Name: One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: ½ green cabbage, shredded; 2 carrots, shredded; 1 teaspoon olive oil; ⅔ cup soy sauce; ½ cup brown sugar; ½ teaspoon ground mustard; 1 teaspoon ground ginger; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 16oz spaghetti (1 pound box); 3 ½ cups water; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Jump to Recipe

With its irresistible sweet-salty sauce, vibrant vegetables, and guaranteed crowd-pleasing appeal, One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles is the kind of weeknight meal that feels like a treat but couldn’t be easier to prepare. Imagine tender noodles and colorful veggies entwined in a glossy teriyaki glaze, all made in one pot — less mess, more flavor, and dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. This dish shines as a main, a side, or a homemade takeout fix whenever the craving strikes.

One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles lies in the balance of pantry staples and fresh vegetables. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, adding just the right hit of flavor, color, or texture — so don’t skip them!

Green cabbage (½ head, shredded): Adds sweetness and crunch while bulking up the dish with fresh veggie goodness.
Carrots (2, shredded): Bring color and a hint of natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the teriyaki sauce.
Olive oil (1 teaspoon): A small amount for sautéing, which helps soften the vegetables and build flavor at the start.
Soy sauce (⅔ cup): The backbone of the teriyaki sauce, giving it its salty, umami-packed depth.
Brown sugar (½ cup): Balances the soy with caramel notes, making that signature teriyaki sweetness.
Ground mustard (½ teaspoon): Adds a gentle bite and rounds out the sauce.
Ground ginger (1 teaspoon): Brings warming spice, mimicking the taste of fresh ginger in a pinch.
Garlic powder (½ teaspoon): Lends garlicky aroma and depth, tying the sauce flavors together.
Spaghetti (16oz, 1 pound box): The user-friendly noodle: cooks up perfectly tender in the sauce, soaking up all those bold flavors.
Water (3 ½ cups): Enough to cook the pasta while turning into the glossy sauce that brings the whole dish together.
Sesame seeds (1 tablespoon, plus more for garnish): Sprinkle for nutty flavor and a touch of sophistication at the finish.

How to Make One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles

Step 1: Sauté the Vegetables

Start with a large pot placed over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, drizzle in the olive oil and toss in your shredded cabbage and carrots. Give them a good stir, letting the veggies soften and become fragrant for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the cabbage transforming into delicate, sweet ribbons while the carrots become tender — this base sets the stage for your entire One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles experience.

Step 2: Build the Teriyaki Sauce

Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground mustard, ground ginger, and garlic powder directly into the pot. Stir well so the spices and sugar start to dissolve into the soy, letting their flavors mingle with the vegetables. The aroma at this stage is unbeatable — it already feels like a cozy takeout night, but made fresher and healthier at home.

Step 3: Add the Noodles and Water

Place the dry spaghetti right into the pot. If your pot is on the smaller side, or you want noodles that are easier to serve, snap the spaghetti in half before adding. Immediately pour in the 3 ½ cups of water. Don’t worry if the pasta doesn’t seem fully submerged; it will soften and loosen up as it cooks. Give everything a gentle stir to coat the noodles in the developing sauce.

Step 4: Simmer and Stir

Let your pot cook uncovered on medium-high for about 15 to 18 minutes. As the noodles start to bend and become flexible, begin stirring the pot every few minutes. Stirring more frequently as the noodles finish keeps them from sticking to the bottom and helps them absorb that beautiful teriyaki flavor. Watch for the sauce to thicken and the noodles to turn glossy and coated.

Step 5: Finishing Touches

As soon as the noodles are tender and the sauce has reduced to a lovely glaze, remove the pot from the heat. Toss in a generous tablespoon of sesame seeds — they add an appealing crunch and toasty flavor. Give one final toss to blend everything, then you’re ready to serve your One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles while they’re perfectly piping hot!

