Name: one-pot teriyaki noodles Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 23 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 green cabbage, shredded; 2 carrots, shredded; 1 teaspoon olive oil; 2/3 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup brown sugar; 1/2 teaspoon ground mustard; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 16oz spaghetti (1 pound box); 3 1/2 cups water; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe·5.3 from 31 reviews

Let me introduce you to one-pot teriyaki noodles, a truly irresistible recipe that’s equal parts easy, colorful, and comforting. Imagine perfectly cooked spaghetti soaking up a homemade teriyaki sauce, all mingled with tender cabbage and sweet carrots in a single pot (yes, just the one!). This is your ticket to a stress-free weeknight dinner bursting with umami, ready in under half an hour, with plenty of room for variation. Whether you serve it solo as a vegetarian main or alongside your favorite teriyaki chicken, it’s a dish you’ll reach for anytime you crave something speedy and delicious.

one-pot teriyaki noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The secret to truly great one-pot teriyaki noodles is a handful of humble ingredients, each one playing a starring role in taste, texture, and even a pop of color. With a few pantry staples and some fresh veggies, you’re only one pot away from noodle bliss.

Green cabbage: Brings a nice crunch and absorbs the savory teriyaki sauce beautifully; Napa cabbage works if you prefer a softer texture.
Carrots: Naturally sweet and colorful, they shred into ribbons that look (and taste) delightful with every bite.
Olive oil: Just a bit helps sauté the veggies to tender perfection before the noodles hit the pot.
Soy sauce: The backbone of the teriyaki sauce, adding that essential salty depth.
Brown sugar: Sweetens things up, balancing out the saltiness for classic teriyaki flavor.
Ground mustard: Adds a faint tang and savory complexity, making the sauce anything but one-note.
Ground ginger: Delivers gentle warmth and zing, a must-have for that signature taste.
Garlic powder: For that mellow, garlicky aroma that ties everything together without overpowering.
Spaghetti: The perfect noodle for soaking up sauce; breaking them in half makes for easier stirring.
Water: Cooks the noodles right in the sauce so every strand is flavorful.
Sesame seeds: A nutty, toasty crunch that finishes the dish with style.

How to Make one-pot teriyaki noodles

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat, then drizzle in the olive oil. Add the shredded green cabbage and carrots, sautéing for about five minutes. You’ll notice the vegetables start to soften and their flavors deepen — this step builds a flavorful foundation for your one-pot teriyaki noodles.

Step 2: Add Sauce Ingredients

Once your veggies are mostly tender, pour in the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground mustard, ground ginger, and garlic powder. Give everything a good stir to evenly coat the vegetables and dissolve the sugar. Your kitchen will already start to smell like your favorite takeout spot!

Step 3: Add Pasta and Water

Drop in the spaghetti (you can break it in half if your pot is a little snug) and carefully pour in the water. Don’t worry if the noodles aren’t fully submerged — they’ll soften as they cook. Stir gently to nestle everything together in the savory sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Stir

Leave the pot uncovered and let the noodles cook for 15 to 18 minutes. As soon as the pasta starts to bend, stir every couple of minutes. This helps everything cook evenly and keeps those noodles from sticking to the pot’s bottom. If you notice the water drying up before the noodles are tender, just add another splash and keep going!

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once the noodles are perfectly al dente and the sauce is thick and glossy, remove the pot from heat. Toss in the sesame seeds, mixing them gently through the noodles. Now your one-pot teriyaki noodles are ready to scoop into bowls — hot, saucy, and absolutely irresistible.

How to Serve one-pot teriyaki noodles

Garnishes

Give your bowls of one-pot teriyaki noodles an extra flourish by sprinkling with more sesame seeds and, if you like, a handful of thinly sliced green onions. Toasted sesame oil or a dash of chili flakes can also add a little heat or extra depth.

Side Dishes

This dish is a showstopper all by itself, but it’s also perfect next to grilled or baked teriyaki chicken, crispy tofu, or steamed edamame. A light cucumber salad or roasted broccoli will round out your meal without stealing the spotlight from your one-pot teriyaki noodles.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving your noodles in shallow bowls with chopsticks for a takeout-inspired vibe, or pile them high on a platter topped with extra veggies and sesame seeds. For parties, twirl individual nests of noodles in small bowls or even in lettuce cups for a fun appetizer spin on classic one-pot teriyaki noodles.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover one-pot teriyaki noodles in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll keep well for up to three days, and the flavors actually deepen even more overnight, making them a great option for easy lunches or dinner the next day.

Freezing

Though these noodles are at their best fresh, you can freeze any extra portions for up to two months. Let the noodles cool completely, portion them out, and keep them in freezer-safe containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, simply place your noodles in a microwave-safe bowl, splash with a little water to keep things moist, and cover. Microwave until hot, stirring halfway through. On the stove, add a bit of water to the pot and gently heat over medium, stirring frequently until warmed through.

FAQs

Can I use different vegetables in my one-pot teriyaki noodles?

Absolutely! Feel free to swap in Napa cabbage, bell peppers, snow peas, or broccoli. The key is to keep everything cut into thin, even pieces so they cook at the same pace as your noodles.

What type of noodles work best?

Spaghetti is reliable and soaks up the sauce nicely, but you can experiment with linguine, udon, or even rice noodles. If using a different variety, adjust water and cook time as needed to get that perfect savory slurp.

Is this recipe vegan?

Yes! One-pot teriyaki noodles are naturally vegetarian and easily vegan as written. Just double-check that your noodles don’t contain egg if cooking for strictly vegan friends.

How do I prevent the noodles from sticking?

Be sure to give your pot a good stir every few minutes as the noodles cook and soften, especially near the end of the cooking time. If you notice sticking, add a bit more water and keep things moving gently with your spoon.

Can I add protein to make it heartier?

Of course. Serve your one-pot teriyaki noodles topped with baked tofu, sautéed shrimp, or sliced chicken for a more filling meal, or keep things simple for a lighter option.

Final Thoughts

One-pot teriyaki noodles really are the definition of comfort and convenience, all swirled together in a single pot. Whether you’re new to quick weeknight cooking or already a noodle lover, you’ll be amazed how quickly this joyful dish comes together. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the delicious magic of homemade teriyaki!