Simple Yakisoba

We went to Mitsuwa Marketplace in Edgewater during the weekend to buy some of their famous Taiyaki and Creamyaki (will blog about that later on). Since we were already there, we decided to pick up some Japanese groceries. Among other things, I bought a pack of Nama Yakisoba ($2.95). I figured fresh Yakisoba would taste way better than the usual dried instant ones. From the directions on the package, it looks simple enough to make. So, I decided to try and make some Yakisoba for dinner last night. Here are the ingredients that I used.

A pack of fresh Yakisoba noodles (that comes with powdered flavoring), garlic, cabbage, carrots, Shitake mushrooms, shrimp and a can of chicken breast in water. Usually, Yakisoba sauce is used to flavor the noodles but since the noodles came with powdered flavoring, we do not need to use any more additional sauces. Before we start cooking, slice the mushrooms into thin pieces. Also, shred the carrots and cut the cabbage into bite size pieces.

Now we are ready to to start cooking. Heat up some oil and throw in some chopped garlic.

Next, toss in the Shitake mushrooms. If you do not like mushrooms, you can also put in onions. I didn't add in any onions cause we are out of onions :P

The cabbage goes in next. It might look like a lot now but it really boils down after some cooking.

In goes the carrots.

After cooking for a bit, add in the chicken breast. The chicken is already pre cooked, so you go not need to cook it for a long time. Traditionally, pork is used in Yakisoba. However, with all the Swine Flu and stuff going around these days, I have decided to use chicken for today.

Next goes in the shrimp. This is optional. I had some shrimp sitting around in the fridge, so I decided to toss them in for flavor.

Once all the ingredients are cooked through, add in the Yakisoba noodles. Yakisoba literally meas "fried noodles". However, the Yakisoba noodles are not the usual buckwheat soba noodles (even though soba is part of the word :P) but more like the ramen noodles that are made with wheat flour.

Stir the noodles around and mix it well. Add in about 3/4 cup of water and allow the noodles to simmer for a bit.

Add in the powdered flavoring and mix it into the noodles.

Continue to stir fry the Yakisoba for a little while and it is done! So easy, right?

I served the Yakisoba with some nori (seaweed) on the top. The taste? I was pretty impressed. It actually tasted like the Yakisoba we would get in Japanese restaurants. Who knows that a pack of Nama Yakisoba that cost only $2.95 (enough to feed 4-5 people) would taste the same as Japanese restaurant Yakisoba (probably cost at least $8 per plate!) :P The next time you are in a Japanese grocery store, check it out. It tasted really authentic and it's so easy to make!!