How to Serve One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles

Garnishes

A finishing flourish truly makes your One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles pop. Sprinkle on extra sesame seeds for more nutty flavor, and if you love freshness, a handful of sliced green onions adds gorgeous color and zingy brightness. For a little heat, a dash of chili flakes or a swirl of sriracha over the top takes things up a notch!

Side Dishes

Pair your noodles with crisp Asian-inspired slaws, light cucumber salads, or steamed edamame for extra veggies. If you want to add protein, teriyaki tofu, grilled chicken strips, or shrimp slide in seamlessly and make this meal even heartier. For a fun takeout-style spread, serve alongside veggie spring rolls or steamed dumplings.

Creative Ways to Present

Dishing up One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles in shallow bowls allows the glossy sauce to shine. Try serving them family-style piled high on a platter, then let everyone add their own garnishes at the table. For a lunch option, pack cooled noodles into meal prep containers — these hold up beautifully, even after a day in the fridge. Or, for a fun party twist, twirl noodles onto skewers and top with sesame seeds for tasty, hand-held bites!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles are a meal-prepper’s dream. After cooling completely, scoop them into airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. You’ll find the flavors get even richer as they mingle overnight, and the noodles stay tender — just be sure to give them a quick stir before serving again.

Freezing

While best enjoyed fresh, these noodles can be frozen for up to two months if packed tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers. For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. Keep in mind, the noodles may soften a little more after freezing, but the flavor will still satisfy that teriyaki craving!

Reheating

To bring your noodles back to life, transfer them to a skillet or pot with a splash of water or extra soy sauce. Warm over medium heat, stirring gently until heated through. In a pinch, microwaving in short bursts works too — just add a little moisture and cover to prevent drying out. Stir in fresh garnishes before serving for a just-cooked feel.

FAQs

Can I use other noodles instead of spaghetti?

Absolutely! While spaghetti cooks up beautifully and absorbs the sauce well, you can substitute with linguine, fettuccine, or even rice noodles — just keep an eye on water amounts and cook times, since they might vary a bit.

Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?

Yes! Choose your favorite gluten-free pasta and be sure to use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce in the teriyaki mixture. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it adapts easily.

What proteins can I add to One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles?

Diced tofu, sliced chicken breast, shrimp, or even leftover roasted pork all work beautifully. For a one-pot variation, add the protein just after sautéing the veggies, before you add sauce and noodles, and let it cook through as you simmer everything together.

Can I add more vegetables?

Certainly! Bell peppers, snap peas, broccoli florets, or thinly sliced mushrooms are delicious additions. Just sauté them with the cabbage and carrot at the start for even more color and nutrition in every bite.

How can I make the sauce less sweet or less salty?

If you prefer a milder sauce, reduce the brown sugar to taste or swap for a less-sweet alternative like coconut sugar. For lower sodium, go with a reduced-sodium soy sauce or start with a little less and adjust after tasting.

Final Thoughts

If your dinner routine needs an easy win, you really can’t go wrong with One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles. It brings together bold flavor, weeknight simplicity, and total comfort in every twirl. Give this recipe a try — it might just become your new go-to for nights when you want cooking to feel effortless but still special!

One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 18 reviews

Author: Ava
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A delicious and easy recipe for One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles that combines the flavors of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame seeds with tender spaghetti, cabbage, and carrots.

Instructions

Sauté Vegetables: Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add oil, shredded cabbage, and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the vegetables start to become tender.
Prepare Sauce and Spaghetti: Add soy sauce, brown sugar, mustard, ginger, and garlic to the pot. Mix well. Add spaghetti to the pot, optionally breaking it in half for easier cooking. Pour in 3 ½ cups of water.
Cook Noodles: Cook uncovered for 15-18 minutes. Stir occasionally, especially as the noodles soften, to prevent sticking.
Finish and Serve: Once noodles are cooked, remove from heat and toss in sesame seeds. Serve hot, garnished with additional sesame seeds and green onions if desired.