Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

If you’re craving something cozy, flavorful, and ridiculously simple, this Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is about to become your new weeknight hero. We’re talking tender noodles, sweet-and-savory homemade teriyaki sauce, and crisp-tender veggies—all cooked in one pot. Yes, ONE. POT.

Busy day at work? After-school chaos? That moment when you open the fridge and hope dinner magically appears? I’ve been there. And this Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is exactly the kind of meal that saves the evening without sacrificing flavor.

As Chef Omar always says, “Simple ingredients, bold flavor.” And this dish delivers both in under 30 minutes.

Why You’ll Love This Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

Let me count the ways:

  • One pot = easy cleanup. Because nobody dreams of washing five pans at 8 p.m.
  • Vegetarian and hearty. It works beautifully as a meatless main dish.
  • Family-friendly flavors. Sweet, savory, and just a little tangy.
  • Budget-conscious ingredients. Cabbage, carrots, spaghetti—nothing fancy.
  • Perfect side dish. Pair it with grilled teriyaki chicken if you’d like.

And the best part? The sauce thickens right in the pot as the noodles cook. No separate sauce pan. No complicated steps. Just pure, comforting flavor.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe shine:

  • 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
  • 16 oz spaghetti (1 pound)
  • 3 ½ cups water
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

Optional garnish:

  • Extra sesame seeds
  • Sliced green onions

Simple pantry staples, right? That’s the beauty of it.

How to Make This Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe

Let’s walk through it together—no stress, no fancy techniques.

Step 1: Sauté the Veggies

Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, add the olive oil.

Toss in the shredded cabbage and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until they start to soften but still have a little bite.

Your kitchen will already start smelling amazing. Fresh, slightly sweet, and cozy.

Step 2: Build the Sauce

Add the soy sauce, brown sugar, ground mustard, ground ginger, and garlic powder directly into the pot.

Stir everything together so the vegetables are coated in that glossy, sweet-and-savory mixture.

No bottled sauce here—we’re making a quick homemade teriyaki sauce that tastes way better.

Step 3: Add the Noodles and Water

Place the spaghetti right into the pot. You can break it in half if that makes stirring easier.

Pour in 3 ½ cups of water.

That’s it. No draining later. The noodles will cook right in the sauce, absorbing all that flavor.

Step 4: Cook and Stir

Cook uncovered for 15–18 minutes.

Once the spaghetti softens and becomes bendable, start stirring every few minutes. Toward the end, stir more frequently so the noodles don’t stick to the bottom.

Different pasta brands absorb water differently. If the noodles aren’t fully cooked and the pot looks dry, add ½ cup of water and keep cooking until tender.

You’ll notice the sauce thickens beautifully as it cooks. That glossy finish? Chef’s kiss.

Step 5: Finish with Sesame Seeds

Remove from heat and stir in the sesame seeds.

Serve immediately and garnish with extra sesame seeds or sliced green onions if you’re feeling fancy.

Dinner = done.

Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe cooking in a large pot with cabbage, carrots, and sesame garnish
The Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe comes together in one pot as the sauce thickens and coats every strand of pasta.

Chef Omar’s Kitchen Tips (Because We’ve All Had “Oops” Moments)

Let’s make this Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe foolproof.

1. If it looks too saucy at first, relax.
As the noodles sit for a few minutes, they’ll soak up more sauce. It’s like magic.

2. If it looks dry, add water—not more soy sauce.
Soy sauce will make it saltier. A splash of water keeps the balance right.

3. Swap the cabbage.
No green cabbage? Napa cabbage works beautifully and gives a softer texture.

4. Reheating leftovers?
Sprinkle a little water over the noodles before microwaving. This keeps them from drying out. Trust me—this tiny step makes a big difference.

5. Want protein?
Add tofu cubes, edamame, or shredded chicken. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking.

Cooking should feel flexible, not rigid. Your kitchen, your rules.

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe became a regular in my home after a last-minute dinner with friends. I had cabbage, spaghetti, and soy sauce. That was it.

