Yaka Mein (Beef Noodle Soup) Recipe

Introduction

Yaka Mein is a comforting beef noodle soup with a rich, flavorful broth and tender slices of marinated steak. This easy-to-make dish combines savory, sweet, and spicy notes for a satisfying meal perfect any time you crave something warm and filling.

Ingredients

• 12 oz (340 g) top round steak
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (for marinade)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (for cooking)
• 4 cups beef broth (low sodium preferred)
• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti
• 2 eggs, boiled to your preference
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Chili garlic sauce or your favorite hot sauce, to taste
• Additional soy sauce, to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large plate or tray, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning, stirring until the sugar dissolves. Add the top round steak and marinate for 1 to 2 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even absorption.
2. Step 2: Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat vegetable oil in a large pan over high heat until hot. Add the marinated steak (reserve the marinade) and cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until the bottom chars. Flip and cook another 2 minutes for medium-rare; for well-done, reduce heat to medium-low and cook an additional 2 minutes. Remove steak and let rest for at least 10 minutes.
4. Step 4: Add minced garlic and 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning to the hot pan and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the reserved marinade, scraping the pan bottom to release any browned bits. Then add the beef broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat.
6. Step 6: Slice the rested steak into thin strips.
7. Step 7: To assemble, place half the cooked spaghetti in a large bowl. Pour 2 cups of the hot beef broth over the noodles. Top with sliced steak, a boiled egg, and chopped green onions.
8. Step 8: Serve with chili garlic sauce and soy sauce on the side, allowing each person to adjust the heat and saltiness to their taste.

Tips & Variations

• Use spaghetti as a noodle substitute, but you can also try ramen or egg noodles for a different texture.
• Marinate the steak longer for deeper flavor, or prepare the broth a day in advance for enhanced richness.
• Adjust the amount of Cajun seasoning to your spice preference or substitute with your favorite spice blend.
• For extra richness, add a splash of sesame oil to the broth before serving.

Storage

Store leftover beef broth, noodles, and steak separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the broth on the stove until steaming, warm the noodles briefly in hot water, and gently warm the steak slices before assembling. Avoid reheating the boiled eggs more than once to maintain texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of beef for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute top round steak with other tender cuts like sirloin or flank steak. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to avoid overcooking.

Is it necessary to marinate the steak?

Marinating the steak adds depth of flavor and helps tenderize the meat, but if you’re short on time, you can season it and cook directly, though the flavor will be less developed.

Yaka Mein (Beef Noodle Soup) Recipe

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Yaka Mein is a comforting and flavorful beef noodle soup featuring tender top round steak marinated in soy sauce, brown sugar, and cajun seasoning, served over spaghetti with a rich beef broth, boiled eggs, and garnished with green onions. This dish melds savory, spicy, and umami notes, creating a hearty soup perfect for an indulgent meal at home.

• Author: luca
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Cajun American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Steak and Marinade

• 12 oz (340 g) top round steak
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• 4 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning

Broth and Noodles

• 4 cups Pacific Foods Organic Low Sodium Beef Broth
• 8 oz (225 g) spaghetti

Garnish and Serving

• 2 eggs, boiled to preference
• 2 green onions, chopped
• Chili garlic sauce, to taste (or your favorite hot sauce)
• Soy sauce (optional, to taste)

Instructions

1. Marinate: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, 2 teaspoons cajun seasoning, and minced garlic in a plate large enough to hold the steak. Stir until the sugar dissolves. Add the top round steak and marinate for 1 to 2 hours, flipping occasionally to ensure even marination.
2. Cook Spaghetti: Prepare the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Sear Steak: Heat vegetable oil in a large cast iron or nonstick pan over high heat until hot. Add the marinated steak along with the reserved marinade liquid. Let it cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes to develop a char on the bottom. Flip and brown the other side for approximately 2 minutes. For medium-rare, the steak is done; for well-done, reduce heat to medium-low and cook an additional 2 minutes. Remove from pan and rest for at least 10 minutes before slicing.
4. Sauté Aromatics: To the same hot pan, add minced garlic and 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Deglaze and Make Broth: Pour in the leftover marinade and gently scrape the pan bottom to release browned bits. Add 4 cups of beef broth and bring to a boil. Once boiling, turn off the heat.
6. Slice Steak: After resting, slice the steak into strips against the grain for tenderness.
7. Assemble the Soup: Place half the cooked spaghetti in a large bowl. Pour 2 cups of the hot beef broth over the noodles. Top with sliced steak, a boiled egg halved or whole as preferred, and chopped green onions.
8. Serve: Offer chili garlic sauce and soy sauce on the side to adjust heat and saltiness to taste.

Notes

• Marinating the steak for at least 1 hour intensifies flavor but can be done up to 2 hours for deeper taste.
• To customize egg doneness, boil for 6 minutes for soft yolk or 10 minutes for hard-boiled.
• Use spaghetti or any thin wheat noodle as a substitute to achieve similar results.
• Low sodium beef broth helps control salt in the dish, but adjust soy sauce accordingly.
• Resting steak before slicing ensures juicier, more tender meat.

Keywords: Yaka Mein, beef noodle soup, Cajun beef soup, Asian American fusion, beef broth, spaghetti soup, comforting soup