Discover the Best Costco Yakisoba Stir Fry: Fresh & Frozen Options Explored
Craving a quick, delicious, and convenient meal? Look no further than **Costco Yakisoba Stir Fry**! Whether you prefer the vibrant flavors of a freshly prepared meal or the ease of a freezer-friendly option, Costco has you covered. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive deep into both the **Costco chicken stir fry** found in the deli section and the popular Ajinomoto **Costco frozen yakisoba**. We’ll walk you through everything from cooking instructions and ingredients to nutritional facts, pricing, and expert tips to help you make the most of these fantastic options. Get ready to transform your weeknight dinners with minimal effort and maximum taste!
Finding easy yet satisfying dinner ideas can be a challenge on busy weeknights. Costco steps in with an excellent solution: a ready-made stir fry kit featuring perfectly seasoned chicken, a colorful medley of tender-crisp vegetables, delectable yakisoba noodles, and a signature sweet and savory sauce. If you’re searching for an **easy chicken yakisoba recipe** that requires almost no prep, this deli option is a standout choice.
For those following a vegetarian diet or simply seeking a simpler side dish, Costco also offers frozen yakisoba noodles for stir fry. This convenient frozen kit typically includes Japanese-style stir-fried noodles paired with crisp vegetables and a savory sauce. We’ve thoroughly investigated both varieties of **Costco yakisoba** to provide you with all the essential details, ensuring you can choose the best kit for your needs and preferences.
Costco Deli Fresh Yakisoba Stir Fry Kit: A Complete Meal
The fresh **Costco yakisoba stir fry** kit from the deli section is a game-changer for busy households. It comes pre-portioned with all the components needed for a full meal, making dinner prep incredibly straightforward.
Cooking Instructions for the Deli Kit
While the specific instructions are printed on the packaging, here’s a detailed guide on **how to cook Costco yakisoba stir fry** to perfection, ensuring a restaurant-quality meal right in your kitchen:
1. Prepare Your Pan: Heat a wok or a large sauté pan over medium-high heat on your stovetop. Add approximately ¼ cup of cooking oil (the kit typically suggests 2 ounces, which is roughly ¼ cup). Ensuring your pan is adequately heated before adding ingredients is key to achieving that signature stir-fry texture.
2. SautĂ© the Vegetables: Carefully add the mixed vegetables from the kit to the hot pan. Cook for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently. Don’t be surprised by the generous amount of vegetables; they are often hidden beneath the noodles in the packaging, providing a substantial and healthy component to the dish. Stir-frying at a high temperature ensures they remain tender-crisp, not soggy.
3. Add the Chicken: Introduce the seasoned chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to heat the chicken thoroughly and allow it to develop a nice sear.
4. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Finally, add the yakisoba noodles and the savory sauce to the pan. Cook for just 1 minute, stirring continuously to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the rich sauce. The **Costco yakisoba noodles stir fry** is ready once it reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always use a meat thermometer to verify, especially with chicken.
Taste and Texture Review of Costco Deli Yakisoba
Our experience with the Costco deli yakisoba was overwhelmingly positive. We were particularly impressed by the generous quantity of vegetables, which were surprisingly abundant once stirred out from beneath the noodles in the container. The balance of vegetables to noodles felt satisfying and well-proportioned. The sauce itself was a highlight – a harmonious blend of salty and subtly sweet notes that truly enhanced the entire dish. It’s a flavor profile that appeals to a wide range of palates, making it a crowd-pleaser for family meals or entertaining.
For those who are sensitive to salt or prefer a milder flavor, a great tip is to use only half of the provided sauce initially. After a quick taste test, you can always add more to achieve your desired seasoning level. This allows for personalized customization, ensuring everyone can enjoy the dish to their preference.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Any leftover **Costco yakisoba stir fry** should be stored promptly in a covered, airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 3-4 days. To reheat individual portions, simply place them in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until thoroughly warmed through. Alternatively, you can reheat it in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.
