Yakisoba means “fried noodle” in Japanese. To me, it means heaven on earth. Thick and firm noodles, tender meat, and crunchy vegetables are coated in a sweet, salty, and savory sauce. When it comes to stir-fries, yakisoba is the one to beat. Sure, it has a ton of ingredients, but don’t let that deter you from making it yourself. Trust me, yakisoba is surprisingly easy to make! Craving Japanese cuisine? Scratch that itch with this simple yet stunning Yakisoba chicken.
Yakisoba Chicken
Yakisoba is a traditional Japanese stir-fry that features chuka soba in a thick sauce. The noodles are mixed with a variety of colorful veggies and meat for more oomph. Authentic yakisoba requires many hard-to-find ingredients. In this recipe, things are simplified by using accessible ingredients you can find in most grocery stores. It may not be totally authentic, but it’s pretty darn close.
Ingredients
Sesame Oil. This fragrant oil with a mild nutty flavor is perfect for stir-fries.Canola Oil. For stir-frying the vegetables. Stick to either vegetable or canola for a neutral flavor. Olive oil is a no-no, as it has a strong flavor and a low smoking point.Chili Paste. To spice things up.Garlic and Onion. For that heavenly aroma and strong, pungent flavor that will liven up the dish.Chicken Breast. The main protein of the dish. You can also use tenders or thighs for juicier meat.Soy Sauce. For saltiness. Use a good quality brand, such as Kikkoman.Cabbage. For crunch and color. You can use both green and purple cabbage for a lovely contrast.Carrots. Also for crunch and color. Slice the carrots into thin matchsticks for a shorter cooking time.Soba Noodles. The star of the dish! Lots of tips about soba for you below.
Tips for the Best Yakisoba Chicken
Is Yakisoba the Same as Ramen?
They’re both Japanese, but no, ramen and yakisoba noodles are not the same. Ramen, perhaps the most popular type of noodles in Japan, are made of thin wheat noodles served in savory broths. Yakisoba noodles, or chuka soba, are also made from wheat flour, but are thicker and starchier. Also, unlike ramen, chuka soba noodles are steamed and coated with oil. While different, the two are very similar, which means you can use ramen noodles for this recipe if you can’t get ahold of soba.
Will Pre-Cooked Chicken Work in This Dish?
Absolutely. In fact, you can use whatever chicken you have available. Whether it’s leftover baked chicken, rotisserie chicken, or fried chicken tenders, you can’t go wrong. You can even use other meats and seafood, too! I’m talking turkey, pork belly, squid, and shrimp. If you’re vegan, use tofu! It’s a great way to transform whatever’s left in the fridge into an awesome dish. Just take note that if you’re using pre-cooked meat, mix it in towards the end.
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