Yakisoba Sauce Recipe - Stir Fry Sauce- The Foreign Fork (2024)

Published on Modified: by Alexandria Drzazgowski. This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.

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Yakisoba is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish, but the best yakisoba depends on truly excellent Yakisoba Sauce. Give this super simple recipe a try to take your homemade yakisoba to the next level!

Yakisoba Sauce Recipe - Stir Fry Sauce- The Foreign Fork (1)

“Hello Reader! I try my hardest to research recipes as best as I can before posting to ensure I am representing each culture correctly. If this recipe is from your country and I have made a mistake or you have suggestions for how to make it more authentic, I would love to hear! Please leave a comment below letting me know what should be different, and I will rework the recipe. It is always my intention to pay homage and respect to each cultural dish that I cook. Thanks for reading!”

When most American think about Japanese noodles, they may picture in their mind a bowl of ramen. But if you are a fan of Japanese noodles, you should really also be a fan of yakisoba.

Yakisoba is different from ramen because it is not a soup dish. Yakisoba is a dish made with stir-fried noodles covered in a thick, savory sauce and paired with cabbage, onions, carrots, and thinly sliced meat.

Of course, good yakisoba depends on good yakisoba sauce. It’s the sauce that coats every bite and brings a rush of flavor.

This sauce is easier to put together than you might think. Just mix up a few simple ingredients and you’re ready to make a main dish your whole family will love!

Recipe Origins

China introduced Japan to the first noodles during the 4th century. Chinese chefs had been making soba noodles from buckwheat for centuries by then, but it took some time for the Japanese people to adopt them into their everyday cooking.

By the 20th century trade with China was booming and Japanese cuisine was evolving with it. The Japanese adopted the Chinese stir-fried noodles, and chow mein, but put their own twist on the dish, creating yakisoba.

The popularity of yakisoba really took off after World War II. The dish allowed people to use inexpensive ingredients like cabbage and small pieces of meat and create a dish that is full of flavor.

What really makes the dish so fantastic is, of course, the delicious sauce. Japanese Worcestershire sauce is one of the main ingredients along with soy sauce, oyster sauce, and a little bit of sugar.

Today different regions of Japan may use slightly different sauces or vegetables, but the combination of noodles, protein, and vegetables cooked quickly together makes this dish a crowd favorite at street festivals, Asian markets, and restaurants.

Why Make This Recipe

  1. First Step to Yakisoba: If you’re craving some Beef Yakisoba from home, you need a good sauce to cook it all in. This is just the first step towards a delicious lunch or dinner.
  2. Easy Flavor: This yakisoba sauce recipe adds incredible flavor to yakisoba, fried rice, gyoza, or any stir-fry dish.
  3. Taste of Japan: Yakisoba is a very popular dish in Japan, especially when sold by street vendors. If you want to experience a little bit of Japan, this simple sauce can get you there!

What Do I Need To Make This Recipe

Ingredients

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Here is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the recipe at the bottom for quantities.

  1. Worcestershire Sauce
  2. Oyster Sauce
  3. Ketchup
  4. Soy Sauce
  5. Granulated Sugar
  6. Molasses: This ingredient is not common in many online versions of Yakisoba Sauce, but it was listed as an ingredient in a popular Yakisoba Sauce bottle, so I added it to this recipe. I think it adds a delicious and unique flavor!

How to Make This Recipe

Step One: Combine your ingredients

Yakisoba Sauce Recipe - Stir Fry Sauce- The Foreign Fork (3)

Put all of the ingredients in a small bowl and whisk to combine. Add more granulated sugar to taste depending on if you want a sweeter yakisoba.

Use in your favorite yakisoba recipe! Enjoy!

Expert Tips

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  • Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. You could also use brown sugar instead of sugar and molasses.
  • Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
  • Japanese Worcestershire sauce may be sweeter than Western Worcestershire. For the most authentic flavor, choose the Japanese brand Bulldog Worcestershire. You can find it online or at Asian grocery stores.

FAQs

Yakisoba Sauce Recipe - Stir Fry Sauce- The Foreign Fork (5)

What Can I Use As a Substitute for Oyster Sauce?

If you don’t have any oyster sauce on hand, it’s usually not too difficult to find at the grocery store in the Asian section. It’s a great sauce to have on hand if you plan to make any Japanese or Chinese dishes.

Still, if you don’t want to spend the money on a bottle of oyster sauce there are a few sauces you can use as a substitute. For this recipe, I would suggest using hoisin sauce or leaving the oyster sauce out completely.