I threw everything into one pot, crossed my fingers, and hoped for the best.

Not only did it work—it disappeared in minutes.

One friend asked for the recipe before dessert. Another scraped the pot clean. That’s when I knew this one was a keeper.

Sometimes the simplest meals create the biggest smiles.

Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe served in a bowl with cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds, and green onions
This Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe features tender spaghetti, crisp cabbage, carrots, and a glossy homemade teriyaki sauce.

Make It a Complete Meal

While this dish shines on its own, you can easily turn it into a full spread:

  • Serve alongside grilled teriyaki chicken.
  • Add a fresh cucumber salad for crunch.
  • Top with a fried egg for a quick protein boost.

It’s the kind of flexible meal busy families appreciate.

Nutrition Snapshot

Per serving (approximate):

  • Calories: 220
  • Total Fat: 2g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Protein: 7g

Keep in mind, nutritional values vary depending on ingredient brands and adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Linguine or fettuccine work well. Even whole wheat spaghetti is great in this Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe. Just keep an eye on cooking time and liquid levels.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use gluten-free spaghetti and swap soy sauce for tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

How long do leftovers last?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze it?

You can, but the texture of the noodles may soften after thawing. It’s best enjoyed fresh or within a few days.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Very! The sweetness from the brown sugar balances the soy sauce, making it appealing to picky eaters. If your kids are sensitive to strong flavors, you can slightly reduce the soy sauce.

Bringing It All Together

There’s something incredibly comforting about a meal that comes together quickly, fills the kitchen with mouthwatering aromas, and doesn’t leave you buried in dishes.

This Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe checks every box. It’s quick. It’s satisfying. It’s flexible enough for busy weeknights but flavorful enough to serve guests.

So grab your biggest pot, toss in those noodles, and let dinner practically cook itself. Once you try this Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe, don’t be surprised if it earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation.

Now tie on that apron, take a deep breath, and let’s turn everyday ingredients into something delicious. Happy cooking!

More Easy Dinners You’ll Love

If this Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe made your weeknight feel a little easier, here are a few more cozy, flavor-packed meals to add to your rotation:

Great dinners don’t have to be complicated — sometimes all it takes is one pot and a handful of pantry staples. Happy cooking!

Print
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Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe plated with cabbage, carrots, sesame seeds, and green onions

Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe


  • Author: Omar
  • Total Time: 28 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Description

This Easy One-Pot Teriyaki Noodles Recipe is a quick 28-minute vegetarian dinner made with tender spaghetti, cabbage, carrots, and a sweet-savory homemade teriyaki sauce—all cooked in one pot for easy cleanup.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

  • 16 oz spaghetti (1 pound)

  • 3 ½ cups water

  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds

  • Optional: sliced green onions for garnish


Instructions

  1. Heat a large pot over medium-high heat. Add olive oil.

  2. Add shredded cabbage and carrots. Sauté for about 5 minutes until slightly tender.

  3. Stir in soy sauce, brown sugar, ground mustard, ginger, and garlic powder. Mix well.

  4. Add spaghetti to the pot (break in half if desired). Pour in 3 ½ cups of water.

  5. Cook uncovered for 15–18 minutes. Once noodles soften, stir every few minutes to prevent sticking.

  6. If liquid reduces before noodles are tender, add ½ cup water and continue cooking.

  7. Remove from heat once noodles are cooked and sauce has thickened.

  8. Stir in sesame seeds. Serve immediately and garnish with green onions if desired.

Notes

Different pasta brands absorb water differently. Add extra water if needed.

Napa cabbage can be substituted for green cabbage.

To reheat leftovers, sprinkle a little water over noodles before microwaving to prevent drying out.

Add tofu, edamame, or chicken for extra protein.

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 23 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: One-Pot / Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian-Inspired

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 220
  • Sugar: 18g
  • Sodium: 1590mg
  • Fat: 2g
  • Saturated Fat: 0g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 2g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 44g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 7g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg