If you’re craving something quick, satisfying, and full of flavor, Aaron and Claire have you covered. In this video, Aaron shares how to make yakisoba, a simple Japanese stir-fried noodle dish that’s easy to cook and incredibly addictive. Forget the instant packs or greasy takeout, this homemade version is fresh, flavorful, and the kind of meal you’ll actually want to make again and again.
Yakisoba is one of those dishes that feels both comforting and exciting simultaneously. The sizzling sound of noodles hitting the hot pan, the rich aroma of the sauce, and the combination of tender meat and vegetables make it a meal that hits all the right notes. It’s one of Japan’s most well-loved street foods, and Aaron shows that you don’t need fancy tools or complicated ingredients to make it right in your kitchen.
Image via Aaron and Claire
What is yakisoba?
Yakisoba is a Japanese street food classic made with stir-fried noodles, vegetables, and your choice of protein. It’s quick to make, flavorful, and has that perfect mix of sweet, savory, and smoky from the sauce. You’ll find it everywhere in Japan, from lively summer festivals to small food stalls at parks, but it’s also a staple in many home kitchens. Despite its popularity, Yakisoba is surprisingly simple. It’s one of those dishes that welcomes improvisation, whether you’re using leftovers or cooking from scratch. The sauce ties everything together, giving the noodles a glossy finish and a taste that’s satisfying in every bite.
Image via Aaron and Claire
Ingredients You’ll Need
Aaron keeps it simple but flexible, making it easy for anyone to follow. His base version uses pork belly, cabbage, onion, carrot, mushrooms, garlic, green onion, ginger, and yakisoba noodles. These ingredients combine to create the signature texture and depth of flavor that make Yakisoba so good.
If that sounds like a lot, don’t worry, you can make it with just a few basics like cabbage, onion, and noodles. Chicken, shrimp, tofu, or even no meat at all also work great. As Aaron says, “Everything will be fantastic, so make it your own version.” That’s part of the fun, Yakisoba is all about adapting it to what you have. Aaron also gives a helpful tip: if you can’t find thinly sliced pork belly, freeze a thick cut for a short time until firm, then slice it thinly yourself. It’s an easy workaround that makes a big difference in texture.
Image via Aaron and Claire
The Secret Yakisoba Sauce
The real magic of this dish comes from the sauce. You can use store-bought Yakisoba sauce, but Aaron shows how easy it is to make your own at home, and the flavor payoff is worth it. Just mix together soy sauce, oyster sauce, Worcestershire sauce, ketchup, mirin, and sugar. That’s it.
This homemade sauce is sweet, tangy, and full of umami, perfectly balancing the flavors of the noodles and vegetables. The ketchup adds body, the mirin brings a light sweetness, and the Worcestershire sauce gives that deep, smoky note. Once you’ve tried it, you might never go back to store-bought again.
Image via Aaron and Claire
Cooking It All Together
Once the ingredients are prepped, heat some oil in a wok or large pan. Start by cooking the pork until it’s no longer pink and some of the fat renders out. Then, add the garlic, ginger, and the white parts of the green onion to infuse the oil with their rich aroma. Next, toss in the cabbage, onion, carrots, and mushrooms with a pinch of salt and pepper.
Stir-fry everything for a few minutes until the vegetables soften slightly but still have a bit of crunch. Once they’re cooked, remove them from the pan and set them aside. In the same pan, add your noodles and let them sit for about two minutes to get a light crisp on the bottom before flipping.
This small step gives the noodles that slightly toasty flavor that makes Yakisoba irresistible. Pour in half of the sauce first, this helps the noodles soak up the flavor more evenly. Once they’re glossy and coated, add the vegetables and pork back in along with the rest of the sauce. Give everything a good toss so every strand of noodle is packed with flavor. It’s quick, simple, and deeply satisfying, the kind of meal that feels like comfort in a bowl.
Image via Aaron and Claire
Claire’s Taste Test
No Aaron and Claire video is complete without Claire’s taste test, and as usual, her reaction says it all. After one bite, she smiles and says, “It’s insanely good!” The noodles are chewy, the sauce perfectly coats every strand, and the mix of savory, slightly sweet, and smoky flavors makes it seriously addictive.
Aaron suggests topping it off with bonito flakes and pickled ginger for that authentic Japanese touch. The bonito flakes add a light umami finish, while the ginger brings a refreshing contrast that balances the rich sauce. It’s simple, comforting, and exactly what good home cooking should taste like.
Image via Aaron and Claire
Discover Japan at Home with Sakuraco
In this episode, Aaron also introduces Sakuraco, a Japanese snack subscription box that delivers authentic, traditional treats straight from Japan. Each box includes locally made snacks, teas, and even a beautiful piece of Japanese tableware, perfect for anyone who wants to experience the warmth and charm of Japan beyond its famous street foods.
This box theme, Festival of Tohoku, features regional favorites like Warabi Mochi, Peanut Sand Cookies, and more. Every box comes with a beautifully designed booklet that introduces the snacks, their makers, and the cultural stories behind them. It’s not just about enjoying snacks, it’s about connecting with the artisans and regions that make Japanese food culture so unique.
Want to try it yourself? Use the link in Aaron’s description and code ANC to get $5 off your first order here.
Make It Tonight
Aaron’s 15-minute Yakisoba is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a few ingredients and a simple homemade sauce, you can make a dish that’s flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for a busy weeknight. So grab your apron, follow along, and give it a try. Once you taste it, you’ll understand why Aaron calls it “the noodle dish that will change your life.”
👉 Watch “The Easiest Stir-Fried Noodles That Will Change Your LIFE | YAKISOBA in 15 Minutes” on Aaron and Claire’s YouTube channel here.
