Looking for a simple yet flavorful vegan dish? This saucy ramen noodles recipe is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal. With a rich, customizable sauce and your choice of tofu, veggies, or mushrooms, this dish is sure to become a favorite!
These Saucy Ramen Noodles: A Flavorful Vegan Delight
Ramen noodles have long been a staple in kitchens around the world, offering a quick, comforting meal. In recent years, vegan variations of this dish have gained popularity, and it’s easy to see why. They are not only incredibly versatile but also full of flavor, thanks to rich sauces and customizable toppings. This recipe for vegan saucy ramen noodles is a perfect example of a hearty and satisfying meal that’s easy to make, adaptable to different tastes, and nutritious to boot. With a few basic ingredients and simple cooking techniques, you can whip up a bowl of saucy ramen in no time. Here’s how to prepare it, step by step.
Preparing and Cooking the Noodles
One of the key elements of this recipe is the noodles themselves. While instant ramen noodles are the go-to choice for their convenience, there are other varieties you can use to suit your taste. You might choose soba noodles, udon, or even rice noodles. For this recipe, we’re using dry instant ramen noodle cakes, which weigh around 140 grams in total for two servings. This makes for a perfect base, with their tender texture complementing the rich sauce perfectly.
To begin, you’ll need to cook the noodles. Start by boiling a pot of water over high heat. Once the water is at a rolling boil, drop in the noodles. The trick here is to only partially cook them—this ensures that they won’t become too soft or mushy when added to the sauce later. Aim to cook the noodles for 2 to 3 minutes less than the package instructions suggest. This means they should still be chewy with a slight bite in the middle.
Once your noodles are half-cooked, drain them well. It’s also helpful to run the noodles under cold water. This not only stops them from cooking further but also helps to remove any excess starch. Set the noodles aside while you prepare the rest of the dish. At this point, you can already see how easy it is to get the base of the ramen ready.
Type of Noodles
When it comes to ramen noodles, the variety you choose can change the overall texture and taste of the dish. For this vegan recipe, instant ramen noodles work wonderfully because of their quick cooking time and slightly springy texture, which pairs well with a thick, flavorful sauce. However, you can experiment with other types of noodles depending on your preferences.
- Instant Ramen Noodles: These are the easiest option and readily available. They have a soft texture when cooked and absorb sauce well.
- Soba Noodles: Made from buckwheat, soba noodles have a firmer bite and a distinct earthy flavor that complements the umami-rich sauce.
- Udon Noodles: These thick, chewy noodles offer a heartier mouthfeel, making them a good option if you want a more substantial dish.
- Rice Noodles: These light and slightly transparent noodles are gluten-free and offer a delicate texture that works with lighter sauces.
Regardless of the type of noodle you choose, the main goal is to partially cook them so that they can finish cooking in the sauce without becoming mushy.
The Sauce and Other Ingredients
The sauce is truly the star of this dish, and it’s what turns the noodles into a rich, flavorful meal. The sauce is a balanced mix of sweet, savory, and tangy elements, with optional heat if you like your ramen spicy. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll need:
- Water or Vegetable Broth (1 cup): The base of the sauce. Using vegetable broth will give it a richer flavor, but water works just as well.
- Soy Sauce (5-7 tbsp): Adds that essential umami flavor. You can change the amount to suit your personal taste.
- Dark Soy Sauce (1.5 tsp): This is optional, but it adds a deeper color and a slightly more robust flavor to the sauce.
- Cornstarch (2-3 tbsp): This is what thickens the sauce, allowing it to cling to the noodles. You can adjust the amount of cornstarch depending on how thick you want the sauce to be.
- Sweetener (1-3 tbsp): You can use sugar, maple syrup, or any liquid sweetener you like. The sweetness helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and the tanginess of the vinegar.
- Vinegar (2 tbsp): Rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice adds a bit of sourness, enhancing the complexity of the flavors.
- Ground Pepper (1/4 tsp): Just a touch to add some depth to the flavor.
- Chili Garlic Sauce or Hot Sauce (1/2 tbsp): This is optional, but if you enjoy some heat in your food, this adds a great spicy kick.
- Sesame Oil (1 tbsp): Adds a nutty aroma and flavor that is characteristic of many Asian dishes.
- Minced Garlic (2 cloves, optional): For those who love garlic, adding it enhances the savoriness of the sauce.
Once you’ve gathered your sauce ingredients, mix them together until smooth. If you’re using cornstarch, make sure it dissolves fully so the sauce thickens properly. You can adjust the flavors at this point based on your personal preferences. Want it sweeter? Add more sweetener. Like it tangier? Increase the vinegar. Make it your own!
