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.

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!
I used zoodles instead of yakisoba noodles and it worked great! Healthier option. Just remember to squeeze out the water!
I don’t know about this one. It was kind of bland… needs more kick!
I totally get that! Maybe try adding some chili flakes or sriracha for those extra flavors. It really spices things up! 😊
Yum! My kids ate all the veggies! Way to go!
Way too salty! I added the full soy sauce and oyster stuf and this turned out like a salt lick. Careful with the amounts!
This is not real yakisoba! Where is the meat?!
Bok choy is better than cabbage, just saying. Good recipe though!
This was amazing! The noodles were perfect and the flavors were on point. A new favorite for sure!
This recipe is amazing! I made it with tofu and it turned out delicious! 🍜
I love that you used tofu! It really makes a difference in texture. 😍
But isn’t yakisoba supposed to be made with meat? Tofu just seems weird for this dish.
Perfect weeknight meal. I added tofu for extra protein and it turned out delicious!
Didn’t like it. I thought yakisoba was supposed to have meat? Where’s the beef? Disappointed.
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! 🙃
Made this for dinner, but I forgot the cabbage. Still yum! 😋
This is my go-to for busy nights! Takes no time and tastes great.
So good! Really brings the taste of Japan home. Love the crunch from the veggies!
Um, I didn’t have soy sauce, so I used Worcestershire instead. It was okay, but not the same.
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!
It was okay, but I think I would add more sauce next time.
Bland and boring. It needs more flavor. 👎
I loved it! The sauce was just right, I’ll make this again for sure!
I’m glad you enjoyed it! It’s one of my favorites too. The sauce really ties everything together, doesn’t it?
Eh, it was okay. Kind of bland. Needs more seasoning or something.
I actually liked it! The flavors were pretty good to me. Maybe you just missed a step?
Simple and tasty! I used leftover veggies and it still turned out great!
Sounds delicious! I love using leftovers too. It’s a great way to reduce waste and still enjoy a meal.
I dunno, that sounds a bit off. Ketchup in yakisoba? I thought it was more traditional without weird sauces.
Takes me back to Japan! I can almost smell the streets. Thanks for this recipe!
Pretty good, but I think it needs more soy sauce. Also, what’s the point of the ketchup? 🤷♂️ ⭐⭐⭐
Uhhh, this is not yakisoba. Where are the noodles? Oh wait, I guess they are here. lol.
This recipe is amazing! I love how easy it is to make and my kids devoured it! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
So good, I couldn’t stop eating! The kids ate it too! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
My kids are super picky, but they loved it too! Thanks for sharing! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
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?
Not bad, but I think it needs more sauce. Also, what’s up with that ketchup? Feels weird.
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? 🤔
Nah, ketchup is weird in this. Should just stick 2 soy sauce and oyster sauce! But more sauce is good idea.
Yakisoba isn’t even Japanese, it’s a Chinese dish. Get your facts right before calling it yakisoba.
This was super easy to make! My kids loved it, even asked for seconds! 🥢
Good but not my fav. I think it needs something more like chicken or beef! 🤷♀️
Nice recipe, but I forgot the cabbage. Still turned out ok lol!
So easy to make and very tasty! I added some tofu for extra protein. Yum!
So quick and easy! Perfect for a weeknight meal. Thanks!
This was so tasty! I added tofu for extra protein and it was perfect!
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.
Uhh, can I use any noodles? I have some spaghetti, will that work??
Yeah, spaghetti should work fine! It might taste a bit different, but it’ll still be good.
I didn’t have any soy sauce, so I used teriyaki! Was good!
I didn’t have oyster sauce, so I used fish sauce. It tasted weird. Wouldn’t recommend. ⭐⭐
Good but too sweet for my taste 🤷♂️. Maybe less ketchup?
I totally get you! Ketchup can be a little overpowering sometimes. Maybe try a different sauce next time?
I don’t get why people like this dish so much. It’s just noodles and veggies, nothin’ special.
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!
Noodles and veggies can be good if cooked right. Don’t be hatin’! You gotta try it with the sauce, man.
Too much sugar for my taste. I prefer savory dishes. 🙁
Absolutely delicious! My family loved it. Will make again!
Looks good but yakisoba isn’t supposed to be vegetarian, is it? Not sure if I’d try it.
So happy to hear that! This dish is a family favorite of ours too. What veggies did you add?
This yakisoba was amazing! So easy to make and full of flavor. Will definitely make again!
This is a joke, where’s the oyster flavor? You can’t even taste it!
Yakisoba noodles is best food. Period.
i miss when yakisoba had meat ( ͡° ͜ʖ ͡°)
I’m no chef but this turned out delicious! Never thought I could make yakisoba at home. Thanks! ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This was absolutely delicious! The flavors blend so well together. I didn’t have oyster sauce, so I used hoisin instead. Yum!
What’s yakisoba anyway? I thought this was a noodle recipe, not a beans recipe? 😕 ⭐
Took me forever to find yakisoba noodles at the store. But worth it! 5 stars for yum!
I tried this recipe and my noodles were mushy… maybe I overcooked them?
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.
Yum! I added some tofu for protein and it turned out great! Everyone loved it.
Super quick and easy! I made this for dinner last night and it was a hit with the family.
I don’t get why people like this. There’s too much soy sauce and it was salty. Not my thing.
I actually really love this recipe! The soy sauce adds great flavor. You just have to balance it out. Maybe try less next time?
Tastes great, but I found the noodles a bit mushy. Maybe undercook them a little next time? Overall, a solid meal.
I’m not a great cook and this seemed too complicated. Maybe I’ll try again later.
I couldn’t find yakisoba noodles, so I used spaghetti. Still worked!
Didn’t have all ingredients so I just used som spaghetti 😏 tasted fine.
Wut’s yakisoba? This is just stir fry to me. But hey, it fills my stomach so who cares!
Really easy recipe! I made it in under 30 minutes. Whole family loved it! My picky son even asked for seconds.
Looks good, but can you really call that yakisoba? Where’s the meat?