This vegetarian teriyaki noodle recipe is a quick and flavorful dish that combines noodles with fresh vegetables and a homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal and can be customized to your taste.
Ingredients
For the Noodles and Vegetables:
- 8 oz ramen noodles (or any preferred noodle)
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 small onion, thinly sliced
- 1 bell pepper (any color), thinly sliced
- 1 medium carrot, julienned
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup snap peas or green beans
For the Teriyaki Sauce:
- ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or maple syrup)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch mixed with 2 tbsp water (for thickening)
Instructions
Prepare the Teriyaki Sauce:
- In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry. Once the sauce is simmering, whisk in the slurry and cook for an additional minute until thickened. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Noodles:
- Cook the ramen noodles according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Sauté the Vegetables:
- In a large skillet or wok, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the onion and bell pepper; sauté for about 2 minutes.
- Add the carrot, broccoli, zucchini, and snap peas or green beans. Stir-fry until vegetables are tender-crisp, about 3–4 minutes.
Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked noodles to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the teriyaki sauce and toss everything together until well coated.
Serve:
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds or chopped green onions if desired.
Customization Options
Feel free to add your favorite plant-based proteins like tofu or tempeh for added nutrition. You can also mix in different vegetables based on what you have on hand to create your perfect vegetarian teriyaki noodle dish!
Here are some tips and information regarding homemade teriyaki sauce, including variations, storage, and usage:
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- Use Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality soy sauce or tamari for a gluten-free option. Fresh garlic and ginger enhance the flavor significantly.
- Balance Sweetness and Saltiness: Traditional teriyaki sauce is sweet and salty. Adjust the sugar or sweetener to your taste, ensuring it complements the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Thicken Properly: Use cornstarch mixed with water (slurry) to thicken your sauce. Add it gradually while stirring to avoid clumping.
- Experiment with Flavors: Consider adding sesame oil for richness, rice vinegar for tang, or even mirin for a touch of sweetness.
Making a Sugar-Free Version of Teriyaki Sauce
To create a sugar-free teriyaki sauce:
- Use Coconut Aminos: This is a great substitute for soy sauce that has a naturally sweeter flavor without added sugar.
- Sweeteners: Use sugar substitutes like monk fruit sweetener or stevia to achieve the desired sweetness without sugar.
- Simple Recipe: Combine coconut aminos, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and your chosen sweetener in a saucepan. Simmer until thickened.
Variations of Teriyaki Sauce from Different Regions of Japan
- Kanto Style: Often sweeter and thicker, using more sugar and sometimes mirin.
- Kansai Style: Typically lighter and saltier, with less emphasis on sweetness.
- Hokkaido Style: May include local ingredients like sake or miso for unique flavors.
Using Teriyaki Sauce for Marinating Vegetables
Yes, teriyaki sauce is excellent for marinating vegetables! It adds flavor and helps tenderize them. Simply toss your vegetables in the sauce and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
Storage of Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Homemade teriyaki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks. Ensure it’s cooled completely before transferring it to a container to maintain freshness.
These tips and insights will help you create delicious homemade teriyaki sauce tailored to your preferences!