Quick & Easy Homemade Teriyaki Noodles: Your Go-To 20-Minute Weeknight Meal
Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s both quick and incredibly delicious? Look no further than this delightful teriyaki noodles recipe! Featuring perfectly cooked noodles enveloped in a vibrant, sweet, and tangy homemade teriyaki sauce, this dish is a flavor explosion that comes together in roughly 20 minutes. It’s an ideal solution for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. Get ready to ditch the takeout menu and dive into a bowl of pure homemade goodness.
Why This Easy Teriyaki Noodle Recipe is a Winner
This recipe truly stands out for several reasons, making it an absolute staple for anyone who loves Asian-inspired cuisine. It skillfully combines tender lo mein noodles with a richly flavored, homemade teriyaki sauce that brings a depth of flavor far superior to anything store-bought. The beauty of this dish lies in its sheer simplicity and speed. You’re not just getting a meal; you’re getting a culinary experience without the fuss.
From start to finish, you’re looking at about 20 minutes of active cooking, which is often faster than ordering delivery. The process is incredibly straightforward: whisk together the sauce ingredients, cook your noodles, combine them in a wok or large skillet, and then thicken the sauce to a perfect glossy consistency with a simple cornstarch slurry. Before you know it, you’ll be enjoying a bowl of perfectly coated, savory-sweet noodles. This isn’t just a side dish; it can easily be transformed into a main course with your choice of protein or vegetables, proving its versatility time and again.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Teriyaki Noodles
Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. This recipe calls for a handful of common items that, when combined, create an extraordinary flavor profile. You’ll find all precise measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions in the printable recipe card located further down this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
Let’s dive a little deeper into the components that make these teriyaki noodles so irresistible, and explore how you can customize them to your liking or what you have on hand.
- NOODLES: While we highly recommend using classic lo mein noodles for their ideal texture and ability to absorb the sauce beautifully, this recipe is incredibly flexible. You can effortlessly substitute with ramen noodles for a slightly thinner texture, or chow mein noodles. For those looking for different options, spaghetti or linguine can also work in a pinch, giving it a more fusion-style twist. If you need a gluten-free alternative, consider rice noodles or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb version. The key is to cook them according to package instructions until al dente, ensuring they can stand up to the rich sauce without becoming mushy.
- HOMEMADE TERIYAKI SAUCE: The heart of this dish is its incredible homemade teriyaki sauce. We used a generous 1/2 cup of our signature Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, which we often prepare in larger batches and store in the refrigerator for convenience. This allows us to quickly whip up dishes like these noodles whenever the craving strikes. Making your own sauce ensures fresh, balanced flavors without the excessive sodium or preservatives often found in store-bought varieties. The recipe card below provides specific measurements for this batch, but if you have a favorite store-bought teriyaki sauce you trust, you can certainly use it—just be sure to adjust for sweetness and saltiness as needed. Our homemade version typically includes low-sodium soy sauce, sesame oil, oyster sauce (for umami depth), honey for natural sweetness, rice vinegar for tang, and fresh ginger and garlic for aromatic punch, all balanced with a touch of brown sugar.
Mastering Homemade Teriyaki Noodles: Step-by-Step
These step-by-step photos and instructions are designed to visually guide you through the process of making this incredibly satisfying recipe. For a convenient printable version, complete with all measurements and instructions, simply jump to the recipe card at the bottom of this page.
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, combine all the ingredients for your teriyaki sauce. Whisk them vigorously or, for an exceptionally smooth sauce, use an immersion blender until everything is perfectly combined. Set this vibrant, aromatic sauce aside. This step can be done ahead of time, making meal prep even faster!
EXPERT TIP: If you keep a batch of our homemade teriyaki sauce in your fridge, simply measure out 1/2 cup for this recipe. It’s a fantastic time-saver for last-minute meals.
- Cook the Noodles: Bring a pot of water to a boil and cook your chosen lo mein noodles (or alternative) according to the package directions. It’s crucial not to overcook them; you want them perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain them thoroughly and transfer the hot noodles directly into a large wok or a spacious skillet.
- Combine & Heat: Pour your prepared teriyaki sauce over the noodles in the wok. Toss everything together gently but thoroughly, ensuring every strand of noodle is coated in the delicious sauce. Cook this mixture over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes, allowing the noodles to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a smooth slurry. Pour this cornstarch mixture into the wok with the noodles. Stir continuously to prevent lumps from forming.
- Simmer to Perfection: Reduce the heat to low and allow the noodles and sauce to gently simmer. The sauce will gradually thicken to a glossy, desirable consistency. Once it reaches your preferred thickness, turn off the heat.
