Something bold, saucy, and easy to throw together after a long day is a dream mealtime scenario to satisfy any Japanese food cravings. Teriyaki noodles form a solid basis for any dish. The noodles’ sizzle in the hot pan and the glossy teriyaki sauce coating are pure magic.
With noodles as your starting point, you can get creative. No matter your pick, this foolproof recipe, insight into protein pairings, and suggested components are bound to help you craft a dish that shines with teriyaki noodles at the center.
What Are Teriyaki Noodles?
Teriyaki noodles are a Japanese-inspired dish that combines stir-fried noodles with a flavorful, sweet-savory teriyaki sauce.
You have wiggle room when it comes to the type of noodles. The true trick is ensuring the teriyaki sauce is equally sweet and salty.
Easy Teriyaki Noodles Recipe
To get your dream teriyaki bowl started, here’s a simple noodles recipe you can follow.
What you need:
- 8 oz noodles (whatever’s in your pantry)
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 2 garlic cloves, chopped up
- 1 tbsp cooking oil
How to make it:
- Cook your noodles per the packaging’s instructions
- Mix soy sauce, brown sugar, vinegar, and sesame oil in a bowl
- Get a big pan hot with some oil
- Toss in the garlic and cook for around 30 seconds
- Add your drained noodles and your teriyaki sauce mix
- Keep stirring until everything’s coated and the sauce gets thick
Tip: Don’t cook your noodles excessively separately since they’ll continue cooking once in the hot pan. Keep this in mind so the noodles match your consistency preference.
Choosing the Best Noodles for Your Teriyaki Dish
While the noodles are up to availability and preference, some noodles work better in teriyaki dishes:
- Udon: Thick, chewy, perfect for soaking up sauce (great with chicken)
- Ramen: Cooks fast, tastes good with pretty much anything in a teriyaki stir fry
- Soba: Has a nutty flavor that’s amazing with beef
- Rice noodles: Light and won’t overpower delicate proteins like shrimp teriyaki
- Glass noodles: Though not traditionally Japanese, they offer a neutral texture that lets the sauce shine
Can Teriyaki Noodles Be Vegan or Gluten-Free?
Some rice noodles or a specifically gluten-free pasta can work. Be sure to use tamari instead of regular soy sauce to keep it gluten-free.
Homemade teriyaki sauce is usually plant-based, but check labels on store-bought versions if you’re vegan. Stick with rice noodles, ramen, or regular pasta to keep it vegan.
Proteins to Pair With Teriyaki Noodles
Teriyaki noodles go well with basically any protein. Teriyaki and lean meats are a common combination, but the options are virtually limitless, based on your preferences.
Chicken Teriyaki Stir Fry
Chicken for teriyaki chicken noodles is a classic meal. It soaks up teriyaki and cooks quickly when cut into small pieces. Udon or ramen noodles complement the chicken’s heartier vibe.
Teriyaki Beef or Steak
Beef balances out the teriyaki sauce’s sweetness. Slice it thinly so it stays tender. Soba noodles work great with beef because their earthy taste suits the rich meat without competing with its flavor.
Shrimp Teriyaki
Shrimp cooks quickly and adds a sweet, fish taste that’s perfect for seafood fans. Get medium or large ones so they don’t get overpowered. Rice noodles or thin ramen work perfectly because they’re delicate enough to match the shrimp’s tender texture.
Teriyaki Tofu
Press your tofu first, cube it, and get it golden in the pan. It’ll soak up all the teriyaki sauce, mimicking its flavor. Any noodle works, but udon gives you a satisfying chew. The firm texture holds up well when you toss everything together.
Teriyaki Meatballs
Frozen meatballs from the store work great, and so do homemade ones. They both make this dish more filling. Use thicker noodles like udon so they don’t fall apart when you mix everything.
Add Heat: How to Make ‘Em Spicy
To give your noodles an extra kick, try these:
- Sriracha: Start with a teaspoon, and work your way up
- Chili garlic sauce: More complex than plain hot sauce
- Red pepper flakes: Just sprinkle on top
- Fresh jalapeños: Slice them thinly, and add them at the end
- Chili peppers: Small but spicy (use sparingly)
Vegetables That Belong in a Teriyaki Stir Fry
While there are endless vegetable opportunities to pick from, these stand out:
- Broccoli: Those little florets grab onto sauce like crazy
- Carrots: Sweet enough to match the teriyaki vibe
- Snap peas: Give you that crunch factor
- Mushrooms: Meaty texture that fills you up
- Bell peppers: Colorful and slightly sweet
Tip: Throw the harder veggies in first, then add the softer ones. Everything should finish cooking together.
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Three days maximum in a container with a tight lid
- Freezer: Up to two months, though some noodles may become soft or break apart upon reheating
- Reheating: Microwave with a splash of water or use a pan on medium heat is better. Add more sauce if it looks dry.
Ready to Build Your Teriyaki Bowl?
Teriyaki noodles aren’t complicated, and that’s exactly why they work. You can switch up the protein, change the vegetables, make it spicy, or keep it mild. The fun lies in trying different combinations until you find your favorite.
Some nights you may want chicken and broccoli, other nights maybe it’s tofu and snap peas. Your takeout or at-home teriyaki bowl is a creative mealtime option, ready to satisfy different cravings.
