If you’re craving a dish that combines the satisfying comfort of noodles with the bold, sweet-savory flavors of Asian cuisine, you’ll absolutely adore this One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe. It’s a brilliant twist on teriyaki that’s both quick and fuss-free, bringing tender noodles, vibrant shredded cabbage, and carrots all cooked together in a luscious, sticky sauce. The beauty lies in its simplicity: just one pot, minimal prep, and maximum flavor that feels like a warm hug on your plate. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a relaxed weekend lunch, this recipe will soon become your go-to for easy, delicious meals that don’t skimp on taste or texture.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the ingredients for this recipe is wonderfully straightforward, yet each one is integral to creating that irresistible balance of flavors and textures. Every item contributes something special, whether it’s sweetness, savoriness, crunch, or a gorgeous golden color.
- ½ green cabbage, shredded: Adds a fresh crunch and vibrant color that brightens the dish.
- 2 carrots, shredded: Bring natural sweetness and a lovely orange hue, perfect for contrast.
- 16 oz spaghetti: The noodle base soaks up the teriyaki sauce perfectly, creating a comforting texture.
- â…” cup soy sauce: Delivers umami depth and salty richness to the sauce.
- ½ cup brown sugar: Balances the saltiness with a warm molasses sweetness that caramelizes beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Adds a bit of zest and warming spice.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses subtle garlicky aroma without overpowering the dish.
- 3 ½ cups water: The cooking liquid that softens noodles and helps infuse the sauce into every bite.
- Sesame seeds for garnish: Offer a toasty finish and a delightful seed crunch.
How to Make One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Veggies
Start by heating some olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat and toss in your shredded cabbage and carrots. Sauté these vibrant veggies for about five minutes until they soften up just right, releasing their natural sweetness. This step builds the foundation for your dish and ensures those veggies stay tender yet with a little bite.
Step 2: Create the Sauce
Next, stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and garlic powder directly into your sautéed veggies. These ingredients meld to form that signature teriyaki flavor that’s sweet, salty, and packed with aromatic spices. Give it a good stir to meld everything evenly.
Step 3: Add Noodles and Water
Break your spaghetti in half if you prefer shorter strands and add them to the pot. Pour in 3 and a half cups of water, which will cook the noodles and dilute the sauce just enough for the perfect consistency. The noodles will soak up every drop of flavor during cooking.
Step 4: Cook Until Tender
Leave the pot uncovered and let everything simmer for 15 to 18 minutes. Stir occasionally to keep the noodles from sticking to the bottom and to help distribute the sauce evenly. You’ll notice the noodles softening as they absorb all those delicious teriyaki notes.
Step 5: Toss with Sesame Seeds and Serve
When the noodles are perfectly tender and the sauce has thickened slightly, sprinkle a generous handful of sesame seeds over the top. Give everything one last toss to coat the seeds, then serve it up hot and enjoy that irresistible blend of flavors and textures in every bite.
How to Serve One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your teriyaki noodles elevates the dish visually and texturally. Freshly chopped scallions or a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds add a nutty crunch and vibrant green color. If you love a hint of heat, a few red chili flakes bring a gentle kick that contrasts delightfully with the sweet sauce.
Side Dishes
This one-pot teriyaki noodles recipe is a satisfying meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with simple sides to round out the table. Try steamed edamame, which offers a fresh, lightly salty bite. A crisp cucumber salad with vinegar dressing also adds refreshing contrast, cutting through the rich sauce beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
To impress at your next dinner, serve these noodles in individual bowls garnished with microgreens or edible flowers for a pop of elegance. For a casual family meal, pile it high on a large platter so everyone can dig in family-style. You could even try it wrapped in lettuce cups for a fun handheld twist that’s great for gatherings.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a perfect make-ahead meal option.
Freezing
While fresh is best, you can freeze this dish if needed. Pack it into a freezer-safe container and store for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep that noodle texture intact.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in a splash of water or broth to keep the noodles from drying out. This helps restore that luscious saucy quality and ensures every bite is just as satisfying as the first.
FAQs
Can I use other types of noodles for this recipe?
Absolutely! While spaghetti works beautifully, feel free to swap in rice noodles, soba, or even udon for a different texture or to suit what you have on hand.
Is this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
Yes, this One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is naturally vegetarian and vegan-friendly as long as you use a vegan soy sauce. It’s a great choice for plant-based eating.
Can I add protein to this dish?
Definitely! Tofu, tempeh, or cooked chicken or shrimp make perfect additions. Simply cook your protein separately or in the pot before adding the liquid and noodles.
How spicy is the dish?
This recipe has no inherent spiciness, making it approachable for all tastes. You can always add chili flakes or sriracha if you want a spicy kick.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, swap the spaghetti for gluten-free noodles and use gluten-free soy sauce to keep it safe for gluten-sensitive eaters without losing flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about a dish that combines simplicity, speed, and irresistible flavor, and this One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe does just that. It’s a meal that feels like a little celebration any day of the week. So go ahead and try it – you might just find your new favorite comfort food to add to your recipe rotation!
Print
One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
A quick and easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles recipe featuring tender shredded cabbage and carrots simmered in a flavorful teriyaki sauce. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight meal that requires minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- ½ green cabbage, shredded
- 2 carrots, shredded
Dry Ingredients
- 16 oz spaghetti
- â…” cup soy sauce
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 3 ½ cups water
Garnish
- Sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add shredded cabbage and carrots and sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender.
- Add Seasonings: Stir in the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground ginger, and garlic powder until well combined with the vegetables.
- Add Noodles and Water: Break the spaghetti if desired, and add it to the pot. Pour in 3 ½ cups of water, ensuring the noodles are mostly submerged.
- Cook Noodles: Cook the mixture uncovered for 15-18 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the noodles are soft and most of the liquid has been absorbed.
- Garnish and Serve: Toss the noodles with sesame seeds before serving for a nutty crunch and added flavor.
Notes
- Breaking the spaghetti noodles before adding allows for easier stirring and even cooking in one pot.
- Adjust the soy sauce and brown sugar amounts to taste if you prefer a sweeter or saltier sauce.
- Use a large pot or deep skillet to prevent overcrowding and splatter while cooking.
- For extra protein, consider adding cooked chicken, tofu, or shrimp.
- Sesame seeds can be toasted beforehand for enhanced flavor.
