[Yakisoba] 4 must-have ingredients to put in your yakisoba, and 3 that make it authentic!

There are no rules for the ingredients used in yakisoba. However, there are some standard ingredients that must be included. Here are some of the standard ingredients and some unexpected combinations!
Rest assured that both of them go well with yakisoba!

Standard ingredients used in Yakisoba

Cabbage

As you know, yakisoba always contains cabbage. Whether you eat yakisoba at home or at a yakisoba stall at a festival, you will always find cabbage in it. Cabbage adds a crispy texture to yakisoba.
Cut it into bite-size pieces so that it does not get in the way when eating. If you are not sure, fry the part near the core first as it will be tough.

Bean sprouts

Bean sprouts are an indispensable part of yakisoba! Although bean sprouts themselves do not have much flavor, when added to the yakisoba, they add a much more delicious flavor to the yakisoba as a whole. The taste of yakisoba with and without bean sprouts is completely different, so be sure to include them!

Carrots

Carrots add color to yakisoba noodles. The sweetness of carrots increases when cooked, making it easier for children who do not like carrots to eat. Since they are difficult to cook, be sure to cut them into thin strips when cutting. And fry them early in the process!

Green bell peppers

Bell peppers can also be added to yakisoba to add color. Its unique bitter taste also enhances the flavor of yakisoba. For children who do not like the bitter taste of bell peppers, we recommend a sauce-flavored yakisoba seasoning that has a distinct flavor. Since they are easily cooked, be sure to add them later in the dish to preserve their texture.

Red pickled ginger

Red ginger is often used as a topping. Not only does it add color, but it also accentuates the fresh and tangy taste, so you can enjoy yakisoba all the way through without getting tired of it. When topping it, drain off the juice before putting it on.

Aonori Green laver

Aonori takes yakisoba to the next level! Aonori is a must if you want to make yakisoba noodles that look exactly like the ones you get at the restaurant! It makes it look more authentic, and the flavor of the aonori is just amazing!

Katsuobushi bonito flakes

They wobble when you add them to hot yakisoba, which makes for an interesting visual treat! Most restaurant yakisoba is topped with dried bonito flakes. Used to make dashi (soup stock), dried bonito flakes add depth to the flavor!
In addition to yakisoba, dried bonito flakes are also used in tofu, soba noodles, and many other Japanese dishes.

Unexpected ingredients that go well with Yakisoba!

Seafood Mix

The Seafood Mix, which includes shrimp, squid and shellfish, can be used simply by thawing, without any prep work such as shelling or cutting.
It is also a great way to prepare multiple ingredients at once.

Garlic chive

The strong aroma of chives goes well with yakisoba noodles. Chives are easy to use because they are quick to heat up and can be stir-fried in a short time. Adding chives while cutting with scissors instead of using a knife and cutting board reduces the amount of dishes to be washed.

Lettuce

Lettuce is often eaten raw, such as in salads, but it tastes sweeter and tastier when cooked. It is easy to prepare as you simply tear it by hand without using a knife.
Fresh lettuce goes well with salty fried noodles.

Let’s enjoy yakisoba more with different ingredients!

In addition to the standard ingredients, a variety of other ingredients can be used to make yakisoba.
Using vegetables that are easy to cook and ingredients that require no preparation makes yakisoba easier to make. Also, using slightly different ingredients will give yakisoba a new appeal. Using leftover ingredients in the refrigerator is also a good way to reduce food waste.