Optimal Heat for Stir Frying
A common question when preparing stir-fries is about the ideal cooking temperature. Generally, stir-fries benefit from being cooked quickly over medium-high to high heat in a wok or large pan. This high heat is crucial for searing the meat, locking in its juices, and ensuring the vegetables retain their desirable tender-crisp texture, preventing them from becoming soft and overcooked.
Costco Frozen Vegetable Yakisoba: A Versatile Side
Beyond the fresh deli option, Costco also offers a convenient frozen vegetable yakisoba, often under the Ajinomoto brand. This product serves as an excellent side dish or a quick, light meal, particularly appealing to vegetarians or those seeking a meatless option. It’s perfect for when you need a fast and flavorful addition to your dinner spread.
Microwave Cooking Instructions for Frozen Yakisoba
For the ultimate in speed and simplicity, the frozen **Costco veggie yakisoba** can be prepared in the microwave:
1. Vent the Bag: Tear open a small corner of the yakisoba bag to create a vent for steam to escape during cooking.
2. Microwave: Place the bag in the microwave and cook on high for approximately 3 minutes. (Note: These directions are based on an 1100-watt microwave; cooking times may vary based on your microwave’s power.)
3. Serve Carefully: Exercise caution when handling the bag as it will be extremely hot and filled with steam. Carefully tear the bag open, pour the contents into a bowl, and enjoy your quick veggie yakisoba.
Stovetop Cooking Instructions for Frozen Yakisoba
For a slightly more involved but often preferred method that can enhance texture, here’s how to cook Costco frozen veggie yakisoba on the stove:
1. Boil Water: Bring 1 cup of water to a boil in a shallow, non-stick pan on your stovetop.
2. Add Yakisoba: Empty one bag of frozen yakisoba into the boiling water, ensuring the vegetable side is facing down.
3. Cook and Stir-fry: Heat on high for 6 minutes, then flip the noodles over. Continue to lightly stir-fry for another 3-4 minutes, or until all the water has evaporated and the noodles are heated through and slightly caramelized. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Costco Yakisoba Serving Sizes
The prepared **Costco yakisoba stir fry** from the deli is designed to serve 4-6 individuals as a complete, one-pan meal. This makes it an ideal option for families or small gatherings. In contrast, a box of Costco’s frozen yakisoba typically contains 6 individually packaged servings, making it perfect for single portions or as a flexible side dish.
Understanding the Ingredients: Deli vs. Frozen
Knowing what goes into your food is important. Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients found in both varieties of Costco yakisoba, along with essential allergen information.
Costco Deli Yakisoba Stir Fry Ingredients
The fresh Costco yakisoba stir fry from the deli section contains:
- Fully cooked yakisoba-style seasoned chicken: Boneless chicken thighs, water, soybean oil, salt, sugar, natural flavors, vinegar, chicken fat, chicken broth, rice starch, yeast extract, maltodextrin, spices, red bell peppers, soy sauce, caramel color.
- Asian-style noodles: Water, wheat flour, soybean oil, wheat gluten, salt, potassium carbonate, sodium carbonate, riboflavin.
- Yakisoba sauce: Soy sauce, water, sugar, ketchup, modified corn starch, wine, spices, sesame seeds, caramel color, ginger, garlic, onion flakes, citric acid.
- Fresh vegetables: Broccoli, red onion, celery, carrots, snap peas, red and yellow bell peppers.
Allergen Information: This stir fry contains wheat, soy, and sesame. It is processed in a facility where it may come into contact with other major food allergens, so those with severe allergies should exercise caution.
Costco Frozen Yakisoba Ingredients
The frozen vegetable yakisoba typically includes:
- Cooked yakisoba noodles: Water, wheat flour, corn starch, salt.
- Vegetables: Cabbage, carrots, broccoli, Chinese pea pods, water chestnuts, edamame soybeans, shiitake mushrooms, asparagus, red bell peppers.
- Sauce and seasonings: Soy sauce (water, soybeans, salt, wheat, alcohol), soybean oil, sugar, water, corn starch, salt, sesame oil, garlic puree, black pepper.
