Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles – Quick, Flavor-Packed Comfort Food in 15 Minutes

Why make this recipe

Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles is a quick and delicious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. It combines chewy noodles with a tasty sauce and your choice of veggies or tofu, making it a satisfying dish. Whether you are a student, a busy parent, or just looking for something tasty, this recipe has you covered. It’s simple, customizable, and oh-so-delicious!

How to make Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles

Ingredients:

  • 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes (or other noodles of choice, around 140 g total)
  • 10 oz extra firm tofu
  • Veggies or mushrooms of choice (sliced)
  • 1 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 5-7 tbsp soy sauce (adjust according to desired taste)
  • 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce (optional for color)
  • 2-3 tbsp corn starch (see notes)
  • 1-3 tbsp sugar (maple syrup or other liquid sweetener, adjust according to desired sweetness)
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar (white vinegar or lemon juice, adjust according to desired sourness)
  • 1/4 tsp ground pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)
  • Chopped scallions (for topping)
  • Sesame seeds (for topping)

Directions:

  1. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined. You can adjust the measurements to fit your taste for sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spiciness. Set the sauce aside.
  2. Boil water in a small pot over high heat. When the water is boiling, add in your ramen or noodle of choice.
  3. Cook the noodles for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions so they remain chewy. Drain the noodles and set them aside. If desired, rinse them with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
  4. While the noodles cook, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sauté your choice of veggies, mushrooms, or tofu for a few minutes until cooked to your liking.
  5. Give the sauce a quick mix to ensure everything is incorporated. Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
  6. When the sauce begins to thicken, add in the noodles. Stir well to coat the noodles in the sauce.
  7. Cook for about 3 more minutes over medium-high heat until the noodles have absorbed some sauce and the sauce is thick. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

How to serve Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles

Serve the Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles hot in bowls. You can add extra toppings like chopped scallions, sesame seeds, or even a sprinkle of chili flakes for an added kick. Pair it with a side salad or enjoy it on its own!

How to store Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The noodles can absorb the sauce, so they might become a bit dry after storage. When reheating, you can add a splash of water or broth to keep them saucy.

Tips to make Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles

  • Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have at home. Broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach all work well.
  • If you like it spicier, add more chili garlic sauce or some red pepper flakes.
  • For creaminess, you can stir in some coconut milk at the end.

Variation

You can make this dish vegan by using only vegetables, or add proteins like chicken or shrimp if desired. Swap out the saucy ingredients for your favorite flavors to create a new taste experience.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles?
Yes! You can use any noodle you prefer, such as udon, soba, or rice noodles.

2. Is this recipe gluten-free?
For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free noodles and soy sauce, or a gluten-free tamari sauce.

3. How spicy is this recipe?
The spiciness can be adjusted by the amount of chili garlic sauce you use. Start with a little and add more to your taste.

4. How long can I store my leftovers?
You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat them on the stove or in the microwave, adding some water to keep them moist.

Bowl of easy saucy ramen noodles with fresh vegetables and a drizzle of sauce

Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles

A quick and delicious meal featuring chewy noodles and a customizable sauce, perfect for busy weeknights.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Noodles and Tofu
  • 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes (or other noodles of choice, around 140 g total)
  • 10 oz extra firm tofu
Sauce and Seasonings
  • 1 cup water or vegetable broth
  • 5-7 tbsp soy sauce adjust according to desired taste
  • 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce optional for color
  • 2-3 tbsp corn starch see notes
  • 1-3 tbsp sugar (maple syrup or other liquid sweetener) adjust according to desired sweetness
  • 2 tbsp rice vinegar white vinegar or lemon juice, adjust according to desired sourness
  • 1/4 tsp ground pepper
  • 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)
Toppings
  • Chopped scallions for topping
  • Sesame seeds for topping

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Mix all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined. Adjust the measurements to fit your taste.
  2. Boil water in a small pot over high heat and add in your ramen or noodle of choice.
  3. Cook the noodles for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions so they remain chewy. Drain and set aside.
  4. If desired, rinse the noodles with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
Cooking
  1. While the noodles cook, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sauté your choice of veggies, mushrooms, or tofu until cooked to your liking.
  2. Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring often to prevent sticking.
  3. When the sauce begins to thicken, add in the noodles and stir well to coat.
  4. Cook for about 3 more minutes over medium-high heat until the noodles have absorbed some sauce and the sauce is thick. Adjust seasoning if needed.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 450kcalCarbohydrates: 50gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 700mgFiber: 5gSugar: 6g

Notes

Feel free to customize the veggies based on what you have at home. If you like it spicier, add more chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes. For creaminess, stir in some coconut milk at the end. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Add a splash of water or broth when reheating to keep them saucy.

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