Healthy Teriyaki Noodles
A quick and delicious noodle dish made with a simple homemade teriyaki sauce, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this vegan-friendly recipe is flavorful, healthy, and ready in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- 1 Knife set
- 1 cutting board
- 1 Measuring Cups Set
- 1 Measuring Spoons Set
- 1 Large pot (for noodles)
- 1 Skillet or wok (for veggies)
- 1 small mixing bowl
Ingredients
- 8 ounces linguine or other noodles of choice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons maple syrup agave, or brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 2 medium carrots cut into thin matchsticks
- ½ cup green beans or haricots verts, chopped
- ½ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- Optional: 1 cup cooked beans pinto or other variety for extra protein
Instructions
- Cook the Noodles to Perfection: Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and season generously with a pinch of salt. Add the linguine (or your preferred noodles) and cook according to the package directions until just al dente—tender but still slightly firm when bitten. This is important because the noodles will continue to absorb flavor and soften slightly once mixed with the sauce. When ready, drain the noodles well, reserving about ¼ cup of the cooking water in case you want to thin the sauce later. Return the noodles to the pot and lightly toss with a drizzle of oil to prevent sticking while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Prepare the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: While the noodles are cooking, make the sauce. In a small mixing bowl, combine the minced garlic, freshly grated ginger, soy sauce, sweetener of choice (maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar), and rice vinegar. Whisk thoroughly until the mixture is smooth and the sweet and savory flavors are well blended. Taste-test the sauce and adjust if needed—add more soy sauce for saltiness or an extra splash of sweetener if you like a richer glaze. Set the sauce aside to allow the flavors to meld together as you cook the vegetables.
- Chop and Prepare the Vegetables: Using a sharp knife and cutting board, peel and slice the carrots into thin matchsticks for quicker cooking and a nice crunch. Chop the green beans (or haricots verts) into bite-sized pieces. If you’re including beans for extra protein, have them rinsed, drained, and ready to go. Keeping everything prepped and organized before cooking ensures a smooth and stress-free stir-fry process.
- Cook the Vegetables for Balance: Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a very light drizzle of oil (or a splash of water if cooking oil-free). Add the carrots and green beans to the pan and sauté for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until they soften slightly but still maintain a bit of crunch. If using beans, stir them in at this stage so they can heat through and absorb flavor. Avoid overcooking, as the vegetables should retain their color and freshness.
- Combine Noodles, Veggies, and Sauce: Transfer the drained noodles into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in half of the prepared teriyaki sauce and gently toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated and glossy. Cooking with only half the sauce at first prevents the noodles from absorbing all the liquid too quickly. If you’re planning to serve the dish later, keep the remaining sauce aside and add it just before eating to refresh the flavors and prevent dryness.
- Heat Through and Balance Flavors: Continue cooking the noodles and veggies together for 1–2 minutes over medium heat. This brief cooking time helps soften the raw edge of the garlic in the sauce while allowing the flavors to fully infuse into the noodles. If the mixture seems too thick or sticky, splash in a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up without diluting the taste.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Once the noodles are hot and perfectly coated, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the chopped cilantro over the dish and gently toss again. The fresh herb adds a pop of color and brightness that balances the rich, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce. At this stage, you can also taste and make final adjustments, adding more sauce if desired for extra flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy Immediately: Transfer the noodles into individual serving bowls or a large platter for family-style dining. Garnish with additional cilantro, sesame seeds, or even a squeeze of lime juice for a refreshing twist. These teriyaki noodles are best enjoyed warm, but they also keep well for meal prep, making them an excellent choice for busy weekdays.
Notes
- Use a wok or wide skillet if possible—its sloped sides allow for even heating and quick tossing, which enhances the noodle texture and helps the sauce cling beautifully.
- Always cook noodles to al dente, since they’ll continue cooking when mixed with the hot vegetables and sauce.
- Taste your teriyaki sauce before using it—adjust the balance of sweet and salty flavors to match your preference.
- If you plan to make the dish ahead, reserve half the sauce and stir it in right before serving to prevent dryness.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions add brightness, but you can also sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for an extra nutty finish.
