New Orleans Yakamein: The Savory and Soulful Noodle Soup with a Creole Twist

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 lb chuck roast, cut into 1/2-inch strips
  • 2 Tbsp cooking oil
  • 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 6 eggs
  • 8 oz spaghetti noodles
  • 1/2 cup chopped scallions, for garnishing

Beef Marination:

  • 2 tsp Creole seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce

Shrimp Marination:

  • 1 tsp Creole seasoning
  • 1 tsp soy sauce

Broth:

  • 8 cups beef broth
  • 1 Tbsp Creole seasoning
  • 1 Tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 Tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tsp onion powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp dried thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Marinate the Beef and Shrimp:
    • Combine the beef strips with the ingredients for the beef marinade, and the shrimp with the ingredients for the shrimp marinade, in separate bowls. While you prepare the other ingredients, leave them to marinate for about 15 to 20 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Noodles and Eggs:
    • The spaghetti noodles should be cooked as directed on the package until they are al dente. Drain and reserve them.
    • Beat the eggs and sprinkle them with a little salt and pepper in a different bowl.
  3. Cook the Beef and Shrimp:
    • One tablespoon of cooking oil should be heated over medium-high heat in a big pot or Dutch oven. Add the beef strips that have been marinated, and cook them until they are well-browned and tender. The beef should be taken out of the pot and set aside.
    • Cook the marinated shrimp in another tablespoon of cooking oil in the same pot until they are opaque and pink. Remove the cooked shrimp and set them aside.
  4. Prepare the Broth:
    • The beef broth, Creole seasoning, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, onion powder, garlic powder, dried thyme, dried oregano, paprika, cayenne pepper, and black pepper should all be combined in the same pot. Over medium heat, bring the broth to a simmer and let it cook for about 10 minutes to let the flavors meld.
  5. Assemble the Yakamein:
    • Reintroduce the cooked beef and shrimp to the broth, and let them simmer for an additional five minutes to let the flavors meld.
    • In a steady stream, add the beaten eggs to the simmering broth while giving the soup a gentle stir to incorporate the eggs into ribbons.
    • Distribute the cooked spaghetti among serving bowls, then top with the beef, shrimp, and egg ribbons in the flavorful broth.
  6. Garnish and Serve:
    • For a fresh flavor and color boost, top each bowl with the chopped scallions.
    • Serve the New Orleans yakamein sizzling hot so that everyone can savor the harmonious and soulful fusion of tastes and textures.

Now you have the full recipe for New Orleans Yakamein—a delicious and comforting noodle soup that pays tribute to the cultural fusion and culinary heritage of the Crescent City. Enjoy this unique and delightful dish with family and friends, and savor the taste of New Orleans’ vibrant spirit in every spoonful. Bon appétit!