Yakisoba is an extremely popular dish in Japan that is often sold at festivals and street vendors.

The word literally means fried noddles, but when shopping at the store the noodles are commonly packaged as Japanese buckwheat noodles.

In Japan, the dish can be served as a main course, a side dish or just for a quick snack. Usually it is made with pork but can be substituted with beef, chicken, tofu, eggs or kimchi.

Ingredients

• Wok, or large skillet
• Vegetable oil
• Yakisoba noodles (sometimes called soba noodles, or Japanese buckwheat noodles)
• Yakisoba sauce
• 1lb. of cabbage
• 3 carrots, grated
• 1 onion, cut very thin
• 1lb. of pork, also sliced thin (this can be substituted)

Personally, I like adding a few more vegetables (like bell green peppers and mushrooms) though these are not traditionally in the dish. More traditional garnishes are: pickled ginger, fish flakes (katsuobushi) and Japanese mayonnaise.

Store tips: I prefer to buy my noodles fresh (as opposed to dry or frozen) though the dish can be prepared this way as well. Also, while yakisoba sauce is the definite choice, some say you can substitute Worcestershire sauce (though I have never tried this).

Otafuku yakisoba sauce is a popular brand in the U.S.

Method

• If you have purchased dry or frozen noodles, prepare them as the package indicates. Then drain them, rinse under cold water and set aside.
• In the wok or skillet put in the oil along with your vegetables and cook until the cabbage softens (around 4-5 minutes)
• Then add in your meat (cook for another 2-3 minutes)
• Once the meat is cooked through add the noodles. Mix well. Since the noodles are already cooked, the aim is separate and heat them while mixing in with vegetables.
• When the noodles are mixed throughly, pour in the sauce. By tradition the sauce is added liberally, but add more or less as it suits your taste.
• After the sauce is in, stir well for about 4 minutes. Once everything is mixed well, serve immediately and there you have it!

While yakisoba is often served with meat, the wide array of vegetables available can easily transform it into a tasty vegetarian meal as well!