Chicken Yakisoba from Benihana features tender stir-fried chicken, chewy wheat noodles, crunchy cabbage, and vibrant carrots tossed in a savory soy-based sauce, delivering a flavorful and satisfying Asian-inspired dish.
Equipments
- Wok or large skillet
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs or spatula
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Colander
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Grater or julienne peeler (for carrots)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breast
- 8 oz (225g) yakisoba noodles or fresh wheat noodles
- 2 cups shredded green cabbage
- 1 cup julienned carrots
- 1/2 medium onion
- 2 scallions
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1/2 teaspoon granulated sugar
- Salt
- Black pepper
Using fresh yakisoba or wheat noodles significantly enhances the texture and authenticity of the dish, as dried or instant noodles may become too soft or lose their chewiness. Selecting boneless, skinless chicken breast ensures even cooking and tender bites without excess fat, which complements the savory soy-based sauce perfectly. Fresh vegetables like shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, and scallions add essential crunch and vibrant color, balancing the rich flavors of oyster and Worcestershire sauces. Measuring sauces precisely helps maintain the right balance of salty, sweet, and umami notes that define Benihana's signature Chicken Yakisoba. This approach guarantees that your Chicken Yakisoba from the Benihana copycat menu delivers restaurant-quality taste and texture.
Instructions
- Slice the chicken breast into thin bite-sized strips.
- Season the chicken lightly with salt and black pepper.
- Slice the onion, scallions, and shred cabbage.
- Julienne the carrots (use a grater or julienne peeler if needed).
- Boil yakisoba noodles according to package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- Heat vegetable oil in a wok or large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken strips and stir-fry until fully cooked, then transfer to a bowl.
- In the same wok, add onions, carrots, and cabbage; stir-fry until crisp-tender.
- Return chicken to the wok with vegetables.
- Add yakisoba noodles to the mixture.
- In a small bowl, mix soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and sugar.
- Pour the sauce over the noodle mixture in the wok.
- Toss everything together, ensuring even coating and heating.
- Stir in scallions, and cook for 1 minute more.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Chicken Yakisoba from Benihana copycat menu can be easily adapted to suit your pantry by substituting fresh wheat noodles with instant ramen or spaghetti noodles in a pinch. If you don't have oyster sauce, a mix of soy sauce with a pinch of sugar or hoisin sauce can replicate its sweet-savory depth. Mirin adds a subtle sweetness and acidity, but a splash of rice vinegar combined with a touch of sugar works as an effective alternative. When tossing the vegetables, adjust cooking times based on your preference for crunchiness to maintain the perfect texture. You can also swap chicken breast for thighs to achieve a juicier result without significantly altering the flavor profile.
Tips
When slicing chicken breast for your Chicken Yakisoba, aim for uniform, thin strips to ensure even cooking and tenderness. Be sure to drain the noodles thoroughly after boiling to prevent sogginess in the final dish. Use high heat during stir-frying to achieve a nice sear on the chicken and vegetables without steaming them. When tossing everything together, mix quickly and evenly to coat the noodles and ingredients with the flavorful soy-based sauce for maximum taste.
Nutritions
Chicken Yakisoba from Benihana provides a balanced blend of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables, making it a nutritious meal option. With 1 lb of boneless chicken breast, you receive a high-quality source of lean protein essential for muscle repair and growth. The yakisoba noodles contribute to your carbohydrate intake, offering energy, while cabbage and carrots add dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants. The soy-based sauce introduces sodium, so be mindful of your overall intake if managing salt consumption.
Storage
Store leftover Chicken Yakisoba in an airtight container and refrigerate within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Consume leftovers within 3 to 4 days, reheating thoroughly in a wok or microwave until steaming hot to ensure food safety. For longer storage, freeze the dish in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months, thawing overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Variation or Alternatives
For a variation, you can substitute chicken breast with thinly sliced pork tenderloin or shrimp to change the protein while maintaining the dish's texture and nutrition. Try swapping yakisoba noodles for whole wheat or rice noodles to suit your dietary preferences or add a gluten-free option. Consider adding bell peppers or bean sprouts for extra crunch and vibrant color, enhancing both flavor and visual appeal. You can also finish cooking with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or drizzle with chili oil to add a nutty or spicy kick to your Chicken Yakisoba.
Allergies
Chicken Yakisoba from Benihana contains wheat noodles, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, all of which are common allergens due to gluten, soy, and shellfish components respectively. If you have allergies to gluten, soy, or shellfish, it's important to check ingredient labels carefully or speak with the restaurant about possible substitutions. Your safety depends on avoiding these allergens or preparing the dish with suitable alternatives.
Why this recipe?
Chicken Yakisoba from Benihana is loved for its perfect balance of savory soy-based sauce, tender chicken pieces, and stir-fried vegetables that create a flavorful and satisfying meal. The dish is expertly cooked on a teppanyaki grill, which imparts a unique, smoky aroma and enhances the texture of the noodles. Trying to make a copycat version allows you to recreate the authentic taste in your own kitchen, giving you control over ingredients and portion sizes while saving on dining costs. Your homemade Chicken Yakisoba can bring the excitement of a teppanyaki experience right to your dining table.