Yakamein

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Yakamein is incredibly satisfying and easy to make with pantry staples. It’s a one-bowl meal that hits all the right notes: salty, savory, hearty, and slightly spicy. You can customize it with different proteins or spice levels to suit your tastes. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or making a quick meal for yourself, this recipe is perfect for a comforting and bold dinner any day of the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Spaghetti noodles
• Beef chuck roast or stew beef (can substitute with shrimp or chicken)
• Hard-boiled eggs
• Beef broth
• Soy sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Creole seasoning
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Green onions, sliced
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Hot sauce (optional)

Directions

1. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add beef and brown on all sides.
2. Add beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5 to 2 hours until beef is tender.
4. While beef is cooking, boil spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
5. Boil eggs to your desired doneness (hard-boiled is traditional). Peel and slice in half.
6. Remove beef from the pot and shred or slice it. Taste the broth and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. To assemble, place a serving of noodles in a bowl, top with beef, pour over hot broth, and add half of a boiled egg.
8. Garnish with chopped green onions and a dash of hot sauce if desired. Serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 4 servings.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Total time: 2 hours

Variations

• Shrimp Yakamein: Add peeled shrimp to the broth during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
• Chicken version: Use shredded rotisserie chicken and chicken broth for a lighter option.
• Spicy version: Increase the hot sauce or add cayenne pepper to the broth.
• Vegetarian Yakamein: Use vegetable broth and tofu instead of meat.
• Egg options: Use soft-boiled eggs for a richer texture.

Storage/Reheating

Store noodles, broth, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

To reheat, warm the broth on the stove and microwave the noodles and meat separately, then reassemble the dish. For the best results, boil a fresh egg before serving if possible.

Avoid freezing the complete dish, but the broth and meat can be frozen together for up to 2 months.

FAQs

What is Yakamein?

Yakamein is a Creole noodle soup with spaghetti, seasoned meat or shrimp, a soy-based broth, and a boiled egg, originating in New Orleans.

Why is it called “Old Sober”?

It’s known as a popular hangover cure in New Orleans due to its savory, hydrating broth and filling ingredients.

Can I use store-bought broth?

Yes, using store-bought beef or chicken broth works fine. Just be sure to adjust seasoning.

What kind of beef is best?

Chuck roast, stew beef, or brisket all work well due to their tenderness after slow cooking.

Is Yakamein spicy?

Not necessarily—it’s flavorful but mild unless you add extra heat. Customize it with hot sauce.

Can I use ramen noodles?

Yes, ramen or even udon can be substituted if you don’t have spaghetti on hand.

Is this an Asian or Creole dish?

It’s a fusion of both cultures, created in New Orleans by blending Creole flavors with Chinese noodle soup concepts.

How long does the broth need to cook?

Simmer the broth with the beef for at least 1.5 hours for the richest flavor and most tender meat.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes, cook the beef and broth on low for 6–8 hours, then add cooked noodles and toppings before serving.

What can I serve with Yakamein?

It’s a complete meal on its own, but you can serve it with a side of cornbread, salad, or pickled vegetables.

Conclusion

Yakamein is a soulful, savory, and satisfying bowl of comfort food that captures the heart of New Orleans cooking. With its rich broth, tender meat, noodles, and classic Creole flavors, it’s easy to see why this dish has earned legendary status. Whether you’re discovering it for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this recipe delivers big flavor in every spoonful.

Yakamein

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Yakamein, also known as ‘Old Sober,’ is a Creole noodle soup from New Orleans that blends African American and Chinese influences. Made with spaghetti, tender beef or shrimp, a soy-seasoned broth, and a boiled egg, it’s a hearty and flavorful comfort food often touted as a hangover cure.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Soup
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Creole
• Diet: Halal

Ingredients

• 8 oz spaghetti noodles
• 1 lb beef chuck roast or stew beef (or substitute chicken or shrimp)
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 6 cups beef broth
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Creole seasoning
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Green onions, sliced (for garnish)
• Hot sauce (optional, to taste)

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Instructions

1. Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Brown beef on all sides.
2. Add beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire, Creole seasoning, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 1.5–2 hours until beef is tender.
3. While broth simmers, cook spaghetti noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
4. Boil eggs to desired doneness (hard-boiled is traditional). Peel and slice in half.
5. Remove beef from the pot and shred or slice. Taste broth and adjust seasoning if needed.
6. To serve, place noodles in bowls, top with beef, pour over hot broth, and add half a boiled egg.
7. Garnish with green onions and hot sauce, if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

• Simmer the broth low and slow for maximum flavor and tender beef.
• Cook noodles separately to prevent them from becoming mushy.
• Add shrimp in the last 5 minutes of cooking for a seafood version.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 520
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 1560mg
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 46g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 215mg