Vegetarian Yakisoba Recipe

Whipping up some delicious yakisoba made me feel like a genuine kitchen maestro—because let’s face it, nothing beats the vibrant mix of sizzling veggies and savory noodles when you’re looking to add a little culinary adventure to a weekday dinner!

Creating flavorful dishes is something that I truly relish, and this Vegetarian Yakisoba is a prime example of what I do. Packed with colorful veggies, including green cabbage, red bell pepper, and a julienned carrot, it’s not just delicious but also a fantastic source of vitamins and fiber.

The yakisoba noodles, tossed with soy and a veggie version of the always delicious yakisoba sauce, make for such a satisfying dinner.

Ingredients

• Yakisoba Noodles: These are rich in carbohydrates, providing energy, and have a delightful chew.
• Onion: Offers a mild sweetness when cooked, adding depth and fiber.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic complexity and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Carrot: Provides crunch, color, vitamins like A, and natural sweetness.
• Green Cabbage: Packed with fiber, vitamins C and K, low in calories.
• Red Bell Pepper: High in vitamin C, with a subtle sweetness.
• Soy Sauce: Adds umami flavor and depth, low in calories.
• Oyster Sauce: Adds umami richness, with a vegetarian twist.

Ingredient Quantities

• 9 oz (250 g) yakisoba noodles
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 small onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium carrot, julienned
• 1 cup green cabbage, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, chopped
• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (vegetarian version)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (vegetarian version)
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Toasted sesame seeds for garnish

How to Make this

1. Prepare the yakisoba noodles as per the package instructions, then drain and set aside.

2. In a big frying pan or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat.

3. Add the garlic and onion, and sauté them for 2 or 3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.

4. Add the carrot and sauté for about 2 more minutes, stirring with an intensity that would make a maraca player jealous.

5. Incorporate the cabbage and red bell pepper, cooking for roughly 5 minutes until the tender.

6. Lower the temperature to medium and introduce the noodles that have already been cooked into the skillet, ensuring they blend well with the vegetables.

7. In a small bowl, mix together soy sauce, vegetarian oyster sauce, vegetarian Worcestershire sauce, and granulated sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.

8. Over the noodles and vegetables, pour the sauce mixture, and toss it all together to ensure an even coat.

9. Mix sesame oil, salt, and pepper with the dish to taste, making sure to stir well and combine thoroughly.

10. Move the yakisoba to a serving platter, and if you like, garnish it with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Equipment Needed

1. Pot (for boiling noodles)
2. Strainer or colander (for draining noodles)
3. Large frying pan or wok
4. Sharp knife (for slicing and chopping)
5. Cutting board
6. Mixing spoon or spatula
7. Small bowl (for mixing sauce)
8. Measuring spoons
9. Serving platter

FAQ

• What are yakisoba noodles, and where can I find them?Yakisoba noodles are a Japanese cuisine wheat-based noodle. You can usually find them in the refrigerated section of Japanese or Asian grocery stores. If you happen to visit a fancy supermarket with a good international aisle, you might also find them there.
• Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?If you cannot locate yakisoba noodles, you can substitute with ramen, udon, or even spaghetti; however, the texture will differ somewhat.
• How can I make this dish gluten-free?For a gluten-free version, use noodles that are gluten-free and make sure that the soy sauce, oyster sauce, and Worcestershire sauce are all gluten-free.
• What can I use instead of vegetarian oyster sauce?If you are unable to locate vegetarian oyster sauce, you may replace it with hoisin sauce, which will lend a different flavor, or a mixture of soy sauce and a small amount of sugar.
• How do I store leftovers?After any food has been cooked, store the unwanted portions in a tightly sealed plastic container in the refrigerator. The food should be okay for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat it, warm it back up in a frying pan. You can add a little oil to the pan if you think the food needs it to keep it from burning.
• Can I add protein to this dish?Of course! You can add tofu, seitan, or tempeh to keep it vegetarian. Or, you can add any protein of your choice if you are not restricted to vegetarian options.
• Is there a way to make the dish spicier?For extra heat, include chili peppers, sliced, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes during cooking.

Vegetarian Yakisoba Recipe Substitutions and Variations

9 oz (250 g) yakisoba noodles: Replace with soba noodles or ramen noodles for a different texture.
2 tablespoons vegetable oil—alternative oils are olive oil or canola oil.
1 medium carrot, julienned: Use zucchini strips or thinly sliced celery for a different crunch.
1 red bell pepper, cut into thin slices: Use yellow or green bell pepper for a different color variation.
Two tablespoons of soy sauce. For a gluten-free option, replace with tamari.
Soy sauce, 2 tablespoons: Replace with tamari for a gluten-free option.

Pro Tips

1. Noodle Preparation Tip To prevent the yakisoba noodles from sticking together, rinse them briefly under cold water after cooking. This helps remove excess starch and makes it easier to incorporate them into the stir-fry.

2. Vegetable Texture For a nice crunch, add the red bell pepper near the end of step 5. This will ensure that it retains its vibrant color and slightly crisp texture, enhancing the overall dish.

3. Flavor Enhancement Toast the sesame seeds yourself in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown. This will boost their nutty flavor and add more depth to your dish.

4. Balancing the Sauce Taste the sauce mixture before adding it to the noodles. If you prefer your sauce on the sweeter side, adjust by adding a bit more sugar. Alternatively, if you desire more heat, consider adding a dash of chili oil or a pinch of red pepper flakes.

5. Garnish with Flair Experiment with garnishing options beyond sesame seeds. Try adding a sprinkle of furikake (a Japanese seasoning) or a few drops of yuzu juice for an extra layer of flavor and aroma.