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Yaka Mein (Beef Noodle Soup) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 90 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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

Find it online: https://lucabites.com/yaka-mein-beef-noodle-soup-recipe/