Yakisoba

Yakisoba (焼きそば) is a classic Japanese dish, often seen as a popular street food. The name Yakisoba translates to "fried noodles" in English, and it is typically prepared by stir-frying wheat noodles with bite-sized pork, vegetables (usually cabbage, onions or carrots) and flavored with yakisoba sauce, salt and pepper. It is served with a multitude of garnishes, such as Aonori (seaweed powder), Beni shōga (pickled ginger), Katsuobushi (fish flakes), and mayonnaise.

History

The origins of Yakisoba can be traced back to the early 20th century, during the post-World War II period in Japan. Despite its name, Yakisoba is not derived from soba noodles, but rather from chūkamen (中華麺), a type of Chinese noodle made from wheat flour.

Preparation and Serving

Yakisoba is typically prepared on a large iron griddle called a Teppan. The noodles are first cooked on the griddle, then pushed to the side while the pork and vegetables are cooked. Once these ingredients are cooked, they are combined with the noodles and the yakisoba sauce is added. The dish is then served hot, often garnished with aonori, beni shōga, katsuobushi, and mayonnaise.

Variations

There are several variations of Yakisoba, including Yakisoba-pan, where the noodles are served in a hot dog bun, and Omusoba, where the noodles are wrapped in an omelette. Some regions in Japan also have their own unique versions of the dish.

Yakisoba in Popular Culture

Yakisoba is often seen in Japanese media, particularly in Manga and Anime, where it is depicted as a popular street food. It is also a common dish at festivals and outdoor events in Japan.

See Also

• Japanese Cuisine
• Ramen
• Udon
• Soba