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.

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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