Track 2

(...I’m pretty sure there’s still some meat left in the fridge...)

—Here it is, Raito-san! Exactly two packs of chilled yakisoba noodles. And pork, too!

The classic ingredients for yakisoba are cabbage and carrots...and yet we only have green onions and bean sprouts. In that case…

...Ah!

?

Come to think of it, we’re working alongside Beppu’s “ChiiOnis”¹ for the summer festival, right?

That reminds me, how about we try making Hita Yakisoba² today?

Hita Yakisoba… The famous local dish from Oita!

Yes. During the training trip to Oita, I had some Hita Yakisoba and it was really delicious.

The only ingredients you need for it are green onions, bean sprouts, and pork! So we can make it using only what we have in the fridge.

That’s a great idea. Because the ingredients are so simple, the technique behind every single step is put to the test as well.

As one who follows the Way of the Noodle, this is a challenge that gets my blood pumping! Let’s start the preparations right away. Chief, can you wash the vegetables?

Aye, aye, Sir! …Also, if I remember correctly, the main feature of Hita Yakisoba is that the noodles are crispy, correct?

That’s right. First of all, we must fry the pork to render the fat. Then, we use that fat to crisp up the noodles until they’re well done.

Wow, it already smells good…!

Then, once the noodles start to crisp up, we add the vegetables and sauce without a moment’s delay.

Got it! Here are the well-washed bean sprouts and green onions!

Thank you. From here, the key is to stir-fry it quickly to preserve the texture of the vegetables...

(As expected of Raito-san, who has mastered the Way of the Noodle… His spatula handling is amazing…! And it’s finished in no time!)

─Alright. Plated and complete! Shall we eat it right away?

Yes, of course!

…Mmm, this is delicious! Both the noodles and the pork are so savory!

The bean sprouts are perfectly crisp, too—how wonderful. The natural sweetness of the ingredients really comes through.

It’s all thanks to the Chief who washed the bean sprouts exceptionally well.

All I did was rinse them quickly, though…

Even washing is a vital step in the process, you know. When it comes to noodle dishes, not a single step is devoid of meaning.

I see. Well, if I was able to be of help, then I’m glad!

...Alright. The course of action has been decided.

We’ll go with sauce for the seasoning, rather than salt. Taking today’s Hita Yakisoba as a reference, I’ll keep on working on the perfect recipe until the main event.

I’m looking forward to trying your sauce yakisoba, Raito-san!

Hm. You have my word—I promise I’ll serve you the most spectacular “Kitakata-style Yakisoba”!