What to Serve with Yakisoba? (10 Easy Sides)

Knowing what to serve with yakisoba can mean the difference between an average meal and a truly memorable one.

And while you may be tempted to just go with the classics (I see you, rice and miso soup), I’m here to show you that there are so many other delicious options out there.

So, whether you’re looking for a light side dish or something more substantial, read on for my top 10 picks.

What to Serve with Yakisoba?

Some of the best side dishes to serve with yakisoba are kimchi, cucumber salad, edamame, and pickled ginger. For a heartier meal, add grilled chicken or steak. You can also top your yakisoba with a fried egg for an extra protein boost.

Still looking for side ideas?

Then keep scrolling!

Here are 10 sides that go well with yakisoba:

1. Cucumber Salad

Ah, the simple cucumber.

Slice it, dice it, eat it raw or pickled, this little green veggie is one of the most versatile and easy-to-find vegetables (see also What Vegetables Go in Yakisoba) out there.

Cucumber salad is a dish that can be found in varying forms all over the world, and for good reason.

It’s light, refreshing, and pairs well with a variety of different flavors.

Texture-wise, cucumber salad is a great way to add a little crunch to your meal.

The crispness of the cucumber pairs nicely with the softer yakisoba noodles.

As for difficulty, this dish could not be easier to make.

Simply slice up some cucumbers, add a few other ingredients of your choice, and voila!

You’ve got a healthy and delicious side dish.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add a zesty dressing: A simple vinaigrette made with lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of salt and pepper is all you need to take this dish to the next level.
• Mix in some fresh herbs: Cucumber salad is the perfect canvas for fresh herbs like dill, mint, or parsley.
• Add a touch of sweetness: A sprinkle of sugar

2. Crispy Parmesan Garlic Edamame

Crispy, cheesy, and garlicky edamame is an addicting and delicious side dish that’s easy to make.

The edamame is first boiled until tender, then coated in a mixture of Parmesan cheese, garlic, and bread crumbs.

The edamame is then fried until crispy and golden brown.

This dish is best served hot and fresh, but leftovers can be reheated in the oven or microwave.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add more Parmesan cheese to the bread crumb mixture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the bread crumb mixture for a little heat.
• For extra cheesy flavor, sprinkle some shredded cheese over the edamame before serving.

3. Gochujang Grilled Chicken Skewers

Super easy to eat, these chicken skewers are a great way to get your yakisoba fix.

The gochujang glaze is slightly spicy with a hint of sweetness, and the chicken is perfectly cooked.

The texture is also perfect – not too chewy or dry.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add more gochujang sauce to the chicken before grilling for an extra spicy kick.
• Serve with a dipping sauce on the side, such as soy sauce or Sriracha.
• For a more flavorful yakisoba, add in some chopped green onions, mushrooms, or peppers.

4. Grilled Steak

How about a big, juicy steak to go alongside your yakisoba?

Grilled steak is the perfect complement to this dish, adding a rich, savory flavor and a satisfyingly chewy texture.

Plus, it’s pretty darn easy to cook up a steak, making it a great option if you’re looking for something that won’t take too much effort.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Season your steak with a simple rub of salt, pepper, and garlic powder before grilling.
• Baste your steak with a flavorful marinade while it’s cooking.
• Top your grilled steak with a dollop of herbed butter for an extra-special touch.

5. Kimchi

I bet you’ve tried yakisoba before, but have you ever had it with kimchi?

If not, you’re in for a treat!

The kimchi add a delicious tangy flavor to the dish, and the crunchy texture is a nice contrast to the noodles.

Plus, it’s super easy to make!

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Use fresh ginger and garlic: This will give the dish a nice zing and really bring out the flavors of the kimchi.
• Use a good quality kimchi: Look for kimchi that is slightly fermented and has a nice balance of salty, sweet, and sour flavors.
• Add a touch of sesame oil: This will give the dish a nice nutty flavor and really round out the flavors.

6. Pickled Ginger

Known for being great with sushi, pickled ginger is a fantastic way to cleanse your palate in between bites of yakisoba.

I love its sharp, slightly sweet flavor and how it provides a nice crunchy contrast to the noodles.

It’s also incredibly easy to make – just slice some ginger and let it sit in a mixture of vinegar, sugar and water.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Use fresh ginger for a more potent flavor.
• Add a pinch of salt to the pickling mixture.
• Let the ginger pickle for longer for a more intense flavor.

7. Garlic Butter Rice Recipe

If simplicity is what you’re after, then garlic butter rice is the perfect side dish for yakisoba.

It’s quick and easy to make, and it really doesn’t require much in the way of ingredients or prep work.

Plus, it’s absolutely delicious – the perfect complement to any Asian-inspired meal.

In terms of texture, garlic butter rice is nice and light, making it a perfect pairing for something like yakisoba, which can be quite heavy.

And as far as difficulty goes, this dish is about as easy as it gets.

Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder for a more intense flavor.
• Add a handful of chopped green onions for a bit of sweetness and crunch.
• Swap out the regular butter for herb-infused butter for an extra special touch.

8. Moroccan Carrot Lentil Salad

How about something healthy, filling, and flavorful to go along with your yakisoba?

This Moroccan Carrot Lentil Salad is a great option!

I love the mix of textures in this dish, from the crunchy carrots and lentils to the creamy dressing.

It’s also packed with flavor from the cumin, garlic, and lemon juice.

Best of all, it’s super easy to make!

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

If you’re looking for ways to spice up this dish, here are a few easy ideas:

• Add some chopped fresh parsley or cilantro to the salad for a pop of color and fresh flavor.
• Mix in a teaspoon or two of harissa paste for a spicy kick.
• Top the salad with a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pumpkin seeds for some extra crunch.

9. Paella

This Spanish dish is traditionally made with rice, seafood, and vegetables.

It is hearty and filling, but can also be light and refreshing depending on the ingredients used.

I love the variety of textures and flavors in a good paella, and it is not difficult to make at home.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Use a good quality chicken or beef broth for the rice.
• Sauté the vegetables in a little olive oil before adding them to the dish.
• Use fresh herbs and spices, such as saffron, paprika, and garlic.

10. Thai Red Curry Noodle Soup

Thai food is just amazing, and this dish is no exception.

The noodles are perfectly cooked, and the soup has just the right amount of spice.

It’s also really easy to make, which is always a bonus.

3 Easy Ways to Add More Flavor

• Add some more chili flakes to the soup for an extra kick.
• Top the noodles with some fresh cilantro for a bright flavor.
• Serve the soup with a wedge of lime for a tart contrast.

What Sauce Goes on Yakisoba?

The best sauces to put on yakisoba are tonkatsu sauce, Worcestershire sauce, oyster sauce, and soy sauce. You can also add mayonnaise or ketchup to your yakisoba for extra flavor.