Wagamama's Yaki Soba features tender stir-fried noodles tossed with savory soy sauce, crisp vegetables, and tender chicken or tofu, garnished with spring onions and sesame seeds for a flavorful and visually vibrant Asian-inspired dish.
Equipments
- Wok
- Spatula or wok turner
- Large pot (for boiling noodles)
- Colander or strainer
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Mixing bowls
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Serving plates or bowls
Ingredients
- 7 oz (200g) soba noodles or wheat noodles
- 7 oz (200g) chicken breast or firm tofu
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 cup (70g) bean sprouts
- 1/2 cup (50g) white cabbage, shredded
- 1/3 cup (40g) carrot, julienned
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon oyster sauce (or vegetarian stir-fry sauce)
- 1 tablespoon mirin or rice wine
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
- 2 tablespoons sesame seeds
- Lime wedges (optional, for serving)
Choosing between chicken breast and firm tofu allows you to tailor the protein to your dietary preferences while maintaining the dish's authentic texture. Use soba noodles when seeking a nutty flavor and slightly chewy bite, or opt for wheat noodles for a softer texture that soaks up sauces well. High-quality soy sauce and oyster or vegetarian stir-fry sauce are essential to achieving the signature savory depth characteristic of Wagamama's Yaki Soba. Fresh vegetables like bean sprouts, cabbage, carrots, and spring onions add necessary crunch and color, balancing the umami flavor. Your copycat Wagamama Yaki Soba will deliver a vibrant Asian-inspired meal rich in texture and bold taste.
Instructions
- Instructions:
- Cook noodles in boiling water according to package instructions; drain, rinse with cold water, and set aside.
- Slice chicken breast (or tofu) into thin strips.
- Prepare and cut all vegetables: shred cabbage, julienne carrot, slice red onion, and chop green onions.
- Heat wok over high heat and add vegetable oil.
- Add sliced chicken (or tofu) to the wok; stir-fry until browned and cooked through; remove and set aside.
- In the same wok, add more oil if needed, then add red onion, cabbage, and carrot; stir-fry until slightly softened.
- Add cooked noodles to the wok; toss with vegetables to combine.
- Return the cooked chicken (or tofu) to the wok.
- Add soy sauce, oyster sauce, mirin, sesame oil, and white pepper; toss everything together until evenly coated and heated through.
- Add bean sprouts and half of the green onions; stir-fry for an additional 1–2 minutes.
- Sprinkle with sesame seeds and remaining green onions.
- Serve immediately, garnished with lime wedges if desired.
Substitution
Wagamama's Yaki Soba combines tender stir-fried noodles with savory soy sauce, crisp vegetables, and your choice of chicken or tofu, topped with spring onions and sesame seeds for a flavorful Asian-inspired experience. If you cannot find soba noodles, wheat noodles or ramen noodles are suitable substitutes without compromising texture. For a vegetarian or vegan version, use firm tofu and replace oyster sauce with a vegetarian stir-fry sauce or mushroom soy sauce. When stir-frying, ensure your wok is well-heated to achieve the ideal sear on vegetables and protein. Adjust soy sauce and mirin quantities to taste if using salted or sweeter substitutes.
Tips
Make sure to drain and rinse the soba noodles with cold water after cooking to prevent them from sticking and to stop the cooking process. When stir-frying chicken or tofu in your wok, use high heat to achieve a nice sear and avoid overcrowding the pan, which can cause steaming rather than browning. Your vegetables should be cooked just until slightly softened to maintain their crisp texture and vibrant color. Remember to evenly coat all ingredients with the sauce mixture for balanced flavor throughout the dish.
Nutritions
Wagamama's Yaki Soba provides a balanced mix of macronutrients with approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on whether you choose chicken or tofu. The dish supplies around 25-30 grams of protein, mainly from chicken breast or tofu, supporting muscle repair and growth. Its vegetable content, including cabbage, carrots, and bean sprouts, contributes dietary fiber, vitamins A and C, and antioxidants that promote digestive health. Your meal also includes healthy fats from sesame oil and sesame seeds, which offer essential fatty acids beneficial for heart health.
Storage
To store your Wagamama's Yaki Soba, transfer the cooled noodles and stir-fry mixture into an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a wok or microwave, adding a splash of water or soy sauce to maintain moisture and flavor. Avoid freezing, as the texture of the noodles and vegetables may degrade upon thawing.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute wheat noodles with rice noodles or udon for different textures in your Yaki Soba. Swap chicken for shrimp or thinly sliced beef to vary protein options, or incorporate mushrooms to keep it vegetarian-friendly. Experiment with adding garlic or ginger during stir-frying to boost aroma and flavor complexity. Using tamari instead of soy sauce offers a gluten-free alternative without compromising the savory taste.
Allergies
Wagamama's Yaki Soba contains common allergens such as soy from the soy sauce and tofu and sesame seeds, which can trigger allergic reactions in sensitive individuals. The dish also includes oyster sauce, which is made from shellfish, posing a risk for those with shellfish allergies. You should check ingredient labels carefully and consider substitutions or avoidance if you have known allergies to soy, shellfish, or sesame.
Why this recipe?
Wagamama's Yaki Soba menu is beloved for its perfect balance of tender noodles, savory soy-based sauce, and fresh vegetables, creating a rich umami flavor that appeals to diverse palates. The dish's customizable options allow you to tailor it with your favorite proteins, making it a versatile and satisfying choice. Its unique blend of Eastern flavors combined with Wagamama's signature light and healthy preparation makes it a standout option in Asian cuisine. Recreating the Yaki Soba at home lets you enjoy an authentic, restaurant-quality experience while controlling ingredient quality and adjusting spice levels to suit your taste.