You could also try a bit of fish sauce, teriyaki sauce, or vegan mushroom sauce. Taste as you go with any of these substitutions to ensure the flavor is not too strong.

Is Yakisoba Sauce Sweet?

This homemade sauce is both sweet and savory. It is tangy but not too salty. You can adjust it to your liking.

How Can I Use Yakisoba Sauce?

Use this homemade yakisoba sauce for yakisoba or save some to use as a marinade for meat. You can also add it to fried rice or use it as a stir-fry sauce.

How is Yakisoba Sauce Different From Other Japanese Sauces?

Many Japanese sauces have similar ingredients but in different ratios. Feel free to adjust to your liking and re-use the ingredients for your other favorite Japanese recipes too.

What Noodles Should I Use For Yakisoba?

You can find yakisoba noodles in your local Asian grocery store and this is usually the best choice. If you cannot find yakisoba noodles, simple ramen noodles will work as well.

Mix your noodles up in a large skillet with thinly sliced meat, cabbage, carrots, shiitake mushrooms, green onion, and bean sprouts and you’ve got a delicious meal!

What Kind of Meat Is Used for Yakisoba?

Yakisoba may be made with pork belly, beef, or chicken breast. Different regions may have their own varieties. Definitely check out this Beef Yakisoba to enjoy for dinner!

Did you enjoy this recipe for Yakisoba Sauce? If so, make sure to check out these other recipes I picked out just for you:

  • Easy Katsu Sauce Recipe
  • American Wagyu Beef vs Japanese Wagyu Beef
  • Chicken Katsudon Recipe
  • Rainbow Roll Sushi Recipe
  • Chicken Katsu Curry Recipe

Yakisoba Sauce Recipe - Stir Fry Sauce- The Foreign Fork (6)

Yakisoba Sauce Recipe

Yakisoba is a delicious stir-fried noodle dish, but the best yakisoba depends on truly excellent Yakisoba Sauce. Give this super simple recipe a try to take your homemade yakisoba to the next level!

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Print Pin Rate

Course: condiment, Sauces

Cuisine: Japanese

Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes minutes

Servings: 0.75 cup

Calories: 359kcal

Author: Alexandria Drzazgowski

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
  • ¼ cup Oyster sauce
  • 3 tbsp ketchup
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 4 tsp granulated sugar
  • 1 tbsp molasses

Instructions

  • Put all of the ingredients in a bowl and whisk to combine. Add more granulated sugar to taste depending on if you want a sweeter yakisoba.

  • Use in your favorite yakisoba recipe! Enjoy!

Notes

Copyright The Foreign Fork. For educational or personal use only.

  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Oyster Sauce
  • Ketchup
  • Soy Sauce
  • Granulated Sugar
  • Molasses: This ingredient is not common in many online versions of Yakisoba Sauce, but it was listed as an ingredient on a popular Yakisoba Sauce bottle, so I added it to this recipe. I think it adds a delicious and unique flavor!
  • Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar to your preference. You could also use brown sugar instead of sugar and molasses.
  • Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
  • Japanese Worcestershire sauce may be sweeter than Western Worcestershire. For the most authentic flavor, choose the Japanese brand Bulldog Worcestershire. You can find it online or at Asian grocery stores.

Nutrition

Serving: 1serving | Calories: 359kcal | Carbohydrates: 86g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.04g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Sodium: 6538mg | Potassium: 1435mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 64g | Vitamin A: 380IU | Vitamin C: 14mg | Calcium: 196mg | Iron: 8mg

Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @TheForeignFork or tag #TheForeignFork!

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Yakisoba Sauce Recipe - Stir Fry Sauce- The Foreign Fork (2024)

FAQs

What is yakisoba sauce made of? ›

What is Yakisoba Sauce Made Of? Yakisoba sauce is a sweet, savory, and tangy mix of soy sauce, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and other seasonings. Some yakisoba sauce recipes include oyster sauce, which has a more rich umami flavor. I also added sriracha to my yakisoba sauce because I like things a little spicy!

What's the difference between yakisoba and stir fry? ›

Yakisoba can be described as the Japanese version of the Chinese stir fried noodles, Lo Mein. They are both stir fried soft noodles, both stir fried with vegetables, and both appear to be soy-sauce-based flavor. They look almost identical but for some reason, Yakisoba tastes quite different from Lo Mein.

Is yakisoba sauce the same as teriyaki sauce? ›

Is Yakisoba Sauce the same as Teriyaki Sauce? No, Teriyaki sauce is used to coat and make teriyaki chicken, and it doesn't contain oyster sauce and Worcestershire sauce or ketchup. Japanese teriyaki sauce contains sweet mirin or sake.