Allergen Information: This product also contains wheat and soy, confirming it is not gluten-free.
Craft Your Own: Homemade Yakisoba Stir Fry Sauce Recipe
While the exact recipe for Costco’s yakisoba sauce is proprietary, you can easily replicate a similar flavor profile at home. Making your own sauce allows you to control the ingredients and adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your liking. This homemade version is perfect for elevating any stir fry, whether you’re using Costco’s plain noodles or making yakisoba from scratch.
Homemade Yakisoba Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 2 tablespoons oyster sauce (for umami, can be omitted for vegan version)
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
In a small bowl, whisk all the ingredients together until thoroughly combined and the sugar has dissolved. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. For a sweeter sauce, add a pinch more brown sugar; for more tang, a dash more rice vinegar. Drizzle this flavorful sauce generously over your cooked stir fry and toss to coat everything beautifully before serving.
Nutritional Insights: Deli vs. Frozen Costco Yakisoba
Understanding the nutritional content of your meals is crucial for maintaining a balanced diet. Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional facts for both the fresh deli and frozen yakisoba options available at Costco.
Costco Deli Chicken Yakisoba Stir Fry Nutrition Facts
The **Costco chicken stir fry nutrition facts** are usually available on printed sheets in the prepared foods section. Based on a 6.75-ounce serving, here is the estimated **Costco yakisoba nutrition**:
- Calories: 240
- Total Carbohydrates: 29g
- Fiber: 1g
- Net Carbs: 28g
- Added Sugar: 5g
- Total Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Protein: 15g
- Sodium: 1010mg
- Cholesterol: 55mg
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 6% DV
- Potassium: 284mg
It’s important to note that a 6.75-ounce serving might be smaller than what many individuals consume as a full meal. If you typically enjoy a double portion, realistically, all these values should be doubled, pushing the sodium content significantly higher. Always consider your actual portion sizes when evaluating nutritional intake.
Costco Frozen Yakisoba Nutrition Facts
For the **Costco frozen yakisoba**, based on 1/6th of the container (one individual pack), the nutritional information is:
- Calories: 410
- Total Carbohydrates: 69g
- Fiber: 7g
- Net Carbs: 62g
- Added Sugar: 6g
- Total Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Protein: 11g
- Sodium: 1160mg
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Calcium: 2% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
- Potassium: 260mg
Dietary Considerations: Both the fresh and frozen Costco yakisoba products are notably high in sodium, which is a common characteristic of many convenience meals. Neither option is particularly suitable for a strict keto diet due to their high carbohydrate content. However, individuals following a more relaxed low-carb diet might be able to incorporate small portions of the fresh yakisoba, given its lower carb count compared to the frozen version.
Costco Yakisoba Stir Fry Kit Calories & Price
How many calories are in a Costco yakisoba stir fry? How many carbs in Costco yakisoba? The fresh Costco yakisoba stir fry offers 240 calories, 29 grams of carbohydrates, and 15 grams of protein per 6.75-ounce serving. In contrast, the frozen vegetable yakisoba contains 410 calories, 69 grams of carbohydrates, and 11 grams of protein per serving. The fresh option provides significantly more protein per calorie, making it a more robust main dish choice.
What is the price of Yakisoba Noodles at Costco? The Costco yakisoba stir fry with seasoned chicken typically costs $5.99 per pound. Given that packages usually weigh around 3.5 lbs, the total cost per package is approximately $20. For the frozen vegetable yakisoba, a 6-serving box is priced at about $14.69. Please remember that these prices are estimates and can vary by location and over time.
FAQs About Costco Yakisoba
Can you freeze Costco yakisoba stir fry?
While technically possible, freezing the fresh Costco Yakisoba Stir Fry is not recommended if you prioritize texture and quality. Freezing can cause the vegetables to become mushy and the noodles to turn soggy. Additionally, the sauce may separate upon thawing, potentially diminishing the overall flavor of the dish. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from its original frozen state.
