The Best YAKISOBA Recipe at Home! | Japanese Stir Fry Noodles

Summary

In this episode of 'Chance Japanese Kitchen,' viewers are treated to a tutorial on making yakisoba, a beloved Japanese dish. The video covers the preparation of a homemade sauce using Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a mirin substitute. Key ingredients like cabbage, carrot, onion, ginger, and garlic are expertly chopped and cooked. The noodles are boiled and then fried to achieve a crispy exterior. The dish is completed with the addition of bean sprouts and a garnish of nori, promising a flavorful and satisfying meal that's perfect for any occasion.

Takeaways

• 🍜 Today's recipe is for yakisoba, a popular Japanese dish that is perfect for quick meals and gatherings.
• 🍶 Japanese cooking sake and mirin are used, but wine and sugar can be used as substitutes.
• 🥣 The sauce for yakisoba includes Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and mirin substitute.
• 🔪 A good knife is essential for a chef, and the video mentions handcrafted Japanese knives made with Damascus steel.
• 🥬 Key ingredients include cabbage, carrot, onion, ginger, and garlic, all prepared in specific cuts.
• 🍳 The pork is fried with ginger until cooked, and then set aside for later use.
• 🍝 The noodles are boiled first to make them chewier, then drained and mixed with oil to prevent sticking.
• 🍳 A frying pan is used to combine the noodles, vegetables, pork, and sauce, creating a charred and crispy exterior.
• 🌱 Bean sprouts and water are added at the end to steam, adding a fresh element to the dish.
• 🍘 Nori or dried seaweed is used as a garnish to add umami flavor to the finished yakisoba.

Q & A

What is the main dish being prepared in the video?

The main dish being prepared in the video is yakisoba, a popular Japanese dish.

What does 'yakisoba' mean in Japanese?

In Japanese, 'yaki' means fry and 'soba' means noodles, so 'yakisoba' refers to fried noodles.

What are some occasions where yakisoba is enjoyed in Japan?

Yakisoba is enjoyed in Japan for various occasions such as children's dinner after school, summer festivals, or as a quick meal with friends and family.

What substitutes are suggested for Japanese cooking sake and mirin?

If sake and mirin are not available, they can be substituted with wine and a mixture of wine with sugar for mirin, specifically 50 milliliters of wine with one tablespoon of sugar.

How is the actuma sauce prepared for yakisoba?

The actuma sauce is prepared by mixing 50 milliliters of Worcestershire sauce, 20 milliliters of soy sauce, 20 grams of oyster sauce, and 1 tablespoon of mirin substitute (or one teaspoon of sugar if not using mirin substitute).

What is the significance of a good knife in the video, and how can one get a similar one?

A good knife is essential for a chef, and the video mentions handcrafted Japanese knives made with Damascus steel and a black laminated wooden handle. Viewers can upgrade their cooking skills with these knives, and they can be found through the link in the video description.

What are the key ingredients used in the yakisoba recipe?

The key ingredients used in the yakisoba recipe include cabbage, carrot, onion, ginger, garlic, thinly sliced pork, noodles, and the actuma sauce.

How are the noodles prepared before frying in the recipe?

The noodles are boiled for about 30 seconds, then drained and mixed with one teaspoon of oil to prevent sticking and to make them chewier.

What is the alternative noodle suggested if the specific noodles are not available?

If the specific noodles are not available, 1.8 millimeter spaghetti can be used as a replacement, boiled with salt and baking powder to mimic the texture.

How are the vegetables cooked in the yakisoba recipe?

The vegetables, including cabbage, carrot, onion, and garlic, are stir-fried in a pan with oil until cooked, ensuring they do not burn by constant stirring.

What is added at the end of the cooking process to enhance the dish?

At the end of the cooking process, 50 grams of bean sprouts and 50 milliliters of water are added to steam the bean sprouts, and dried seaweed (nori) is used as a final touch for extra umami flavor.

Outlines

00:00

🍜 Introduction to Yakisoba Recipe

The video begins with a warm welcome to the Japanese Kitchen channel, where the host announces the cooking of yakisoba, a popular Japanese dish. Yakisoba, meaning 'fried noodles,' is a versatile dish suitable for quick meals and social gatherings. The host expresses excitement about sharing this recipe and explains that it's a dish enjoyed across various occasions in Japan. The video then delves into the preparation of the sauce, suggesting substitutes for Japanese cooking sake and mirin using wine and sugar. The sauce ingredients include Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and the homemade mirin substitute. The host also emphasizes the importance of a good knife in cooking, showcasing a handcrafted Japanese knife made from Damascus steel.

