Easy Yakisoba Noodles Recipe with Buckwheat Noodles

Yakisoba Noodles = Healthy Fast Food!

Yakisoba is a classic Japanese stir fry noodle dish.  It is a combination of vegetables, pork or chicken,  and stir-fried noodles served with a slightly sweet sauce. My recipe here is a chicken yakisoba and takes ONLY 15 minutes to prepare. So it’s quick, easy, and oh sooooo delicious! It’s perfect for weeknights, quick afterschool snacks, or while camping.

Years ago, my husband was stationed in Okinawa, Japan. Yakisoba was a dish he often ate. Most every restaurant in the area had it on the menu. He and his friends used to call it “Japanese Spaghetti.” Today, if we go to a local Japanese restaurant, he almost always orders a plate of Chicken Yakisoba.

How to Make Yakisoba

Yakisoba is really easy to make and you can change up the ingredients depending on what you have on hand. This is a great way to use leftover or store-bought rotisserie chicken too.  I like a combination of chicken, Napa cabbage, and carrots. But you can use pork, seafood, or go vegetarian.

When cooking yakisoba, start to stir fry the firmer vegetables first over a medium high heat. Then add the softer vegetables. I often cut the thicker stem of Napa Cabbage from the leaf and cut that a little longer for a more uniform texture. After vegetables are cooked, add noodles, cooked chicken, and sauce to combine and serve.

Yakisoba Noodles

You can use many types of noodle for this Yakisoba recipe. I’ve made this version with buckwheat noodles because I like their flavor and texture. Soba is another word for buckwheat. These yakisoba noodles are made with a combination of buckwheat and wheat flour. The result is a slightly nutty flavor. But, like I said, you can use different types like ramen noodles, fresh stir fry noodles, etc. You can find buckwheat or these other noodles in the Asian foods section at local grocery stores. If you can’t, then substitute for spaghetti noodles. For a similar flavor, I recommend a whole wheat version or gluten-free variety and cook to al dente.

Other recipes you may want to try:

• Sausage Egg Roll in a Bowl (keto)
• Shrimp Spring Rolls with Peanut Dipping Salad
• Thai Salad
• Easy Thai Coconut Soup Recipe
• Instant Pot Beef Pho

Chicken Yakisoba

Make and enjoy this quick and easy yakisoba anytime; lunch, dinner, or snack. It’s hardy enough to make the night before and take to work for lunch. Just reheat it and you’re ready to go. You can add pickled ginger just before serving too. Anyway, you serve it, you are going to love this healthy fast food!

Enjoy this dish by itself or add a few traditional sides for a complete meal. Favorites in our house include steamed edamame (soybeans), a green salad with Carrot Miso Dressing, and  Miso Soup.

What is your favorite healthy fast food?