New Orleans Yakamein

Yakamein, often pronounced as “yaka-mein” or simply “yock-a-mein,” is a unique and flavorful soup dish that is sometimes referred to as “Old Sober” in New Orleans. It’s a fusion of Asian and Creole cuisines and is believed to have Chinese and Vietnamese influences. Yakamein is known for its hearty and restorative qualities, often served as a hangover cure or a comforting meal. Here’s a basic recipe for New Orleans Yakamein:

Ingredients:

For the Broth:

• 2 pounds beef brisket or chuck roast
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 2 celery stalks, chopped
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
• Salt to taste
• 10 cups water

For the Seasoning Mix:

• 2 tablespoons soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce
• 1 teaspoon creole seasoning (or a mix of paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Yakamein Bowls:

• 8 ounces spaghetti or egg noodles, cooked and drained
• Hard-boiled eggs, sliced
• Green onions, chopped
• Optional toppings: sliced roast beef, shredded cabbage, and hot sauce

Instructions:

1. In a large stockpot, combine the beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, green bell pepper, celery, bay leaf, black peppercorns, dried thyme, hot sauce, and salt. Add 10 cups of water to the pot.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, and then reduce the heat to low. Simmer, partially covered, for about 2-3 hours or until the beef is tender and can easily be shredded.
3. Once the beef is cooked, remove it from the pot and shred it with two forks. Set the shredded beef aside.
4. Strain the broth to remove the vegetables and spices. Return the strained broth to the pot.
5. In a separate bowl, mix together the soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, creole seasoning, salt, and pepper to create the seasoning mix.
6. Add the seasoning mix to the strained broth and simmer for an additional 10-15 minutes to infuse the flavors.
7. To serve, place a portion of cooked spaghetti or egg noodles in each bowl. Ladle the hot broth over the noodles.
8. Top each bowl with slices of hard-boiled eggs, chopped green onions, and shredded beef. You can also add optional toppings like shredded cabbage and a bit more hot sauce if you like it spicy.
9. Serve your New Orleans Yakamein hot, and enjoy!

Yakamein is a comforting and flavorful dish with a unique blend of cultures and flavors. It’s a popular street food in New Orleans and is known for its soul-soothing qualities.