05:02

🔪 Preparing Ingredients and Cooking Yakisoba

The host proceeds to prepare the ingredients for yakisoba, starting with cutting cabbage, carrots, onions, ginger, and garlic into bite-sized or thin pieces. A frying pan is used to cook the ginger, followed by thinly sliced pork until fully cooked, which is then set aside. More oil is added to the pan to sauté garlic, onions, carrots, and cabbage. The host then demonstrates how to boil the noodles, suggesting an alternative of spaghetti if the traditional noodles are unavailable. After boiling, the noodles are drained and mixed with oil to prevent sticking. The video concludes with the assembly of yakisoba by frying the noodles to achieve a crispy exterior, adding the cooked pork and vegetables, and finally incorporating the sauce. The dish is completed with the addition of bean sprouts and water to steam them, and garnished with nori for extra umami. The host encourages viewers to try making yakisoba at home and enjoy the harmonious blend of flavors.

Keywords

💡Yakusoba

Yakusoba is a popular Japanese dish that combines 'yaki' (fry) and 'soba' (noodles). It is a staple at festivals and a quick meal option for families. In the video, the host demonstrates how to make yakusoba, emphasizing its widespread appeal and versatility in Japanese cuisine.

💡Sake and Mirin

Sake and mirin are traditional Japanese cooking ingredients. Sake is a rice wine, and mirin is a sweet cooking wine. The video suggests substituting sake with wine and mirin with a mixture of wine and sugar, showcasing adaptability in cooking for those who cannot find these specific ingredients.

💡Actuma Sauce

Actuma sauce is a key component in the yakusoba recipe, providing a rich flavor. It is made with Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and mirin substitute. The sauce is mixed thoroughly to ensure a harmonious blend of flavors, which is crucial for the dish's taste.

💡Damascus Steel

Damascus steel is mentioned in the context of high-quality kitchen knives. It is known for its distinctive patterns and exceptional sharpness, making it ideal for precision cutting. The video highlights the importance of a good knife in cooking, likening it to a chef's essential tool.

💡Cabbage

Cabbage is highlighted as one of the most important ingredients in yakusoba. It is used in significant quantities and cut into bite-sized pieces for the dish. The video emphasizes the role of cabbage in providing texture and bulk to the dish, contributing to its hearty and satisfying nature.

💡Rice Oil

Rice oil is the preferred oil for frying in this recipe due to its high smoke point and neutral flavor. It is used for frying the ginger, pork, and vegetables, ensuring even cooking and preventing burning. The choice of oil is crucial for achieving the right texture and flavor in the dish.

💡Noodles

The noodles used in yakusoba are typically pre-cooked and then fried to achieve a chewy texture. The video suggests boiling the noodles first to remove excess oil and make them chewier. The noodles are a central part of the dish, providing the base for the flavors to adhere to.

💡Char

Char refers to the slightly burnt, crispy exterior that results from frying the noodles. The video instructs to press the noodles down in the pan to achieve a nice char, which adds texture and a smoky flavor to the dish, enhancing the overall eating experience.

💡Bean Sprouts

Bean sprouts are added towards the end of cooking to retain their crunch. They are combined with water to steam, ensuring they remain tender yet crisp. In the video, bean sprouts add a fresh element to the dish, contrasting with the rich and savory flavors of the sauce and noodles.

💡Nori

Nori, or dried seaweed, is used as a garnish in the final step of the recipe. It adds a touch of umami and a pleasant texture to the dish. The video suggests that nori can elevate the flavor profile of yakusoba, tying together the various elements of the dish.

Highlights

Introduction to making yakisoba, a popular Japanese dish.

Yakisoba is suitable for quick meals and social gatherings.

Explanation of the meaning of 'yakisoba' - 'yaki' means fry and 'soba' means noodles.

Yakisoba's popularity across Japan and its versatility for various occasions.

Substitute for Japanese cooking sake and mirin using wine and sugar.

Recipe for making the yakisoba sauce for two people.

Importance of using a good knife in cooking, especially for yakisoba.

Description of the perfect knife for cooking yakisoba.

Cabbage as a key ingredient in yakisoba and its preparation.

Preparation of other vegetables like carrot, onion, and ginger for the dish.

Cooking method for the pork in the yakisoba recipe.

Technique for frying the noodles to achieve a crispy texture.

