! My husband and our boys can’t get enough of it. Thank you for a great recipe.
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 1, 2024 I’m thrilled to hear that this recipe has become a family favorite! It’s wonderful that your husband and boys are enjoying it so much. Nothing makes me happier than to hear that!
AnneJul 16, 2024 10/10 would not recommend. Tastes like white people yakisoba. Yucky
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 17, 2024 I'm sorry to hear that you didn't enjoy the recipe! Everyone has different tastes, so I appreciate your honest feedback. What changes do you suggest to make it better?
Julia ManchikJun 19, 2024 Actually tastes like yakisoba from a restaurant! So good! I made this after trying another yakisoba recipe that didn’t taste much like yakisoba and tasted way too gingery, especially for my kids (this sauce has no ginger and doesnt need it). We all loved the flavor here. I also added lots of broccoli.
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 19, 2024 I'm so glad you enjoyed the yakisoba! It's great to hear it tasted just like a restaurant's. Adding broccoli sounds delicious and can never go wrong with more veggies! I'm glad the absence of ginger worked well for you and your family, especially for the kids. Thanks for sharing Julia.
KathleenMar 25, 2024 We loved your Yakisoba recipe so much. It is delicious. The sauce and vegetables go together so well. We are vegetarian so we used Baby Bella mushrooms instead of chicken. It’s so good that after we ate I told my son I can’t wait to have this again. Thank you for an accessible, affordable and quick dinner.
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 25, 2024 I love that this recipe checks so many boxes! Thanks for sharing your feedback, and I hope you enjoy it many, many more times Kathleen. 🙂
krista chadwickJan 29, 2024 Duper good! Made with only half the noodles because that is what I had. Had to substitute 1/3 of the oyster sauce for hoisin sauce and used a little less Worcester sauce. This is really quick and very good. Thank you for the recipe!
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 29, 2024 I'm so glad you enjoyed this recipe Krista. Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Rene ClotzOct 28, 2023 Hi, I just love your recipes. I am not a cook nor a chef. I just like growing the stuff (veg & herbs) we use to make food. I think every family's different ( my son and myself don't like sugar / salt, my hubby loves it and my sister's diabetic - quite a tall order to keep everyone happy). I think it's important to adjust the sugar, salt, herbs, spices, sauces to accommodate what taste the family / friends you're cooking for prefer and / or like ....
Happy experimenting with cooking for the family
Rene (South Africa)
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 29, 2023 Hey Rene! Thank you for the love. And I agree - always season to taste or preference!
nia parry williamsSep 15, 2023 4 tables spoons of worcestershire sauce is way too much - it over powers it. As does the sugar from the Ketchup, Oyster sauce and TWO tablespoons of sugar. This is sickly and just been rejected by both kids and husband. Really disappointed as wanted to recreate authentic noodles and this was not it.
Natalya DrozhzhinSep 18, 2023 Hi Nia, I'm sorry your family wasn't a fan of this dish. Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. I hope you find a yakisoba noodles recipe that you all love!
Kat MillerFeb 7, 2024 We just made this tonight and it was delicious! We used organic ketchup with no added sugar and also used low sodium soy sauce - no extra salt and added mushrooms. So good! Thank you! - Seattle Birds
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 7, 2024 Hey Kat, I'm glad you enjoyed it! 🙂
John RhoeAug 26, 2023 My Brother-in-law,James taught me how to make this dish and that started all my stir fry adventures. My kids and wife always loved my stir fries. Lucky me!
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 28, 2023 Hi John, We love stir fry too! I'm glad to hear your family loves this recipe as well. Enjoy! 🙂
DanielAug 8, 2023 4 tablespoons of Worcester sauce?
Natalya DrozhzhinAug 8, 2023 Hey Daniel, Yes, 4 tablespoons - it adds great flavor. However, you can adjust to your taste. Let me know once you try it!
Kavita ChopraJun 23, 2023 Is Yakisoba Noodles located in Australia ?
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 23, 2023 Hello Kavita- I'm not sure about that since I don't live in Australia. I would recommend buying them online if you're unable to find them at a supermarket near you 🙂
Kavita ChopraNov 7, 2023 Thank you ! Apologies for the late reply. I'll try searching for them online ! ☺
DaynaMay 11, 2023 I love this recipe. I have made it several times and have found that doubling the sauce and using 3 tbsp of Hoison Sauce and one teaspoon of ketchup is key to making this sauce really great. I have used several different kinds of noodles and it is always great. Thank you for the recipe. It’s one of my favorites!