What is the difference between lo mein and yakisoba? ›

Lo mein is similar to yakisoba, the dish our noodles were designed for, but the sauce is as simple as oyster sauce, sesame oil, and soy sauce, rather than a more complex, fruit-based concoction you find with yakisoba.

What is the Chinese version of yakisoba? ›

Chow mein spread from China to Japan by the Taisho period (1912-1926), but at the time, the dish was similar to mainland Chinese chow mein and consisted of soy sauce or salt seasoning, a stark contrast to the Worcestershire sauce flavor of today's yakisoba.

What is a substitute for oyster sauce in yakisoba? ›

Soy Sauce

If you're in a bind, soy sauce makes a great substitute for oyster sauce. For one, it's a very popular sauce (arguably one of the most popular sauces in Asian cuisine), so finding it in stores will be easy. Second, it's a vegan option, so if traditional oyster sauce won't work, soy sauce can step in.

What flavor is yakisoba? ›

Yakisoba is a classic Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that's seasoned with a sweet and savory sauce similar to Worcestershire sauce. Use any proteins you like—pork, chicken, shrimp, or calamari.

What is a substitute for Worcestershire sauce in yakisoba? ›

Best Worcestershire Sauce Substitutes
  1. Soy sauce. ...
  2. Soy sauce + ketchup. ...
  3. Soy sauce + apple juice. ...
  4. Miso paste + water. ...
  5. Soy sauce + apple cider vinegar + red pepper flakes. ...
  6. Soy sauce + hoisin sauce + apple cider vinegar. ...
  7. Soy sauce + lemon juice + granulated sugar + hot sauce.
Jul 31, 2019

What is the most popular yakisoba? ›

Sosu yakisoba is the most popular variation of yakisoba. It is prepared by stir-frying Chinese noodles and other ingredients, such as vegetables, then seasoning them with Worcester sauce or oyster sauce. Food companies also sell special yakisoba sauces.

Is tonkatsu sauce same as yakisoba sauce? ›

Compared to similar brown sauces, such as tonkatsu sauce, it's less fruity and sweet and slightly more liquidy to meld with the noodles and stir-fried ingredients. You may notice the prominent soy sauce flavor in the sauce.

What is the Japanese sauce called? ›

Shoyu (soy sauce)

Shoyu is the most widely used condiment in Japanese cuisine and found in or added to a large number of dishes. The fermented soybean product adds depth to a dish when cooked together or when used as a dipping sauce like for sushi. There are different types of soy sauce, including light and dark ones.

Which is better yakisoba or udon? ›

Which is Healthier, Udon or Soba? With its wholegrain like appearance and buckwheat heavy base, Soba is the healthier choice when it comes to your Asian noodle game. This is because buckwheat is lower in carbohydrates and lower in calories so it's a good choice for those trying to cut back.

What noodle can I substitute for yakisoba? ›

Ramen noodles are the most similar to yakisoba noodles and are a great substitute. If you can get your hands-on fresh ramen, use that, or even fresh chow mein; otherwise instant/dried ramen noodles are super easy to find at your local grocery store.

Is yakisoba just chow mein? ›

chow mien and yakisoba are two distinctly different noodles, in both texture and cooking method. for simplicity people can associate the two as the same but from two different countries, but for those that really want to know they are extremely different.

What does yakisoba taste like? ›

It has the irresistible salty-sweet soft-crispy taste and texture of junk food, but in essence it's a healthy pile of stir-fried cabbage and onions with some noodles mixed in—crowned with a mess of condiments and toppings. It's a quick meal that's easy to cook in both Japanese and American kitchens.

Does yakisoba taste like lo mein? ›

Yakisoba can be described as the Japanese version of the Chinese stir fried noodles, Lo Mein. They are both stir fried soft noodles, both stir fried with vegetables, and both appear to be soy-sauce-based flavor. They look almost identical but for some reason, Yakisoba tastes quite different from Lo Mein.

What is special about yakisoba? ›

Yakisoba's irresistible appeal lay in its perfect balance of flavors, textures, and its humble origins. The true magic, however, lies in the sauce. There are many different recipes, but yakisoba sauce has been refined over generations, and is a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy.

Is yakisoba ramen healthy? ›

Udon, ramen, yakisoba and somen noodle are all made from white flour and can be made with bleached refined flour which doesn't have many nutrients and high GI – a recipe for overweight and disease!

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