Alternative noodle option using spaghetti for a similar texture.

Final assembly of the yakisoba dish with all ingredients and sauce.

Adding bean sprouts and water to steam them in the final stages of cooking.

Garnishing the yakisoba with nori or dried seaweed for extra flavor.

Encouragement for viewers to try making yakisoba at home.

Cultural practice of saying 'God saw some of this up' after eating.

Transcripts

hi guys welcome to chance Japanese

Kitchen So today we're gonna make one of

Japan's most popular dishes

yaksuba is perfect for a quick meal and

to enjoy with your friends and family so

let's get

thank you

[Music]

thank you that's right guys today is a

recipe that I've been craving to cook

for a long time yeah

Yaki means fry and soba means noodles

together we have yakisoba

you can find yaksuba all over Japan and

it's loved by everyone

whether it's for your children's dinner

after a long day at school or at one of

Japan's summer festivals yakisoba is

perfect for any occasion

first we'll be using Japanese cooking

sake and mirin which we often use on

this channel if you cannot find them I

have the perfect substitute

brother

that's right what wine you can actually

replace sake with wine to make the mirin

substitute mix 50 milliliters of wine

with one tablespoon of sugar that's it

next we'll make the actuma sauce for two

people into a bowl add 50 milliliters of

Worcestershire sauce 20 milliliters of

soy sauce

20 grams of oyster sauce 1 tablespoon of

mirin substitute we made if you don't

want to use mirroring you can also use

just one teaspoon of sugar then give

everything a nice mix

one of the most important ingredients

so you may have seen in my recent videos

a knife is like a chef's hand

it is like a Voxer and his gloves with a

great night comes great responsibility

[Music]

[Music]

finding the perfect knife can be

difficult but this knife is not only

beautiful to look at but so easy to use

you have no worries cutting or slicing

your way through the toughest of

ingredients each knife is handcrafted in

Japan using the Damascus steel and a

black laminated wooden handle

you can even get my logo engraved on the

knife

upgrade your cooking skill to a chance

level with these amazing knives there's

only Limited stock available so check

the link in the description

one of the most important ingredients in

yaksoba is cabbage we will use about 50

grams of cabbage and cut it into small

bite-sized pieces next we'll peel 40

grams of a carrot and cut it into thin

pieces like this

then cut 50 grams of onions into similar

sized pieces

finally we'll cut 2 grams of ginger and

garlic Into Thin slices

in a frying pan I will add one

tablespoon of rice oil but you can use

any oil you have in the kitchen and now

medium heat add the ginger till the

front pan like this so that all the

ginger is evenly fried in the oil adding

the thinly sliced pork and Fry until

cooked through then set aside

in the thin frying pan on medium heat

add some more oil and Fry the garlic as

soon as the garlic starts to change

color add in the onion and the carrot

after around one minute add in the

Cabbage keep stirring so that the

vegetables do not burn when the

vegetables are cooked to some extent put

them on a plate and set aside

next we'll boil the noodles

sometimes you can fry the noodles

straight away

but these noodles are coated in the oil

so we're gonna boil them first also it

helps to make the noodles chewier after

boiling for about 30 seconds drain the

water with the colander

sprinkle with one teaspoon of oil and

mix well

if you can't find these noodles I have

another great replacement

1.8 millimeter spaghetti for one liter

of water add one tablespoon of salt and

baking powder this will help give the

spaghetti a similar texture to the

noodles

almost the same

now that all of our ingredients are

ready it's time to fry our kisoba on

medium heat add one tablespoon of oil to

our front pan and add in the noodles

with the spatula press down on the

noodles so that you get a nice Char and

they become a little crispy on the

outside after 2-3 minutes turn it around

and repeat with a pair of Chopsticks or

tongs break up the noodles then add in

the pork then the Cabbage onions and

carrots and finally our sauce

give it a nice mix so everything is

covered in the sauce don't forget to

taste

Oishi the noodles are chewy on the

inside and slightly crispy on the

outside the sauce is also the perfect

balance of sweetness saltiness and money

right at the end add 50 grams of bean

sprouts and 50 milliliters of water to

help steam the bean sprouts

this will take around 30 seconds

turn off the heat and let's serve the

Final Touch is some our Nori or dried

seaweed for some extra umami

[Music]

thank you

thank you

this original sauce tastes so good and

very flavorful why don't you try to make

this yakuba at your home

enjoy

so after we eat

we all say

God sew some of this up

[Music]

[Music]

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