Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are a quick and delicious meal that you can whip up in no time. Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something hearty and comforting, this recipe is versatile and can be customized with your favorite vegetables and proteins. It’s a tasty way to elevate instant noodles into something special!
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
Mix all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Adjust the measurements based on your preferred taste for sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spice. Set the sauce aside. Remember, if you’re adding more veggies or noodles, you can double the sauce.
Boil water in a small pot over high heat. Once it boils, add the ramen noodles or other noodles of your choice. Cook the noodles for about 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions to keep them chewy.
Drain the noodles and set them aside. You can run them under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
While the noodles cook, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sauté your veggies, mushrooms, or tofu for a few minutes until cooked to your liking.
Give the sauce a final mix to ensure no starch is stuck at the bottom, then pour it into the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it begins to thicken. Stir the sauce to prevent sticking.
When the sauce thickens, add the noodles to the pan. Mix well to coat the noodles in the sauce.
Cook the noodles over medium-high heat until they absorb some of the sauce and it becomes thicker, about 3 minutes.
Taste the noodles and adjust with more soy sauce, sweetener, or pepper if needed.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions before serving. Enjoy hot!
How to Serve Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Serve the Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles immediately after cooking. They can be enjoyed as a main dish or paired with a side salad for a complete meal. The toppings of sesame seeds and scallions add a nice touch and extra flavor.
How to Store Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The noodles may absorb more sauce, so you might want to add a splash of water or soy sauce when reheating to restore some moisture.
Tips to Make Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
- Feel free to adjust the ingredients according to your taste preferences.
- Try adding cooked proteins like chicken or shrimp for more substance.
- Use different vegetables for variety, such as spinach, bell peppers, or carrots.
Variation
You can make this recipe vegetarian or vegan by using plant-based proteins and ensuring all sauces and ingredients are animal-product free. Additionally, try different sauces like teriyaki or peanut sauce to change up the flavor.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh noodles instead of instant noodles?
Yes, you can use fresh noodles. Just be aware that cooking times may vary.
2. Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
3. How spicy is this recipe?
The spice level can be adjusted. If you like it mild, reduce or omit the chili garlic sauce. For more heat, add more!
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Cook the ramen noodles according to the package directions, then drain thoroughly and set them aside.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, chili garlic sauce (if using), water, and cornstarch until the mixture is smooth.
- Heat a large pan or skillet over medium heat, then pour in the prepared sauce mixture and cook, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Add the cooked ramen noodles to the pan with the thickened sauce and toss them gently until every noodle is evenly coated. Serve your saucy ramen noodles immediately.