Yakamein

Yakamein is a dish that originated in New Orleans. It’s been passed down from generation to generation. Grandmothers standing at the stove stirring the secretly spiced stock. Each family having their own secret recipe passed throughout. As I sit and write this the smell still lingers in my kitchen and makes me hungry this morning. It’s rich creole spiced stock, with braised beef, noodles, cilantro or parsley, limes, and a hard boiled egg. There’s nothing fancy about it, just good classic street food. Served in styrofoam cups to hungry mouths that line up down the street.

If you make it let me know, or tag me on instagram! I love seeing what everyone is making!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2-3 lb. boneless Chuck roast
• 2 1/2 tbsp. creole spices (recipe follows)
• salt and black pepper
• 4-5 garlic cloves
• 1 red onion, peeled and quartered
• 2 bay leaves
• 2 tbsp. ketchup
• 1 tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• 1 cup soy sauce
• 3 cups unsalted beef stock
• 1 cup water
• 1 lb. noodles (spaghetti, ramen or udon)
• Garnish, cilantro, siracha or hot sauce, scallions, hard boiled egg and limes

Creole Spices

• 2 1/2 tbsp. paprika
• 2 tbsp. salt
• 2 tbsp. garlic powder
• 1 tbsp. onion powder
• 1 tbsp. cayenne
• 1 tbsp. black pepper
• 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tbsp dried thyme

Directions

Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.

Start by seasoning the beef on all sides with the creole spices. Making sure to cover all sides. Heat up a large dutch oven over medium heat with a little oil, sear all sides of the beef for about 3-5 minutes on each. Just to create a nice crust. Add in the onions, garlic, bay leaves, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, beef stock and then cover with water. Just enough to barely cover the beef. Cover it with the lid and place in the oven for about 5-6 hours. Until the beef is fork tender and falls apart.

When you’re ready to serve, cook the noodles. Remove the beef from the stock and place in a large bowl. Shred it with a fork. Strain the stock and skim off any fat or impurities on top, season again if needed.

Divide the noodles into 4 bowls, top with the shredded beef, cilantro, hard boiled egg, scallions and hot sauce if you wish. Enjoy!!