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
- 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.
- Make the sauce – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hoisin sauce, mirin, sugar, and black pepper. Set aside.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
PrintShrimp Yakisoba
- 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
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 400–500g), pre-steamed or fresh
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Aonori (dried green seaweed)
- Pickled red ginger (beni shoga)
Instructions
-
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.
-
Marinate the Shrimp (Optional):
- Place the shrimp in a bowl and drizzle with sake. Toss to coat and let marinate for about 10 minutes.
-
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
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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.
-
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.
-
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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