Sesame Teriyaki Zoodle Stir-Fry Recipe

Light, satisfying, and bursting with vibrant flavor, this Zesty Teriyaki Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry is the kind of weeknight dinner that leaves you feeling energized and happy. Just a handful of fresh ingredients and an irresistibly savory-sweet sauce turn simple spiralized veggies into a colorful, crave-worthy meal—even the biggest noodle lovers will want seconds!

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best parts about Zesty Teriyaki Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry is its minimal ingredient list—each component shines in both taste and nutrition. From the crisp zucchini ribbons to the nutty burst of sesame seeds, these simple ingredients work together beautifully to make every forkful special.

• Vegetable oil: Adds just enough richness to lightly sauté the veggies without weighing them down—feel free to use avocado oil or canola if you prefer.
• Yellow onions (spiralized): These turn sweet and soft as they cook, mingling perfectly with the zucchini noodles for irresistible flavor and texture.
• Zucchini (spiralized, patted dry): The star of the show! Spiralizing yields long, noodle-like strands that soak up all the delicious teriyaki goodness.
• Low sodium soy sauce: Provides a salty, umami-packed foundation for the sauce while keeping things lighter on sodium.
• Low sodium teriyaki sauce: Offers that signature tangy-sweet, sticky finish and big dose of bold, zesty flair.
• Sesame seeds: Add delicate crunch and a subtle nutty aroma that makes the stir-fry feel extra special right at the end.

Variations

This delicious stir-fry is made for tinkering—switch up veggies, sauces, or proteins to match your mood or dietary needs. Here are my favorite twists on the classic Zesty Teriyaki Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry to inspire your next kitchen adventure!

• Add Protein: Toss in cooked chicken, shrimp, tofu, or edamame for a heartier meal and a boost of satisfying protein.
• Extra Veggie Power: Stir in thinly sliced bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas to up the crunch, color, and vitamin content.
• Make It Gluten-Free: Swap your soy and teriyaki sauces for certified gluten-free versions so everyone can dig in worry-free.
• Spice It Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a quick drizzle of sriracha if you love a spicy stir-fry.

How to Make Zesty Teriyaki Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry

Step 1: Spiralize and Prep the Veggies

Start by spiralizing your zucchini and onions. Pat the zucchini dry with paper towels—this little trick helps the “noodles” stay pleasantly firm (not soggy!) once they hit the pan. Prepping ahead keeps the cooking process speedy and mess-free.

Step 2: Sauté the Onions

Heat your wok or largest skillet over medium heat, then add the vegetable oil. Once shimmering, toss in your spiralized onions. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring often, until they soften and become translucent with just a touch of golden color—this builds the flavor base for the whole stir-fry.

Step 3: Cook the Zucchini Noodles

Add your prepared zucchini noodles to the pan. Stir gently and let them cook for about 2 minutes. The goal is to warm them up and bring out their vibrant color while keeping them al dente—overcooking will make them mushy, so keep an eye (and a taste test) out!

Step 4: Add the Sauces and Sesame Seeds

Pour in the low sodium soy sauce and teriyaki sauce, then sprinkle in the sesame seeds. Gently toss everything together to coat the veggies evenly. Continue to cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the zucchini to soak up all the saucy, zesty flavor while staying beautifully tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Once everything is perfectly cooked and glossy, remove the pan from heat. Give the stir-fry a final toss, taste for seasoning (you can always add an extra dash of soy or teriyaki if you love things saucy), and serve right away—this dish is best enjoyed piping hot and ultra-fresh!

How to Serve Zesty Teriyaki Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry

Garnishes

Finish your Zesty Teriyaki Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry with a sprinkle of extra sesame seeds, a handful of sliced green onions, or a scattering of chopped fresh cilantro. A twist of lime or a dash of chili oil can add even more aroma and brightness right before serving.

Side Dishes

This stir-fry is lovely all on its own, but it also plays well with sides like steamed brown rice, a cold cucumber salad, or crispy tofu cubes. Try it alongside veggie spring rolls or mini lettuce cups for a light, summery feast!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your zucchini noodle stir-fry in wide bowls, twirled high with tongs for restaurant flair. For fun parties, divide into small cups or Asian takeout boxes with tiny forks or chopsticks. Or, build a DIY stir-fry bar—set out toppings and let everyone garnish their own bowl to taste!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let leftovers cool completely, then store your Zesty Teriyaki Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors mingle even more overnight, but the noodles may soften—still absolutely delicious for a speedy lunch or dinner next day!

Freezing

While you can technically freeze this stir-fry, zucchini noodles become very watery after thawing and lose their inviting texture. If you must freeze, do so in freezer-safe bags for up to one month, then reheat gently and expect a slightly softer result.

Reheating

For best results, reheat your stir-fry in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring until just warmed through. Microwaving works in a pinch but can make the zucchini extra tender. Add a splash of extra teriyaki sauce as needed to reawaken that signature zing.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something vibrant, healthy, and full of flavor, you’ll fall for this Zesty Teriyaki Zucchini Noodle Stir-Fry just as much as I have. Give it a whirl, add your own twist, and share it with the people you love—there’s truly no faster or tastier way to brighten up your dinner table!

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