Rating: 3.57
(80)

Vegetarian Yakisoba

August 21, 2023

Vegetarian yakisoba is one of those dishes that brings instant joy to the dinner table. It’s fast, filling, and packed with layers of umami flavor. While traditionally made with pork or chicken, this veggie-forward version holds its own with a colorful mix of fresh produce, chewy noodles, and a deeply savory sauce that ties everything together.

Yakisoba is a classic Japanese street food that translates to “fried noodles.” Despite its name, it’s usually made with wheat-based noodles similar to ramen rather than buckwheat soba. The real magic comes from the sauce, a balance of salty, sweet, and tangy that caramelizes slightly as it hits the hot pan, coating every strand of noodle with flavor.

What makes the vegetarian version so satisfying is the variety of textures and colors you can introduce. Think thinly sliced cabbage, bell peppers, carrots, onions, and mushrooms all stir-fried to crisp-tender perfection. Add to that the chew of the noodles and the sticky-sweet glaze of yakisoba sauce, and you’ve got a dish that hits every note.

Vegetarian yakisoba is incredibly adaptable. You can make it with whatever vegetables you have on hand, broccoli, snap peas, spinach, or even leftover roasted veggies. It’s also easy to adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences, whether you like it spicier, sweeter, or with a splash of citrus.

It’s a fantastic weeknight meal because everything comes together in one pan, and cleanup is minimal. You don’t need any fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients. Even the sauce can be whipped up from pantry staples like soy sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire.

Serve it hot, topped with green onions, sesame seeds, or pickled ginger if you want to go the extra mile. It also keeps well for lunch the next day, making it a smart meal prep option.

Vegetarian yakisoba proves that plant-based meals don’t have to be boring or bland. With its bold flavor, quick prep, and endless customization options, it’s a dish you’ll find yourself coming back to again and again.

Vegetarian Yakisoba
Vegetarian Yakisoba
3.57 from 80 votes
A delicious and flavorful vegetarian version of the popular Japanese dish - Yakisoba.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz yakisoba noodles
  • 2 tbsp vegetable or sesame oil
  • 1 onion sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 carrot julienned
  • 1 bell pepper sliced
  • 1 cup cabbage shredded
  • 4 Green onions sliced
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp oyster sauce
  • 1 tbsp ketchup
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the yakisoba noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
  • In a large skillet or wok, heat the oil over medium heat.
  • Add the onion and garlic, and cook until softened.
  • Add the carrot, bell pepper, and cabbage. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp.
  • Push the vegetables to one side of the skillet and add the cooked yakisoba noodles to the other side.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, oyster sauce, ketchup, sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the sauce over the noodles and vegetables.
  • Toss everything together until well combined.
  • Cook for another 2-3 minutes or until heated through.
  • Remove from heat and sprinkle with sesame seeds for garnish.
  • Serve hot and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 68gProtein: 8gFat: 7gFiber: 5g
Calories: 350kcal
Meal Type: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Japanese
Keyword: vegetarian, Vegetarian Recipes
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: 30-45 Min
Level: Easy
Tried this recipe?Mention @coolinarco or tag #coolinarco!
Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar Darell Hackett II says:

    5 stars
    I used zoodles instead of yakisoba noodles and it worked great! Healthier option. Just remember to squeeze out the water!

  2. User avatar flossie.kub2014 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t know about this one. It was kind of bland… needs more kick!

    1. User avatar Barry Manilow says:

      4 stars
      I totally get that! Maybe try adding some chili flakes or sriracha for those extra flavors. It really spices things up! 😊

  3. User avatar esperanza.hickle says:

    5 stars
    Yum! My kids ate all the veggies! Way to go!

  4. User avatar yasmin.beatty says:

    1 star
    Way too salty! I added the full soy sauce and oyster stuf and this turned out like a salt lick. Careful with the amounts!

  5. User avatar denver.wiegand says:

    2 stars
    This is not real yakisoba! Where is the meat?!

  6. User avatar jerilyn.reynolds says:

    4 stars
    Bok choy is better than cabbage, just saying. Good recipe though!

  7. User avatar emory.hammes12 says:

    5 stars
    This was amazing! The noodles were perfect and the flavors were on point. A new favorite for sure!

  8. User avatar dane.hessel2017 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I made it with tofu and it turned out delicious! 🍜

    1. User avatar Sybil Gutmann says:

      5 stars
      I love that you used tofu! It really makes a difference in texture. 😍

    2. User avatar gertrudis.wiza14 says:

      2 stars
      But isn’t yakisoba supposed to be made with meat? Tofu just seems weird for this dish.

  9. User avatar peter.brekke says:

    4 stars
    Perfect weeknight meal. I added tofu for extra protein and it turned out delicious!

