Mazesoba is a broth-less Japanese noodle dish that originated in Nagoya. Mazesoba translates to “mixed noodles” or “mixed soba.” The dish includes thick, chewy noodles (similar to thick ramen or egg noodles) mixed with a flavorful sauce and various toppings, such as seasoned pork or chicken, garlic chives, green onions, nori (seaweed), sesame seeds, minced garlic, and raw egg.
Mazesoba is also commonly known as mazemen in the US. A popular restaurant from Nagoya called Menya Hanabi opened a location in Los Angeles. I have been to this location a few times and am always starstruck by the bold, umami-rich flavors of the sauce and toppings. This recipe takes inspiration from this dish from Menya Hanabi. You will see how easy and delicious it is to make at home.
Mazesoba ingredients:
- Ground pork – feel free to substitute with your choice of protein. Ground meat will work the best. Firm tofu will also work; drain the water and mash it in the pan.
- Toban Djan (Doubanjiang) or Chili bean sauce – this is the key ingredient for this dish. It is a fermented chili bean paste used in many Chinese dishes. There is no exact substitution for it; however, if you cannot find it, you can try using miso paste and chili oil.
- Soy sauce – I am using Japanese soy sauce
- Sugar – any sweetener of choice
- Salt & Pepper
- Frozen ramen—I love using frozen ramen because its texture and taste are similar to fresh ramen. However, it is hard to find. I get mine at Nijiya, a local Japanese grocery store. If you cannot get your hands on it, you can use your choice of ramen noodles and prepare them according to the package instructions.
- Sesame oil
Ingredients mentioned in this recipe:
You can find these at Japanese grocery stores and most Asian grocery stores.
- Japanese Grocery market (Mitsuwa, Nijiya, Tokyo Central)
- Asian Grocery markets (H-Mart, 99 Ranch)
- Asian isle at your local grocery market
- Amazon (links to some of my favorites)
Notes and Tips
- Chop ingredients and toppings into smaller pieces to get all the flavors in one bite, making it easier to eat.
- Mix noodles and toppings thoroughly before eating, allowing the flavors to meld.
- When you finish eating the noodles, add rice to the bottom so it soaks up the last bits of the sauce. Eating it with rice is another way to enjoy this dish.
Mazesoba
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb Ground pork
- 1 tbsp Toban Djan or Chili bean sauce
- 2 tbsp Soy sauce
- 1 tbsp Sugar
- Salt & Pepper
- 2 serving Frozen ramen
- 4 tbsp Sesame seed oil
Toppings
- Garlic chives
- Green onion
- Nori seaweed sheet
- Sesame seeds
- Grated garlic
- Marinated egg
- Egg
Instructions
- Oil pan and add ground pork
- Once halfway cooked, mix in toban djan, soy sauce, sugar, salt, and pepper.
- Cook pork thoroughly
- For the noodles, place in a microwave-safe dish and microwave for 2 minutes or until hot and fully thawed. If you are using a different type of noodle, cook them according to package instructions.
- Drizzle sesame oil on the ramen. This will not only make sure the noodles do not stick together but also add flavor.
- Add toppings: garlic chives, green onion, nori, sesame seeds, grated garlic, marinated eggs.
- Add cooked pork on top.
- Add egg yolk
- Serve hot and enjoy!