MPSep 10, 2023 I tried your version because I needed to double anyway and this was a fantastic suggestion. It is now my go-to! Thank you so much for taking the time to comment.
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 12, 2023 Dayna, this is such a great feedback, I love hearing different versions from readers and I am so glad you found your perfect sauce. I am sure this comment will be helpful to others as well. Thank you for sharing.
John RhoeAug 26, 2023 I want to try Dayna’s version.
AmyMar 24, 2023 The ketchup ruined it. I grew up on authentic yakisoba from a tiny little restaurant run by an old Asian couple. I wanted to make it for my kids, so I was quite excited to find this recipe…but oh so disappointed with the dish. Back to my search.
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 24, 2023 Hey Amy, I am sorry that ketchup ruined it for you. I think all ketchup is not the same and it can really change up the flavor. Also, if you are used to authentic version, this one is going to be slightly different. I am sorry you didnt love it!
natalieJul 21, 2023 I live in Japan and this tastes like the Yakisoba I get locally. Great recipe.
JennaFeb 1, 2024 I am born & raised in Hawaii, I am Japanese/Okinawan, this recipe sounds exactly on point with a local twist. The only thing I personally would do is add a little more ketchup, & a little Mirin. I'd add sliced Shitake mushrooms for an added earthly umami flavor. So making this dish soon. Thank you Natalya for posting this, looks yummy too! Great job!
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 2, 2024 Thanks for your feedback Jenna! Mushrooms would make a lovely addition to this dish! Enjoy!
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 21, 2023 Hi Natalie, That's so great to hear! Thanks for sharing your feedback.
KatieMar 21, 2023 Good recipe overall, easy to cook and full of delicious ingredients, but I’m not really sold on the sauce. The ketchup flavor is too strong for me and feels really out of place here, just not what I’m expecting with a yakisoba dish. I ended up using about 2/3 of the sauce and just adding a bunch of soy sauce to the dish and that made it taste great. Next time I’ll probably just omit the ketchup entirely.
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 21, 2023 Hi Katie, I appreciate your honest feedback. Thank you for sharing your process with me!
CKFeb 16, 2023 From my 7yo “Hi, guess what! When I first ate this yakisoba it was so good, I couldn’t stop eating it. And the night after I ate it, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. I had dreams about it. Also, I’m a kid.”
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 16, 2023 Lol, this is the best feedback ever! Thanks for sharing 🙂
AmandaFeb 4, 2023 Please tell me the sodium count is a typo because I love the meal 🥲
Natalya DrozhzhinFeb 5, 2023 Hi Amanda, The sodium content is for the whole dish, not per serving. It is as high as it is because of the sauce. If you want to cut down on sodium a bit. you can use an alternative soy sauce, such as liquid aminos. I hope this helps!
Laurie NelsonJan 2, 2023 This is absolutely amazing. So good and fun to mix up the veggies. I added broccoli and mushrooms to the traditional cabbage, carrots and onions. I'll never buy take out again.
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 3, 2023 I am so thrilled to hear that, Laurie! Thank you for taking the time to leave feedback. Enjoy!
JohnSep 26, 2022 Are yakisoba and soba noodles the same?
Natalya DrozhzhinSep 27, 2022 Hi John- I don't believe so..soba noodles are buckwheat based (no wheat usually) whereas yakisoba noodles are wheat based. Hope this helps!
louiseJul 11, 2022 my partner is allergic to shellfish so oyster sauce is a no no in our house. can you suggest what we could use instead of this please?
BrianJan 4, 2024 You could try hoisin sauce with a little soy sauce for saltiness as a substitute for oyster sauce.
Natalya DrozhzhinJan 4, 2024 That does sound like a tasty alternative Brian! Thanks for the tip.
AngelAug 16, 2022 Louise,
I too have fish and shellfish allergies, worcester sauce is made with fish products as well! I would use balsamic vinegar in place of worcester sauce.Natalya DrozhzhinAug 17, 2022 Thank you for that suggestion, Angel!
SandyJul 24, 2022 You can try vegetarian oyster sauce it’s made of mushrooms instead of oysters
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 25, 2022 That's a great tip- thank you, Sandy!
Natalya DrozhzhinJul 11, 2022 Hi Louise, I am pretty sure that you can skip it and the flavor would still be delicious. Please let me know how it goes. Hope this helps!
Bruria HadaryJun 6, 2022 Which other noodles I can use?
Bruria HadaryJun 6, 2022 Hi
Which noodles I can use instead of Yaksoba noodles?