  10. User avatar anonymous_hacker says:

    2 stars
    Didn’t like it. I thought yakisoba was supposed to have meat? Where’s the beef? Disappointed.

    1. 4 stars
      Yakisoba can definitely be made veg, but if you’re looking for meat, this ain’t it. You might wanna check out a different recipe! 🙃

  11. 4 stars
    Made this for dinner, but I forgot the cabbage. Still yum! 😋

  12. User avatar jackelyn.vandervort says:

    5 stars
    This is my go-to for busy nights! Takes no time and tastes great.

  13. User avatar cristine.rempel1997 says:

    4 stars
    So good! Really brings the taste of Japan home. Love the crunch from the veggies!

  14. User avatar mallie.turner9 says:

    3 stars
    Um, I didn’t have soy sauce, so I used Worcestershire instead. It was okay, but not the same.

    1. User avatar frankie.harber11 says:

      4 stars
      Worcestershire? That’s interesting, but it’s really not the same flavor profile as soy sauce. Maybe next time try tamari if you can’t find soy sauce? It’s more alike! Glad it turned out okay for you!

  15. User avatar Gag Halfrunt says:

    3 stars
    It was okay, but I think I would add more sauce next time.

  16. User avatar lia.bashirian98 says:

    1 star
    Bland and boring. It needs more flavor. 👎

  17. User avatar leana.brakus2004 says:

    4 stars
    I loved it! The sauce was just right, I’ll make this again for sure!

    1. User avatar reynalda.kunde says:

      5 stars
      I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites too. The sauce really ties everything together, doesn’t it?

  18. 3 stars
    Eh, it was okay. Kind of bland. Needs more seasoning or something.

    1. User avatar Harriet Ullrich says:

      4 stars
      I actually liked it! The flavors were pretty good to me. Maybe you just missed a step?

  19. User avatar rhea.emmerich77 says:

    5 stars
    Simple and tasty! I used leftover veggies and it still turned out great!

    1. 5 stars
      Sounds delicious! I love using leftovers too. It’s a great way to reduce waste and still enjoy a meal.

    2. User avatar Elvis Wunsch says:

      2 stars
      I dunno, that sounds a bit off. Ketchup in yakisoba? I thought it was more traditional without weird sauces.

  20. 5 stars
    Takes me back to Japan! I can almost smell the streets. Thanks for this recipe!

  21. User avatar Loonquawl and Phouchg says:

    3 stars
    Pretty good, but I think it needs more soy sauce. Also, what’s the point of the ketchup? 🤷‍♂️ ⭐⭐⭐

  22. User avatar su.okuneva14 says:

    3 stars
    Uhhh, this is not yakisoba. Where are the noodles? Oh wait, I guess they are here. lol.

  23. User avatar luz.effertz56 says:

    5 stars
    This recipe is amazing! I love how easy it is to make and my kids devoured it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  24. 5 stars
    So good, I couldn’t stop eating! The kids ate it too! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    1. User avatar herb.ondricka says:

      5 stars
      My kids are super picky, but they loved it too! Thanks for sharing! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

    2. 4 stars
      Wow, this sounds amazing! I can’t wait to try it for my family too. Do you think it would taste good without the oyster sauce?

  25. 3 stars
    Not bad, but I think it needs more sauce. Also, what’s up with that ketchup? Feels weird.

    1. 4 stars
      I totally agree! More sauce would definitely enhance the flavor. Ketchup seemed like a strange choice but maybe it adds a nice hint of sweetness? 🤔

    2. User avatar The Allitnils says:

      3 stars
      Nah, ketchup is weird in this. Should just stick 2 soy sauce and oyster sauce! But more sauce is good idea.

  26. User avatar NAFO.SUPREMACY says:

    1 star
    Yakisoba isn’t even Japanese, it’s a Chinese dish. Get your facts right before calling it yakisoba.

  27. User avatar jessika.hand66 says:

    5 stars
    This was super easy to make! My kids loved it, even asked for seconds! 🥢

  28. User avatar Magrathean sperm whale says:

    2 stars
    Good but not my fav. I think it needs something more like chicken or beef! 🤷‍♀️

  29. 4 stars
    Nice recipe, but I forgot the cabbage. Still turned out ok lol!

  30. User avatar cortez.kemmer1990 says:

    4 stars
    So easy to make and very tasty! I added some tofu for extra protein. Yum!

  31. User avatar Eddie the Computer says:

    4 stars
    So quick and easy! Perfect for a weeknight meal. Thanks!

  32. User avatar colby.heidenreich says:

    5 stars
    This was so tasty! I added tofu for extra protein and it was perfect!

  33. User avatar elisha.champlin71 says:

    3 stars
    Too much oil for my taste, and I think there was too many onions too. Added a bit of chili sauce to spice it up.

