Japanese *yakisoba* is a stir-fry dish consisting of “Chinese-style” buckwheat noodles, diced meat (usually pork belly, but sometimes chicken), and veggies, tossed with a thick, sweet sauce similar to Worcestershire sauce. You can finish the noodles with a variety of garnishes and condiments, including *tsukemono* (pickles) like *beni shoga* (red shreds of pickled ginger), *katsuobushi* (dried bonito flakes), sliced scallions, bean sprouts, *aonori* (powdered, dried seaweed), and a drizzle of [sesame oil](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-cook-with-sesame-oil-11-sesame-oil-recipe-ideas). *Yakisoba* noodles are the same noodles used in ramen, a popular Japanese noodle soup.

In some areas of Japan (mainly the Fukuoka Prefecture), *yakisoba* features thick, chewy [udon noodles](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-udon-noodles) instead of wheat noodles (in a dish called *yaki udon*). *Yakisoba* noodles are also a popular topping for the “savory pancake” *okonomiyaki* in a dish called *modan-yaki*.

With the right cookware and ingredients, you can make a close approximation of authentic *yakisoba* at home:

1. __Use the right noodles__. You can buy packages of pre-steamed *yakisoba* noodles or *mushi chukamen* online or in Asian grocery stores. The noodles look and feel a bit like ramen noodles but have a slightly more delicate texture when cooked.
2. __Use the right cookware__. When stir-frying, few pans will get you as close to your desired results as a wok, which conducts heat differently than a standard frying pan or skillet. Either pan will do in a pinch, but investing in a large wok gives the ingredients direct exposure to high heat without trapping steam, which can make the noodles gummy or too soft. Learn more about different [types of cooking pans](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cookware-guide-types-of-pans-and-how-to-use-them) in our complete guide.
3. __Make your own sauce__. You can find pre-made *yakisoba* sauce in most Asian grocery stores, but you can also make it at home. Combine three tablespoons of [Worcestershire sauce](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/worcestershire-sauce-recipe) with three teaspoons of oyster sauce, two teaspoons of ketchup, two teaspoons of soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Whisk well to combine; adjust the ratios to your preference.
4. __Serve it in a bun__. Some convenience stores carry *yakisoba-pan*, a popular variation of *yakisoba* served in a hot dog bun. To recreate *yakisoba-pan* at home, toast the bun beforehand and brush with butter, then fill with your noodles. 

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*Yakisoba* is one of the ultimate Japanese street foods: Stir-fried noodles served in a salty-sweet sauce with all of the fixings. 


*Yakisoba* is one of the ultimate Japanese street foods: Stir-fried noodles served in a salty-sweet sauce with all of the fixings. 


Guide to Yakisoba: 4 Tips for Making Yakisoba

Japanese yakisoba is a stir-fry dish consisting of “Chinese-style” buckwheat noodles, diced meat (usually pork belly, but sometimes chicken), and veggies, tossed with a thick, sweet sauce similar to Worcestershire sauce. You can finish the noodles with a variety of garnishes and condiments, including tsukemono (pickles) like beni shoga (red shreds of pickled ginger), katsuobushi (dried bonito flakes), sliced scallions, bean sprouts, aonori (powdered, dried seaweed), and a drizzle of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-cook-with-sesame-oil-11-sesame-oil-recipe-ideas' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/learn-how-to-cook-with-sesame-oil-11-sesame-oil-recipe-ideas","linkCopy":"sesame oil","category":null}'>sesame oil</a>. Yakisoba noodles are the same noodles used in ramen, a popular Japanese noodle soup.In some areas of Japan (mainly the Fukuoka Prefecture), yakisoba features thick, chewy <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-udon-noodles' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-are-udon-noodles","linkCopy":"udon noodles","category":null}'>udon noodles</a> instead of wheat noodles (in a dish called yaki udon). Yakisoba noodles are also a popular topping for the “savory pancake” okonomiyaki in a dish called modan-yaki.

What Is Yakisoba?

With the right cookware and ingredients, you can make a close approximation of authentic yakisoba at home:<ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Use the right noodles. You can buy packages of pre-steamed yakisoba noodles or mushi chukamen online or in Asian grocery stores. The noodles look and feel a bit like ramen noodles but have a slightly more delicate texture when cooked. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Use the right cookware. When stir-frying, few pans will get you as close to your desired results as a wok, which conducts heat differently than a standard frying pan or skillet. Either pan will do in a pinch, but investing in a large wok gives the ingredients direct exposure to high heat without trapping steam, which can make the noodles gummy or too soft. Learn more about different <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cookware-guide-types-of-pans-and-how-to-use-them' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/cookware-guide-types-of-pans-and-how-to-use-them","linkCopy":"types of cooking pans","category":null}'>types of cooking pans</a> in our complete guide. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Make your own sauce. You can find pre-made yakisoba sauce in most Asian grocery stores, but you can also make it at home. Combine three tablespoons of <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/worcestershire-sauce-recipe' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/worcestershire-sauce-recipe","linkCopy":"Worcestershire sauce","category":null}'>Worcestershire sauce</a> with three teaspoons of oyster sauce, two teaspoons of ketchup, two teaspoons of soy sauce, and a pinch of sugar. Whisk well to combine; adjust the ratios to your preference. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Serve it in a bun. Some convenience stores carry yakisoba-pan, a popular variation of yakisoba served in a hot dog bun. To recreate yakisoba-pan at home, toast the bun beforehand and brush with butter, then fill with your noodles. </li></ol>

4 Tips for Making Yakisoba 

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Yakisoba is one of the ultimate Japanese street foods: Stir-fried noodles served in a salty-sweet sauce with all of the fixings.

Yakisoba is one of the ultimate Japanese street foods: Stir-fried noodles served in a salty-sweet sauce with all of the fixings. 
