Shrimp Yakisoba

Shrimp Yakisoba is a delicious and easy Japanese stir-fried noodle dish packed with savory flavors. This dish features tender shrimp, crisp vegetables, and chewy yakisoba noodles tossed in a rich, umami-packed sauce. It’s a quick meal that comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight or a satisfying lunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes.
  • A perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.
  • Versatile—swap shrimp with chicken, beef, or tofu.
  • Uses simple pantry staples for the sauce.
  • A complete one-pan meal with protein, noodles, and vegetables.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

  • Yakisoba noodles (fresh or dried)
  • Shrimp (peeled and deveined)
  • Cabbage (shredded)
  • Carrot (julienned)
  • Bell pepper (sliced)
  • Green onion (chopped)
  • Garlic (minced)
  • Ginger (grated)
  • Sesame oil
  • Vegetable oil

Yakisoba Sauce:

  • Soy sauce
  • Oyster sauce
  • Worcestershire sauce
  • Hoisin sauce (optional)
  • Mirin (or substitute with a bit of honey)
  • Sugar
  • Black pepper

Directions

  1. Prepare the yakisoba noodles – If using fresh noodles, rinse them under warm water to loosen them. If using dried noodles, cook according to the package instructions and drain.
  2. Make the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hoisin sauce, mirin, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
  3. Cook the shrimp – Heat a pan or wok over medium-high heat. Add vegetable oil, then cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  4. Sauté the vegetables – In the same pan, add sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir-fry for 30 seconds, then add cabbage, carrot, and bell pepper. Cook until slightly softened.
  5. Combine everything – Add the cooked noodles and sauce to the pan, tossing everything together until well coated. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir until heated through.
  6. Garnish and serve – Top with chopped green onions and serve hot.

Servings and Timing

  • Servings: 4
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

  • Spicy Yakisoba – Add sriracha or chili flakes for heat.
  • Chicken Yakisoba – Substitute shrimp with diced chicken breast.
  • Vegetarian Yakisoba – Omit shrimp and add tofu or mushrooms.
  • Extra Crunch – Top with toasted sesame seeds or crispy fried onions.

Storage/Reheating

  • Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing: Not recommended, as the noodles may become mushy.
  • Reheating: Heat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or soy sauce to refresh the noodles.
Shrimp Yakisoba

FAQs

What kind of noodles should I use for yakisoba?

Traditional yakisoba noodles are best, but you can substitute with ramen or lo mein noodles.

Can I use frozen shrimp?

Yes, just thaw completely before cooking.

What vegetables can I add?

Other great additions include mushrooms, snap peas, zucchini, or bean sprouts.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce and a gluten-free oyster sauce.

How do I prevent my noodles from sticking together?

Rinse them under warm water before cooking and toss them with a little oil.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, just add them at the end to warm them through.

What can I serve with shrimp yakisoba?

This dish pairs well with miso soup, pickled ginger, or a simple cucumber salad.

Is yakisoba spicy?

No, but you can add heat with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I make this in advance?

It’s best fresh, but you can prep the sauce and chop vegetables ahead of time.

What oil is best for stir-frying yakisoba?

Use a high-smoke-point oil like vegetable, canola, or peanut oil.

Conclusion

Shrimp Yakisoba is a flavorful, quick, and satisfying meal that brings the best of Japanese street food into your kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week, this dish is sure to be a hit. Try different protein and veggie combinations to make it your own!

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Shrimp Yakisoba

Shrimp Yakisoba

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  • Author: Kimberly
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 3 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stir-Fry
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

Shrimp Yakisoba is a popular Japanese street food that combines tender wheat noodles with juicy shrimp and a medley of vegetables, all stir-fried together in a flavorful sauce. This dish offers a harmonious blend of textures and tastes, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

For the Yakisoba Sauce:

  • 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons oyster sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon ketchup
  • 2 teaspoons sugar

For the Stir-Fry:

  • 1 pound (450g) shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 tablespoon sake (optional, for marinating shrimp)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (e.g., canola or vegetable oil)
  • 1/2 onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 carrot, julienned
  • 1/2 head green cabbage, chopped
  • 3 green onions, cut into 2-inch pieces
  • 3 servings yakisoba noodles (approximately 14-17 oz or 400500g), pre-steamed or fresh
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

  • Aonori (dried green seaweed)
  • Pickled red ginger (beni shoga)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Yakisoba Sauce:

    • In a small bowl, whisk together Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, soy sauce, ketchup, and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Adjust the seasoning to taste and set aside.
  2. Marinate the Shrimp (Optional):

    • Place the shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with sake. Toss to coat and let marinate for about 10 minutes.
  3. Prepare the Noodles:

    • If using pre-steamed yakisoba noodles, loosen them by microwaving for 1 minute covered with a damp paper towel, or by running them under warm water. Drain and set aside.justonecookbook.com
  4. Stir-Fry the Ingredients:

    • Heat oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the onions and white parts of the green onions; sauté until translucent.justonecookbook.com
    • Add the marinated shrimp to the skillet and cook until they turn pink and opaque. Remove the shrimp and set aside.
    • In the same skillet, add the carrots and cabbage. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender but still crisp.
  5. Combine Noodles and Sauce:

    • Add the loosened noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour the yakisoba sauce over the noodles. Toss everything together to ensure even coating.
    • Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet along with the green parts of the green onions. Stir-fry for an additional 2-3 minutes until everything is well combined and heated through.
  6. Serve:

    • Divide the shrimp yakisoba among serving plates. Garnish with optional toppings like aonori and pickled red ginger. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Noodle Options: If yakisoba noodles are unavailable, fresh or dried chuka soba noodles can be used as substitutes. Cook according to package instructions before using.
  • Vegetable Variations: Feel free to add or substitute vegetables such as bell peppers, mushrooms, or bean sprouts based on preference.
  • Protein Alternatives: This recipe can be adapted using chicken, beef, tofu, or a combination of seafood like squid and scallops.

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