  34. 3 stars
    Uhh, can I use any noodles? I have some spaghetti, will that work??

    1. User avatar donnie.mcclure2019 says:

      4 stars
      Yeah, spaghetti should work fine! It might taste a bit different, but it’ll still be good.

  35. User avatar blaine.block says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have any soy sauce, so I used teriyaki! Was good!

  36. User avatar thanh.farrell says:

    2 stars
    I didn’t have oyster sauce, so I used fish sauce. It tasted weird. Wouldn’t recommend. ⭐⭐

  37. User avatar buford.deckow77 says:

    3 stars
    Good but too sweet for my taste 🤷‍♂️. Maybe less ketchup?

    1. 4 stars
      I totally get you! Ketchup can be a little overpowering sometimes. Maybe try a different sauce next time?

  38. User avatar kami.johnston37 says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why people like this dish so much. It’s just noodles and veggies, nothin’ special.

    1. User avatar basementDweller says:

      5 stars
      I think you’re missing out! It’s all about the flavors and how easy it is to whip up. Plus, the sauce gives it a kick!

    2. 3 stars
      Noodles and veggies can be good if cooked right. Don’t be hatin’! You gotta try it with the sauce, man.

  39. User avatar Frankie and Benjy says:

    3 stars
    Too much sugar for my taste. I prefer savory dishes. 🙁

  40. User avatar jeremy.sporer says:

    5 stars
    Absolutely delicious! My family loved it. Will make again!

    1. User avatar cristi.mcglynn1966 says:

      2 stars
      Looks good but yakisoba isn’t supposed to be vegetarian, is it? Not sure if I’d try it.

    2. User avatar nida.okuneva1998 says:

      5 stars
      So happy to hear that! This dish is a family favorite of ours too. What veggies did you add?

  41. User avatar gerry.russel1990 says:

    5 stars
    This yakisoba was amazing! So easy to make and full of flavor. Will definitely make again!

  42. 1 star
    This is a joke, where’s the oyster flavor? You can’t even taste it!

  43. User avatar doyle.fritsch28 says:

    5 stars
    Yakisoba noodles is best food. Period.

  44. User avatar cheyenne.stracke83 says:

    1 star
    i miss when yakisoba had meat ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)

  45. User avatar angelena.ziemann78 says:

    5 stars
    I’m no chef but this turned out delicious! Never thought I could make yakisoba at home. Thanks! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

  46. User avatar isela.friesen32 says:

    5 stars
    This was absolutely delicious! The flavors blend so well together. I didn’t have oyster sauce, so I used hoisin instead. Yum!

  47. User avatar bennie.hamill35 says:

    1 star
    What’s yakisoba anyway? I thought this was a noodle recipe, not a beans recipe? 😕 ⭐

  48. User avatar brad.schultz47 says:

    5 stars
    Took me forever to find yakisoba noodles at the store. But worth it! 5 stars for yum!

  49. User avatar caryn.schuster61 says:

    2 stars
    I tried this recipe and my noodles were mushy… maybe I overcooked them?

  50. User avatar sam.herzog1997 says:

    2 stars
    I’m not sure about adding ketchup… sounds weird for yakisoba. Red sauce in Asian food? C’mon. I’ll stick with my regular recipe.

  51. User avatar emil.lakin1959 says:

    4 stars
    Yum! I added some tofu for protein and it turned out great! Everyone loved it.

  52. User avatar chery.willms says:

    4 stars
    Super quick and easy! I made this for dinner last night and it was a hit with the family.

  53. User avatar Cody Pendant says:

    2 stars
    I don’t get why people like this. There’s too much soy sauce and it was salty. Not my thing.

    1. User avatar Draugr Death Overlord says:

      5 stars
      I actually really love this recipe! The soy sauce adds great flavor. You just have to balance it out. Maybe try less next time?

  54. User avatar MAGA2024.Trumpster says:

    4 stars
    Tastes great, but I found the noodles a bit mushy. Maybe undercook them a little next time? Overall, a solid meal.

  55. 2 stars
    I’m not a great cook and this seemed too complicated. Maybe I’ll try again later.

  56. User avatar lizabeth.hermiston62 says:

    4 stars
    I couldn’t find yakisoba noodles, so I used spaghetti. Still worked!

  57. User avatar steve_maga says:

    3 stars
    Didn’t have all ingredients so I just used som spaghetti 😏 tasted fine.

  58. User avatar olin.considine says:

    3 stars
    Wut’s yakisoba? This is just stir fry to me. But hey, it fills my stomach so who cares!

  59. User avatar Jadwiga Lebsack says:

    5 stars
    Really easy recipe! I made it in under 30 minutes. Whole family loved it! My picky son even asked for seconds.

  60. 2 stars
    Looks good, but can you really call that yakisoba? Where’s the meat?

3.57 from 80 votes
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