I don't know where to find them.ChrissyJun 14, 2022 I use angel hair pasta and if I don't have that I use just use spaghetti noodles. I cook them then rinse with cold water, and then drain them really good and spread them out in a flat container with paper towels underneath them and on top of them to dry them out really well. Then after everything else has been stir fried , I pour oil of your choice on the noodles and mix with hands really well to coat evenly and stir fry the noodles as well. Then combine everything.
Natalya DrozhzhinJun 6, 2022 Hi Bruria- I really would recommend yakisoba for the best outcome for this dish. Yakisoba is often found in the refrigerated section of the produce section (like near the fresh herbs, tofu, etc.). Other times Yakisoba will be in the international aisle near other Asian foods. Last, you can always get it on Amazon, there is a link in the post. Hope this helps!
BarbJun 7, 2022 Thanks
Chris ButterfieldMay 2, 2022 You say don't cook too long because it dries out. Yet good yakisoba is only achieved this way. Wet yakisoba is gross.
Natalya DrozhzhinMay 2, 2022 Hi Chris - Thanks for the feedback. This is just our preference to not pan-fry them so long that they harden. However, feel free to cook the noodles to your liking. Hope the dish turned out well for you.
KevinApr 3, 2022 Making this tonight!! This recipe became our family favorite a while back, we love it! It’s so tasty, fresh and easy to make. We also like to pair this dish with Korean beef bbq on white rice. So good!!!
Tip: prepare and refrigerate the sauce ahead of time and mise en place the chopped/sliced veggies in separate zip lock bags. When it’s time to cook, all you need to do is fire up the stove top and it’s practically time to eat!! Makes cooking on weeknights a snap~
Natalya DrozhzhinApr 4, 2022 Hi Kevin- thank you for the feedback, so glad you are enjoying this recipe! Korean bbq beef sounds so good right now. I love the tip about prepping the sauce and veggies ahead of time- this really is a game changer for busier evenings.
AnnaMar 25, 2022 So easy to make and very delicious! I've made this dish multiple times already 🙂 Thank You Natalya for sharing this recipe.
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 26, 2022 Thank you, Anna, I'm glad you love this entree!
LilyMar 5, 2022 Wish I read comments before making, sauce tasted nothing like any yakisoba we have every had. Gerenal process was good and easy to follow tho.
Natalya DrozhzhinMar 5, 2022 Hi Lily- thank you for the feedback. I'm glad this recipe was easy to follow!
LucyDec 19, 2021 So yummy. I add some hot sauce and it's so delicious. Thank you for sharing your recipe
Natalya DrozhzhinDec 19, 2021 Hi Lucy - Oh yum! The noodles are so bomb with a little sriracha or chili paste. Thanks for the kind words.
AppleDec 17, 2021 Hi!
I am planning on making this dish for 7 people. Do you think doubling the recipe will be enough to feed everyone? I can't quite tell how big it is, at least from the photos it doesn't seem like it could feed 10Natalya DrozhzhinDec 17, 2021 Hi Apple - How fun! Sounds like you're having a party. 🙂 It feeds 10, but just to be on the safe side and to have leftovers you can double the batch.
BeckyOct 20, 2021 What can I ise in ace of the oyster sauce?
TheresaNov 5, 2021 I used Teriyaki marinade, because I had that on hand. It worked really well, in my opinion.
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 5, 2021 Thank you for your feedback, Theresa, this will be super helpful for others!
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 20, 2021 Hi Becky, I had some people say they replaced oyster sauce with sweet sauce. Also, someone mentioned they used yakisoba sauce they bought on Amazon. I would recommend buying the sauces because they add a delicious and unique flavor to this yakisoba dish. Hope this helps!
KaneOct 19, 2021 Looks yummy but unfortunately I can't eat it as it has sugar in as I a dieabetic 😔
KikoNov 5, 2021 Japanese here! You def don’t need to use sugar, authentic recipe usually only have sake (or white wine), Worcestershire sauce and oyster sauce! (2:1:1 for about 300 g of yakisoba noodles)
Natalya DrozhzhinNov 5, 2021 Hello Kiko, thank you for your feedback, I love learning all these tips 🙂
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 20, 2021 Oh no, I'm sorry, if you find an alternative that you can enjoy please share, I would love to learn about a possible variation.
Monica FresquezOct 8, 2021 this has become one of my very favorite recipes. I made this for a dinner party and my guests swooned, precisely the reaction i was looking for!
Natalya DrozhzhinOct 8, 2021 Hi Monica, you cooked to impress, I love it! I'm glad you enjoyed the recipe, thank you for taking the time to comment!