Cooking the Sauce and Noodles Together
Now comes the fun part—combining everything into one delicious dish. While your noodles are waiting, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Sauté your choice of vegetables, mushrooms, or tofu. The options here are endless: you could use firm tofu, which soaks up the sauce beautifully, or go for sliced mushrooms for an earthy, meaty flavor. Veggies like broccoli, bell peppers, or spinach also work well.
Once your veggies or tofu are cooked to your liking, it’s time to add the sauce. Before pouring it in, give the sauce another stir to make sure none of the cornstarch has settled at the bottom. Then, pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat. You’ll notice the sauce starting to thicken as the cornstarch does its job. Stir it continuously to stop it from sticking to the pan.
When the sauce has thickened slightly, add in the noodles and toss everything together. The noodles will absorb some of the sauce, and everything will start to look rich and glossy. Let the noodles cook in the sauce for about 3 minutes, so they become fully coated and the sauce thickens even more. Taste the noodles and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more soy sauce for saltiness or a bit more sweetener if you prefer.
To Finish
Once your saucy ramen noodles are ready, it’s time to garnish and serve. A sprinkling of chopped scallions and sesame seeds adds freshness and a slight crunch to the dish. Serve the noodles hot and enjoy immediately. This dish is incredibly satisfying, with chewy noodles, tender vegetables, and a thick, flavorful sauce that clings to every bite. Whether you’re making it for a quick lunch or a cozy dinner, this vegan ramen recipe is sure to impress.
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles (Vegan Recipe)
Ingredients
Noodles:
- 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes or your choice of noodles, approximately 140 g total
- For Sautéing:
- 10 oz extra firm tofu vegetables, or mushrooms (sliced)
Sauce:
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 5-7 tbsp soy sauce adjust to taste
- 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce optional for color
- 2-3 tbsp cornstarch for thickening; see notes
- 1-3 tbsp sugar maple syrup, or other sweetener (adjust for desired sweetness)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar white vinegar, or lemon juice (adjust for sourness)
- 1/4 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce or any hot sauce optional for heat
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced, optional
For Garnishing:
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until smooth and well combined. Adjust the flavors to suit your taste—more sweetness, saltiness, or heat as desired. Set aside the sauce. (Note: If you use hot sauce, the sauce may have a reddish tint.)
- Tip: If you’re adding extra vegetables or noodles, consider doubling the sauce to keep everything coated!
- Cook the Noodles: In a small pot, bring water to a boil. Add the ramen or other noodles of your choice. Cook until the noodles are half-done, still chewy, and have a bit of a bite—about 2-3 minutes less than the package suggests. Drain the water and set the noodles aside. You can also rinse the noodles with cold water to stop them from cooking further and remove excess starch.
- Sauté the Tofu or Vegetables: While the noodles are cooking, heat a pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sauté your choice of tofu, mushrooms, or vegetables until they’re cooked through to your liking.
- Thicken the Sauce: Give the sauce another stir to make sure the cornstarch is fully mixed. Pour it into the pan with the veggies or tofu, letting it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens. Stir it continuously to stop it from sticking to the pan.
- Combine the Noodles: Add the partially cooked noodles to the pan, tossing them in the sauce until they’re well coated. Cook the noodles in the sauce for another 3 minutes to let them soak up the liquid and make the sauce thicker.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the noodles and adjust the seasonings if needed—add a bit more soy sauce, sugar, or pepper to suit your preferences.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the noodles hot, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy!
Notes
- Sauce Adjustments: If you’re using a lot of vegetables or more noodles, double the sauce to ensure everything stays nice and saucy.
- Soy Sauce: When using vegetable broth, reduce the amount of soy sauce at first since some broths can be salty.
- Cornstarch: The cornstarch thickens the sauce, giving the noodles a lovely coat. Begin with 2 tablespoons and increase the amount if necessary. If you add extra cornstarch later, mix it with a bit of water before adding to the sauce for smooth thickening.
This vegan saucy ramen recipe is a quick, flavorful meal that showcases the versatility of ramen noodles. With its rich, umami-packed sauce, customizable ingredients, and simple preparation, it’s a dish that can easily be tailored to your preferences. Whether you like it spicy, sweet, or tangy, this recipe allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking, making it perfect for any occasion. The combination of chewy noodles, fresh veggies, and a thick sauce makes for a satisfying and comforting meal that’s ready in no time. Enjoy your saucy ramen hot, and don’t forget to top it with fresh scallions and sesame seeds for that extra burst of flavor and texture.
Happy cooking and bon appétit!