Are yakisoba noodles from Costco vegan?
The noodles themselves in the Kirkland yakisoba stir fry are typically vegan. However, the fresh deli kit includes chicken, making it unsuitable for a vegan diet. The frozen Ajinomoto vegetable yakisoba, on the other hand, appears to be a vegan-friendly product, as its ingredient list does not contain animal-derived components.
What is the sauce for Costco yakisoba?
The sauce for Costco yakisoba shares many similarities with teriyaki sauce and can often be used interchangeably in a pinch. Traditional teriyaki sauce is typically made from soy sauce, sugar, sake or mirin (rice wine), and sometimes includes ginger and garlic. Costco’s yakisoba sauce incorporates these base flavors but also adds ketchup, which contributes a unique tang and richness to its overall profile.
Are yakisoba noodles already cooked?
Yes, most yakisoba noodles, including those found in both the fresh and frozen Costco kits, are pre-cooked. This is why they only require a brief reheating period during stir-frying. If you’re using dried yakisoba noodles purchased separately, they would typically need to be boiled in water for a few minutes until tender yet still slightly firm before being added to a stir-fry.
More Prepared Foods to Explore at Costco
Make the most of your Costco membership by discovering other convenient and delicious prepared food options. Check out these popular reviews:
- Costco Pizza
- Costco Mac and Cheese
- Stuffed Peppers from Costco
- Costco Sandwiches
- Costco Street Tacos
Watch How to Make It!
Costco Yakisoba Stir Fry (Costco Chicken Stir Fry with Noodles)
By Summer Yule
Get the scoop on Costco Yakisoba stir fry! You can find Costco chicken stir fry in the Costco deli section with prepared foods.
Rate this Recipe: 5 out of 5 stars from 4 votes
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 10 mins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Japanese
Servings: 4
Calories: 240 kcal
Ingredients
- 1 Costco yakisoba stir fry kit
- ÂĽ cup cooking oil
Instructions
- Heat a wok or large sauté pan over medium-high heat on the stovetop with the oil.
- Add the vegetables and cook for 2 minutes. (Don’t miss all the veggies hidden under the noodles!)
- Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Next, add the noodles and sauce and cook, stirring frequently to coat everything with the sauce, for 1 minute. The Costco yakisoba noodles stir fry is done when it reaches a minimum safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to check.
Equipment
- Wok
- Tongs
- Kitchen Thermometer
Notes
đź’ Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule
This is a level 2 recipe (transition or weight maintenance). Can yakisoba be healthy? Yakisoba can be a healthy dish if prepared with the right ingredients and in moderation. Get more information on making healthy yakisoba in my beef yakisoba recipe.
My main complaint about all of the prepared yakisoba options is that they are very high in sodium. If you eat a double portion of the yakisoba stir fry from the Costco deli, you’re getting 2020 mg sodium. That’s close to the recommended sodium limit for an entire day.
On the other hand, we really enjoyed the Costco yakisoba for a quick, tasty, and balanced meal. (Balanced in the sense that it provided a range of food groups, including lots of vegetables.) I would definitely purchase this one again, and you can always use half the sauce if you want things less salty.
Nutrition information is for one serving of the Costco yakisoba stir fry kit (6.75 ounces). A more realistic portion is likely a double serving, in which case the nutrition info below should be doubled.
nutrition info disclaimer
All recipes on this website may or may not be appropriate for you, depending on your medical needs and personal preferences. Consult with a registered dietitian or your physician if you need help determining the dietary pattern that may be best for you.
The nutrition information is an estimate provided as a courtesy. It will differ depending on the specific brands and ingredients that you use. Calorie information on food labels may be inaccurate, so please don’t sweat the numbers too much.
“To taste” means to your preferences, which may have to be visual to follow food safety rules. Please don’t eat undercooked food.
Nutrition
Calories: 240kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 15g | Fat: 5g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 1010mg | Potassium: 284mg | Fiber: 1g | Added Sugar: 5g | Calcium: 2% DV | Iron: 6% DV
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