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Yaka Mein

This yaka mein recipe brings a taste of New Orleans soul food straight to your kitchen. Often referred to as 'Old Sober' for its legendary restorative qualities, this high-protein dish is a unique fusion of Creole flavours and Chinese-style noodle soup. The savoury beef broth is infused with Cajun spices and soy sauce, creating a deeply comforting base for tender meat and spaghetti.

Ideal for a midweek meal or a nourishing weekend lunch, this versatile soup allows you to use up leftover roast beef, chicken, or even prawns. Served in deep bowls with hard-boiled eggs and a fresh crunch of spring onions, it offers a satisfying balance of protein and carbohydrates. It is a wonderful choice for those seeking a hearty, homemade dish that is both quick to assemble and rich in flavour.

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Ingredients for Yaka Mein

  • 1 (230g) package spaghetti

  • 1.9L beef stock

  • 1 teaspoon Cajun Seasoning

  • 475ml cooked meat (beef, chicken, pork, prawns, turtle), finely chopped

  • 2 tablespoons soy sauce

  • 3 hard-boiled eggs, peeled and halved lengthwise

  • 1 bunch spring onions, finely chopped

Cook spaghetti according to package directions. While spaghetti is cooking, bring stock and Cajun Seasoning to a boil in a large pot. Add meat and simmer 5 minutes. Reserving stock, strain meat out. Set meat aside and keep warm. Bring stock back to a boil and stir in soy sauce. Simmer 1 minute.

To assemble, place drained spaghetti in 6 individual bowls. Divide meat and egg halves over spaghetti. Ladle on broth and sprinkle with spring onions.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 28 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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