- Garnish & Serve: For a final flourish and a burst of fresh flavor, serve your delicious teriyaki noodles sprinkled generously with toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions. Enjoy immediately!
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Teriyaki Noodles
Here are some common questions and invaluable tips to help you make the best teriyaki noodles every time.
Storing your leftover teriyaki noodles correctly will ensure they stay delicious for future enjoyment. Place any cooled leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. When reheating, a wok or skillet with a splash of olive oil works best to prevent sticking and bring them back to life. You can also microwave them, but the skillet method helps restore their texture.
Absolutely! Adding vegetables is a fantastic way to boost the nutritional value and add extra texture and color to your teriyaki noodles. Common choices include shredded cabbage, julienned carrots, sliced shiitake mushrooms, crisp broccoli florets, tender bok choy, or sweet snap peas. Simply steam or stir-fry your chosen vegetables until they are tender-crisp, then toss them directly with the noodles and teriyaki sauce during the final steps of cooking. This ensures they retain their bite and don’t become soggy.
Yes, making these teriyaki noodles gluten-free is very easy. The main change you’ll need to make is substituting traditional soy sauce with tamari, which is a gluten-free alternative. Also, ensure your chosen noodles are gluten-free, such as rice noodles or a gluten-free pasta alternative. Always check the labels of your oyster sauce and other sauce ingredients to confirm they are also gluten-free, as some brands may contain hidden gluten.
Absolutely! Preparing the teriyaki sauce in advance is a brilliant time-saving strategy. You can mix all the sauce ingredients and store them in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to a week. This means when it’s time to make your noodles, half the work is already done, allowing you to get dinner on the table even faster.
A large wok is ideal for stir-frying noodles because its sloped sides allow for easy tossing and even cooking. If you don’t have a wok, a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or a Dutch oven will also work effectively. The key is to use a pan that provides enough surface area for the noodles to spread out and interact with the sauce without overcrowding.
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Teriyaki Noodles
While these teriyaki noodles are undeniably fantastic on their own, especially when garnished with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and vibrant sliced green onions, they truly shine as part of a larger meal. Their sweet and savory profile makes them an excellent companion to a wide array of proteins and vegetables.
For a complete and balanced dinner, pair them with our succulent beef teriyaki or a perfectly seared teriyaki salmon. A side of crisp steamed broccoli or a colorful stir-fry featuring bell peppers, snow peas, and carrots would complement the noodles beautifully, adding both texture and nutrition. You could even toss in some pan-fried tofu or shrimp for a quick and satisfying vegetarian or seafood option. Don’t hesitate to get creative and customize your meal to suit your preferences. Enjoy every delicious bite!
Explore More Teriyaki Delights
If you’ve fallen in love with the rich flavors of this teriyaki noodle recipe, you’ll be thrilled to discover more of our teriyaki-inspired dishes. The versatility of teriyaki sauce means it pairs wonderfully with various proteins, creating quick and flavorful meals every time.
- Hearty Beef Teriyaki
- Flaky Teriyaki Salmon
- Classic Teriyaki Chicken
- Convenient Teriyaki Chicken and Rice
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Teriyaki Noodles
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 6 ounces lo mein noodles
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Teriyaki Sauce
- ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon sesame oil
- 2 Tablespoons oyster sauce
- 1 Tablespoon honey
- ¾ Tablespoon rice vinegar
- ¾ teaspoon chopped ginger
- ½ Tablespoon minced garlic
- ¾ teaspoon brown sugar
Optional Garnish
- sesame seeds
- sliced green onions
Things You’ll Need
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Wok
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immersion blender
Before You Begin
- We used 1/2 cup of our Homemade Teriyaki Sauce which we make in larger batches and keep in the refrigerator. You can do the same and have extra on hand, or we have provided you with the measurements above for the appropriate amount of sauce for this recipe.
- I recommend lo mein noodles, but you can also use ramen or chow mein noodles instead.
- Store any leftovers in an air-tight container kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a wok or skillet with a splash of olive oil.
Instructions
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Combine all sauce ingredients in an immersion blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.
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Cook Lo Mein noodles according to package instructions. Drain and add cooked noodles to a wok.
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Add sauce to the noodles in the wok. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5 minutes to heat through.
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Mix cornstarch with water to make a slurry. Add cornstarch mixture to the wok.
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Turn heat down to low and simmer to thicken. When sauce thickens, turn off heat.
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Serve sprinkled with sesame seeds and sliced green onions.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.