If you’re craving a comfort dish that’s both vibrant and incredibly easy to prepare, this One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe will become your new go-to. Combining the sweetness of brown sugar, the savory depth of soy sauce, and the fresh crunch of shredded cabbage and carrots, this dish comes together quickly in a single pot, making cleanup a breeze. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying meal without fuss, these teriyaki noodles ooze flavor and warmth with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
With just a handful of ingredients, this One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe proves that simple pantry staples can create big flavor. Each one plays an essential role—from the soy sauce lending umami richness to the fresh veggies adding texture and a pop of color.
- 1/2 green cabbage, shredded: Adds a mild crunch and sweet earthiness that brightens the dish.
- 2 carrots, shredded: Brings natural sweetness and vibrant color, balancing the savory sauce.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Helps to sauté the vegetables gently without overpowering flavors.
- 2/3 cup soy sauce: A salty, umami-packed base for the teriyaki sauce that ties everything together.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Adds a caramel-like sweetness that plays beautifully against the soy sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard: Offers a subtle warmth that adds depth to the sauce.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a gentle, aromatic zing that enhances the teriyaki flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Provides savory undertones that make the sauce even more irresistible.
- 16 oz spaghetti (1 pound box): The perfect noodle choice—it soaks up sauce wonderfully and creates satisfying texture.
- 3 1/2 cups water: The cooking liquid that transforms into a silky sauce as the pasta cooks.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a nutty crunch and an authentic Asian flair when tossed in at the end.
How to Make One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Fresh Veggies
Begin by heating a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, then toss in the shredded cabbage and carrots. Sauté these vibrant vegetables for about five minutes until they’re tender yet still have a bit of bounce. This initial step builds the foundation for the dish’s fresh flavor and delightful texture.
Step 2: Build the Teriyaki Sauce
Next, stir in your soy sauce, brown sugar, ground mustard, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Mix these together well, letting the sugar begin to dissolve. This combination creates the signature teriyaki glaze that coats every strand of noodle, harmonizing sweetness, spice, and savory notes in perfect balance.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles Right in the Sauce
Add the entire box of spaghetti and pour in 3 1/2 cups of water to the pot. Bring everything to a rolling boil, then lower the heat to medium and let it cook uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure the noodles soak up that delicious sauce. If the mixture seems dry before the noodles are fully tender, add an extra half cup of water as needed.
Step 4: Finish with Toasted Sesame Seeds
Once the noodles are soft and the sauce thickened to a luscious glaze, remove the pot from heat. Toss in a tablespoon of sesame seeds to introduce a toasty crunch and subtle nutty flavor. Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor, optionally garnished with extra sesame seeds or chopped green onions.
How to Serve One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds is classic, but for an extra pop, try topping your one-pot teriyaki noodles with freshly chopped green onions or finely sliced red chili for a subtle heat. These simple garnishes add fresh color and layers of texture that make every bite more exciting.
Side Dishes
This dish shines on its own, but pairing it with steamed dumplings, crunchy spring rolls, or a simple cucumber salad can make your meal feel even more special. The coolness of a fresh salad is particularly lovely next to the warm, saucy noodles.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve your One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe in individual bamboo steamers or wide bowls to give it an inviting Asian-inspired look. For gatherings, a large rustic platter allows everyone to dig in family-style and enjoy the colorful textures together.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover noodles into an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll keep well for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner the next day. Keep in mind the noodles may absorb more sauce as they sit, so a splash of water when reheating helps bring back their saucy charm.
Freezing
Freezing this noodle dish is possible but not ideal due to the fresh vegetables, which may become mushy upon thawing. If you do freeze it, store in a freezer-safe container for up to one month, and defrost gently in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring regularly and adding a bit of water to loosen up the sauce. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to avoid drying out the noodles and keep that silky teriyaki magic alive.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully here, feel free to swap in linguine, udon, or even rice noodles depending on your preference. Just adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure they stay tender and saucy.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
This One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is vegetarian, and it can easily be made vegan by confirming your soy sauce is vegan-friendly and skipping any garnishes like eggs. The focus on plant-based veggies and seasonings makes it adaptable for various diets.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Yes! Add cooked chicken, tofu, shrimp, or beef to make it more filling. For the best texture, add cooked proteins during the last few minutes of noodle cooking or toss them in at the end to warm through without overcooking.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is naturally mild, focusing on sweet and savory flavors. If you like spice, try adding crushed red pepper flakes, Sriracha, or diced fresh chilies either during cooking or as a topping.
What other vegetables work well here?
Feel free to experiment with bell peppers, snap peas, mushrooms, or baby spinach. Add them early if they need to soften, or toss in leafy greens just before finishing so they wilt gently.
Final Thoughts
This One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is a shining example of how easy, flavorful cooking can be. It’s a dish that brings warmth and a little bit of joy to the table with minimal effort and maximum taste. I encourage you to whip it up soon—you might just find it becoming a steady favorite in your kitchen rotation!
Print
One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 23 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
This One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful meal featuring tender noodles cooked with shredded cabbage and carrots in a savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. Easy to make on the stovetop, it combines the umami of soy sauce with the sweetness of brown sugar and the warmth of spices, finished with nutty sesame seeds for a delicious, fuss-free dinner.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1/2 green cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, shredded
Sauce
- 2/3 cup soy sauce
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Others
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 16 oz spaghetti (1 pound box)
- 3 1/2 cups water (plus extra 1/2 cup if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil, shredded cabbage, and shredded carrots. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes, or until they become tender and slightly softened.
- Add Sauce Ingredients: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground mustard, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Mix everything well to combine the flavors evenly with the vegetables.
- Cook Noodles: Add the spaghetti and 3 1/2 cups of water to the pot. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it cook uncovered for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. If the noodles are not yet tender or the sauce is too thin, add an additional 1/2 cup of water and continue cooking until the noodles are done and the sauce has thickened.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and toss in the sesame seeds. Serve the teriyaki noodles immediately, optionally garnished with more sesame seeds or sliced green onions for extra flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes while sautéing the vegetables.
- Substitute spaghetti with any other long noodles like linguine or rice noodles if gluten-free.
- For added protein, top with grilled chicken or tofu cubes.
- Be sure to stir occasionally during cooking to prevent noodles from sticking to the bottom of the pot.
- Adjust the amount of brown sugar to taste if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet sauce.
