The Ajinomoto Vegetable Yakisoba from Costco is a quick, flavorful, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, offering great value and convenience in a multi-pack format. It’s a freezer-aisle staple for a reason, but let’s dive into the details to see if it’s the right choice for you.
How Much Does the Ajinomoto Yakisoba Cost at Costco?
The Ajinomoto Vegetable Yakisoba costs $15.99 at Costco. The box contains six 9-ounce packs, which comes out to about $2.67 per meal. The Costco item number for this product is 464292.
First Impressions: What’s Inside the Box?
Inside the distinctive purple and green box, you’ll find six individually sealed plastic packets of the yakisoba. Each packet contains a block of frozen noodles with the vegetables and sauce mixed in. The packaging is straightforward and efficient, designed to keep each meal fresh and prevent freezer burn. The clear plastic allows you to see the colorful mix of vegetables and noodles before you even open the bag.
How to Cook Costco’s Yakisoba Noodles (Official Instructions)
The best way to cook the Costco Yakisoba is in the microwave, which takes only 3 minutes and delivers excellent results. The package provides two methods, but the microwave option is labeled as “preferred” for its speed and simplicity.
Microwave Instructions (The Preferred Method)
- Tear one corner of the plastic bag to create a vent.
- Place the bag on a microwave-safe plate.
- Microwave on HIGH for 3 minutes (based on an 1,100-watt microwave).
- Let it stand for a moment as the bag will be hot. Carefully tear the bag open fully, pour into a bowl, stir, and serve.
Stove Top Instructions
- Heat 1 cup of water in a non-stick skillet or pan over high heat until it boils.
- Place the frozen yakisoba block into the pan with the vegetable side facing down.
- Heat on high for 6 minutes.
- Flip the noodles over, break them apart, and stir lightly for another 3 to 4 minutes until the water has completely evaporated.
Pro-Tip: The Easiest Way to Cook Yakisoba
Stick with the microwave method. It’s foolproof, requires no extra dishes, and cooks the noodles and vegetables perfectly every time. The stovetop method works, but it takes three times as long and requires more cleanup for no noticeable improvement in taste or texture.
How Do They Actually Taste? The Full Review
Overall, the Ajinomoto Vegetable Yakisoba has a fantastic savory flavor with a surprisingly crisp texture from the vegetables. The “Umami Aged Soy Sauce” is the star of the show. It’s a well-balanced sauce that’s savory with a hint of sweetness, and it coats every noodle and vegetable perfectly.
The noodles themselves are chewy and satisfying, avoiding the mushiness that plagues many frozen noodle dishes. The vegetable blend—which includes broccoli, carrots, edamame, pea pods, and shiitake mushrooms—retains a pleasant crispness, adding a fresh-tasting dimension to the meal. It’s a genuinely delicious and convenient dish that doesn’t taste like a typical freezer meal.
Costco Yakisoba Nutrition and Calories
Here’s a breakdown of the nutritional information to help you decide if this meal fits your dietary needs.
How Many Calories Are in One Serving?
One 9-ounce (255g) serving of Costco’s Ajinomoto Vegetable Yakisoba contains 410 calories. This single-serving pack also has 10g of total fat, 69g of carbohydrates, and 11g of protein.
Are the Ajinomoto Yakisoba Noodles Healthy?
It’s complicated. While the yakisoba is packed with vegetables and free of trans fat, it is not considered a health food primarily due to its very high sodium content. A single serving contains 1160mg of sodium, which is 50% of the recommended daily value. If you are watching your salt intake, this is definitely something to be aware of.
A Closer Look at the Ingredients
The main ingredients are what you’d expect: cooked yakisoba noodles, a variety of vegetables (cabbage, carrots, broccoli, etc.), and a soy-sauce-based sauce. For those with dietary restrictions, it’s important to note the allergen information.
- Allergens: Contains Wheat, Soy, and Sesame.
The Final Verdict: Are They Worth Buying?
Yes, the Costco Ajinomoto Vegetable Yakisoba is absolutely worth buying for anyone looking for a quick, delicious, and convenient meal option. The flavor is excellent, the cooking process couldn’t be simpler, and the value is hard to beat. The only significant downside is the high sodium content.
| Rating Category | Score (out of 10) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | 9/10 | Delicious savory sauce and crisp vegetables. |
| Convenience | 10/10 | A 3-minute microwave meal that’s practically effortless. |
| Price/Value | 9/10 | Getting six satisfying meals in one box is a fantastic deal. |
| Nutrition | 5/10 | Packed with veggies but loses points for extremely high sodium. |
You should BUY these if:
- You need fast and easy lunch or dinner options.
- You enjoy savory, Japanese-style noodle dishes.
- You are looking for a great value in the freezer section.
You should PASS on these if:
- You are on a strict low-sodium diet.
- You prefer meals made from fresh, non-frozen ingredients.
Costco Yakisoba FAQ
What brand is Costco yakisoba?
The brand of vegetable yakisoba sold at Costco is Ajinomoto, a well-known Japanese food and biotechnology corporation.
Is Costco’s yakisoba pre-made or a kit?
Costco’s yakisoba is a fully pre-made, frozen meal. Everything, including the noodles, vegetables, and sauce, is included in a single packet that you just need to heat and serve.
Is Costco yakisoba easy to cook?
Yes, it is very easy to cook. The preferred microwave method takes only 3 minutes and requires no additional preparation or cleanup.
Does Costco have yakisoba noodles?
Yes, Costco regularly stocks the Ajinomoto brand of frozen Vegetable Yakisoba noodles in their freezer aisle.
