The sauce used for yakisoba can be easily made at home. Even if you have made yakisoba before, I recommend trying this recipe if you feel that the taste of your sauce differs from the authentic flavor. As someone who lives in Japan, I can confidently recommend it.
What is Yakisoba Sauce?
Yakisoba Sauce is a condiment used for yakisoba, a Japanese stir-fried noodle dish. It has a rich flavor with low salt content and minimal sweetness, and it is not thick in consistency. When made from scratch, it is created by combining several ingredients with a base of Japanese Worcestershire sauce.
Since the flavor of yakisoba heavily relies on the sauce, the seasoning of the sauce plays a crucial role in determining the overall impression of the dish. Reducing the viscosity to ensure it coats the noodles evenly and lowering the salt content to prevent excessive saltiness when heated and moisture evaporates are ways to enhance the harmony between the sauce and noodles.
Components
You can easily make yakisoba sauce by mixing several seasonings together. The ingredients and their characteristics used in this recipe are as follows:
• Japanese Worcestershire Sauce
Worcestershire sauce is a condiment made by adding seasonings and spices to vegetables and fruits and allowing them to mature. The reason for using 'Japanese' Worcestershire sauce instead of the common variety is the significant difference in taste between them. Japanese Worcestershire sauce is less acidic and has a slight sweetness. When trying to replicate the taste of authentic yakisoba, it is recommended to use the Japanese version.
• Sake
It adds richness and flavor. Since yakisoba noodles are stir-fried with the sauce, the alcohol in the sake evaporates. However, if you might use yakisoba sauce without heating it and you have children or cannot consume alcohol, it is recommended that you avoid using it.
• Sugar
It adds sweetness and richness. Yakisoba is not a sweet dish, so be careful not to add too much.
• Soy Sauce
It adds a salty flavor. Adjust the saltiness of yakisoba by adding soy sauce to your desired level.
• Oyster Sauce
It adds saltiness and flavor. It is generally used in small quantities due to its distinctive flavor.
• Ketchup
It adds acidity. Use ketchup instead of vinegar, as it is less acidic. It also adds the richness of tomatoes.
Adjusting flavorings
Homemade yakisoba sauce can be adjusted to suit your personal taste. This recipe is tailored to my palate, but if you want to make it a bit saltier, you can add soy sauce. If you prefer a bit more acidity, you can add ketchup to achieve a flavor that better suits your preference.
Additionally, if you can't find all the ingredients, you can try using Japanese Worcestershire sauce and soy sauce. With just these two ingredients, you should be able to make a yakisoba sauce.
📋Step-by-step recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
🕒 Total: 2 mins
Step 1
In a bowl, combine all the ingredients (Japanese Worcestershire sauce, sake, sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ketchup), and mix them together.
To Store
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Note
This yakisoba sauce contains sake (alcohol). When using it for yakisoba, the alcohol will evaporate during the cooking process. However, if you use it without cooking, the alcohol will remain, so please keep that in mind. You can also make it without sake.
Recipe card
Authentic Yakisoba Sauce
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients (Japanese Worcestershire sauce, sake, sugar, soy sauce, oyster sauce, and ketchup), and mix them together.
Notes
- You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
- This yakisoba sauce contains sake (alcohol). When using it for yakisoba, the alcohol will evaporate during the cooking process. However, if you use it without cooking, the alcohol will remain, so please keep that in mind. You can also make it without sake.
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