Authentic Japanese Yakisobapan: A Delicious Street Food Staple at Home

Ingredients

2 packs of yakisoba noodles (about 200 grams each)
1 small carrot, julienned
1 small bell pepper, sliced
1 small onion, sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons of vegetable oil
200 grams of thinly sliced pork
4 hot dog buns
2 green onions, chopped
4 tablespoons of yakisoba sauce
1/4 teaspoon of salt
1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
4 slices of American cheese (optional)

Steps and instructions

Start by preparing the yakisoba noodles according to the package instructions. Rinse with cold water and set aside.
Heat the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the thinly sliced pork to the skillet and cook until it begins to brown.
Add the minced garlic, julienned carrot, sliced bell pepper, and sliced onion to the skillet. Stir-fry until the vegetables are tender.
Add the prepared yakisoba noodles to the skillet. Stir-fry for a few more minutes until the noodles are heated through.
Add the yakisoba sauce, salt, and black pepper to the skillet. Mix well to ensure everything is evenly coated with the sauce. Continue to stir-fry for 2-3 more minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
Prepare the hot dog buns by opening them up and optionally, place a slice of American cheese into each bun.
Fill each hot dog bun with a generous portion of the yakisoba mixture.
Top with chopped green onions before serving. Enjoy your Yakisobapan!

Tools for making

Skillet - A large skillet to stir-fry the ingredients.
Knife - A knife to julienne the carrot, slice the bell pepper, and onion.
Cutting board - A cutting board to chop and prepare the vegetables.
Garlic press - A garlic press to mince the garlic cloves.
Tongs - Tongs to toss and stir-fry the ingredients in the skillet.
Spatula - A spatula to mix and stir-fry the yakisoba noodles.
Cooking spoon - A cooking spoon to mix the yakisoba sauce into the noodles and vegetables.
Pot - A pot to cook the yakisoba noodles.
Colander - A colander to drain the cooked yakisoba noodles.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons to accurately measure the salt, black pepper, and yakisoba sauce.

Recipe variations

Substitute the pork with chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu for different protein options.
Add additional vegetables like cabbage, mushrooms, or bean sprouts to the stir-fry.
Try different types of noodles such as udon noodles or ramen noodles instead of yakisoba noodles.
Experiment with different sauces like teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or spicy chili sauce.
For a spicy kick, add some red pepper flakes or sriracha sauce to the stir-fry.
Include other toppings like sesame seeds, pickled ginger, or nori (seaweed) strips.
For a vegetarian or vegan version, omit the meat and use vegetable broth or soy sauce instead of yakisoba sauce.
Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free noodles and ensuring all sauces and ingredients are gluten-free.
For a healthier option, use whole wheat hot dog buns and reduce the amount of oil used for stir-frying.
Add a fried egg on top of each Yakisobapan for an extra protein boost.

Recipe overview

Yakisobapan is a popular Japanese street food that takes the delicious flavor of yakisoba, a stir-fried noodle dish, and serves it in a hot dog bun for a portable and satisfying meal. This recipe will guide you through the process of preparing the yakisoba, filled with tender vegetables and thinly sliced pork, then assembling your Yakisobapan. Expect a delightful contrast between the soft bun and the savory, stir-fried noodles. You can also add a slice of American cheese for an extra layer of flavor. Perfect for lunch or a quick dinner, this Yakisobapan recipe is a delightful fusion of traditional Japanese cuisine and Western-style sandwiches, offering a unique culinary experience. Enjoy crafting this innovative dish!

Common questions

Can I use different noodles for this recipe? Yes, you can use different noodles, such as udon or ramen noodles, if you prefer. Just follow the cooking instructions on the package and adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Can I substitute the pork with another protein? Absolutely! If you prefer chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu, you can substitute the pork with your protein of choice. Adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure it is cooked through.
What can I use as a substitute for yakisoba sauce? If you don't have yakisoba sauce, you can make a substitute by combining equal parts Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and ketchup. You can also add a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan? Yes, you can easily make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by omitting the pork and adding more vegetables or plant-based protein alternatives like tofu or tempeh.
Can I add other vegetables to the yakisoba? Absolutely! Yakisoba is versatile, and you can add or substitute vegetables based on your preference. Some popular additions include cabbage, mushrooms, bean sprouts, or snow peas.
Can I make the yakisobapan ahead of time? While it is best to enjoy the yakisobapan immediately after preparation, you can make the yakisoba filling ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply reheat the filling and assemble the yakisobapan.

Serving dishes and utensils

Skillet - A large skillet is essential for stir-frying the ingredients.
Chef's knife - A sharp chef's knife is needed for slicing and mincing the vegetables and garlic.
Cutting board - A sturdy cutting board provides a safe and stable surface for chopping and slicing.
Tongs - Tongs are helpful for tossing and stirring the ingredients in the skillet.
Measuring spoons - Measuring spoons are needed to accurately measure the salt, pepper, and yakisoba sauce.
Spatula - A spatula can be used for mixing and flipping the ingredients in the skillet.
Plates - Plates are necessary for serving the Yakisobapan.
Chopsticks - Chopsticks are commonly used for eating Yakisobapan, providing an authentic experience.
Optional: Cheese slicer - If you choose to add cheese to your Yakisobapan, a cheese slicer can be convenient for creating thin slices.

Origin stories

Yakisobapan is a delightful fusion of Western and Japanese cuisine that was born out of post-war Japan's fascination with American culture. In the throes of rebuilding and reimagination, the Japanese adopted various elements from the West, including the concept of sandwiches. While yakisoba, or stir-fried noodles, was a common street food staple in Japan, the idea of placing these savory noodles in a hot dog bun was a novel concept that immediately captured the hearts of the Japanese people. Today, Yakisobapan is a popular fast food item found in convenience stores across Japan, enjoyed by people of all ages. The dish is a testament to the Japanese spirit of innovation and adaptability, and serves as a delicious reminder of the fusion of cultures.

Disclaimer: This recipe was not created by humans and we cannot ensure that it will turn out as expected. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this recipe (including steps, ingredients, nutritional information, and all sections on this page). You should check to make sure you are not allergic to any ingredients and take safety precautions while making this. The images on this page are generated by AI and may not accurately represent the result of making this recipe.