If you’re craving a dish that combines comfort, bold flavors, and effortless cooking, you’ve come to the right place. This One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is a complete game-changer when it comes to weeknight dinners. Imagine tender noodles simmered in a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, mingling perfectly with shredded cabbage and carrots to add crunch and freshness. Best of all, everything cooks in one pot for a quick clean-up, making it an ideal recipe to whip up when you want something satisfying without a fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know the ingredients for this recipe is like meeting old friends who each bring something special to the table. From the crispness of fresh vegetables to the warmth of aromatic spices, every item here plays a crucial role in creating the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and color.
- 1/2 green cabbage, shredded: Adds a lovely crunch and subtle sweetness that balances the savory sauce.
- 2 carrots, shredded: Brings vibrant color and a natural hint of earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon olive oil: Helps sauté the veggies gently without overpowering their natural flavors.
- 2/3 cup soy sauce: The salty, umami-rich base of our teriyaki sauce, vital for depth.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Sweetens the sauce, creating that signature teriyaki glaze.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard: Adds a subtle tang that wakes up the flavor profile.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Provides warmth and a slightly spicy note, essential in teriyaki.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts savory layers with a mild garlic punch.
- 16 oz spaghetti (1 pound box): The hearty base that soaks up all the delicious sauce beautifully.
- 3 1/2 cups water: Necessary for cooking the noodles and thinning the sauce just right.
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a nutty finish and textural contrast.
How to Make One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables
Begin by heating your large pot over medium-high heat. Pour in the olive oil to evenly coat the pan, then toss in the shredded cabbage and carrots. Give them about 5 minutes to soften and develop a tender texture. This step unlocks the veggies’ natural sweetness and creates the base for the sauce to cling to.
Step 2: Build the Teriyaki Sauce
Next, stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground mustard, ground ginger, and garlic powder right into the pot with the vegetables. Mix everything thoroughly so the sugar starts to dissolve and the spices distribute evenly, creating that signature balance of savory, sweet, and warm flavors.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles Together
Now it’s time to add the spaghetti and the water. The water will cook the noodles while simultaneously melding the sauce ingredients. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to medium. Let it simmer uncovered for 15 to 18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Keep an eye on it and add an extra 1/2 cup of water if needed until the noodles are tender and the sauce thickens to a beautiful glaze.
Step 4: Finish with Sesame Seeds
Once the noodles are perfectly cooked, remove the pot from heat and toss in the sesame seeds. This final touch not only enriches the dish with a subtle nutty flavor but also adds a lovely textural element. Give it one last mix to distribute the seeds evenly throughout the noodles.
How to Serve One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
The best part about serving one-pot teriyaki noodles is how easy it is to dress them up. Sprinkle extra sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and an extra bite of flavor that elevates the dish to restaurant quality right at home.
Side Dishes
If you want to make this meal even more satisfying, pair it with steamed edamame, a crisp Asian cucumber salad, or some garlic roasted broccoli. These sides contrast beautifully with the rich noodles and bring freshness to every bite.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling fancy? Serve the noodles in warmed bowls with a drizzle of toasted sesame oil on top or a squeeze of lime for a zesty kick. For a hands-on meal, place the noodles in lettuce cups and top with chopped peanuts and fresh cilantro to create a fun, interactive experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers of this One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe keep wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors continue to develop, making your next meal even more delicious. Just make sure to stir well before serving as the sauce may thicken as it chills.
Freezing
While you can freeze these noodles, be advised the texture of the cabbage might change slightly after thawing. If you plan to freeze, portion the noodles into airtight freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the noodles gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water if the sauce has thickened too much. Alternatively, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to ensure even heating without drying out the noodles.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of noodle for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works great, you can experiment with rice noodles, lo mein noodles, or even egg noodles. Just keep in mind that cooking times and water amounts may vary slightly.
Is there a way to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, swap regular soy sauce for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative, and choose gluten-free pasta or noodles. This makes the dish accessible to gluten-sensitive eaters without losing any of the delicious teriyaki flavor.
Can I add protein to the One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe?
Definitely! Adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu can turn this into a more substantial meal. You can sauté your protein first, then set it aside and add back in at the end, or toss it in during the vegetable sauté stage if it’s precooked.
How spicy is this dish?
This recipe is naturally mild, focusing on sweet and savory notes. If you love heat, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil before serving.
Why are the noodles cooked in the same pot with the sauce?
Cooking the noodles in the sauce and water lets them absorb all those incredible teriyaki flavors as they cook. It also simplifies cleanup, making this a perfect quick and easy meal after a busy day.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe enough if you want a fuss-free, flavorful dinner that hits all the right notes. It’s comforting yet vibrant, quick but impressive, and makes for an unforgettable meal that you’ll want to come back to again and again. Give it a try, and watch how it becomes a new favorite in your recipe rotation!
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One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles is a quick and easy stir-fry inspired dish that combines shredded cabbage, carrots, and spaghetti cooked together in a flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce. This recipe uses simple pantry staples for a savory-sweet meal, perfect for busy weeknights.
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
Pasta and Others
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 16 oz spaghetti (1 pound box)
- 3 1/2 cups water (plus additional 1/2 cup if needed)
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (plus extra for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, then add olive oil. Add shredded cabbage and shredded carrots to the pot. Sauté the vegetables for about 5 minutes until they soften and become tender.
- Add the sauce ingredients: Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, ground mustard, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Mix well so that the vegetables are coated evenly with the teriyaki flavor base.
- Cook the 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. Cook uncovered for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. If the noodles are not yet tender or the sauce is too thin, add an extra 1/2 cup of water and continue to cook until the noodles are tender and the sauce has thickened to desired consistency.
- Finish and serve: Remove the pot from the heat and toss in the sesame seeds. Serve the noodles immediately, garnished with additional sesame seeds and optional chopped green onions for extra flavor and visual appeal.
Notes
- You can substitute spaghetti with other long pasta like linguine or fettuccine.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free soy sauce and pasta.
- Add protein such as cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp to make the dish more filling.
- Adjust the brown sugar according to sweetness preference.
- Stir frequently when cooking noodles to prevent them from sticking together.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
