Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are a delicious meal that anyone can make. They are quick and simple, making them perfect for busy days. This dish is filled with flavor and can be made in just a short time. With easy ingredients and steps, you can enjoy a warm bowl of noodles any time you want.
WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE
There are many reasons to love Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles. First, they are very tasty and full of flavor. The sauce is rich and can be adjusted to fit your taste. You can make it sweeter, saltier, or spicier with just a few changes. Second, they are quick to prepare. You can have a hot meal in under 30 minutes. This is great if you are in a hurry. Third, you can customize the noodles with your favorite veggies and proteins, making this a versatile dish.
Finally, it’s a fun recipe to make! Mixing the sauce and cooking the noodles is a simple task that anyone can do. Plus, you can enjoy it with family or friends. Eating together makes the meal even better.
HOW TO MAKE Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Making Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles is easy. Here is a simple guide to help you create this dish step by step.
EQUIPMENT NEEDED
- A small pot to boil water
- A pan for cooking the noodles and sauce
- A strainer to drain the noodles
- A mixing bowl for the sauce
- A spatula or wooden spoon to mix the noodles and sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 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)
STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
- Make the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients. Mix well until everything is combined. You can adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spice according to your taste. Once done, set the sauce aside.
- Cook the Noodles: In a small pot, boil water over high heat. Add the ramen noodles to the pot once the water is boiling. Cook the noodles until they have a chewy texture. This usually means cooking them for about 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. This keeps them from overcooking in the sauce later. After cooking, drain the noodles and set them aside. You can rinse them with cold water to cool them off and remove extra starch.
- Sauté the Veggies and Tofu: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Once the oil is warm, add the veggies, mushrooms, or tofu. Cook for a few minutes until everything is tender.
- Add the Sauce: Give the sauce a good stir to make sure there are no lumps from the corn starch. Pour the sauce into the pan with the cooked veggies and tofu. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes. Keep stirring it to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Combine Noodles and Sauce: When the sauce has thickened slightly, add the drained noodles to the pan. Mix the noodles in with the sauce until well coated. Cook everything together on medium-high heat for about 3 more minutes. This allows the noodles to soak up some of the sauce.
- Taste and Adjust Seasoning: Take a taste of the noodles and see if they need more soy sauce, sweetener, or pepper. Adjust the flavors to your liking.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve the Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles hot. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
HOW TO SERVE Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles can be served as a main dish. You can place them in bowls and top them with the sesame seeds and scallions. These toppings give a nice crunch and extra flavor. You can also pair them with a side dish like a simple salad or some spring rolls for a complete meal.
STORAGE & FREEZING: Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will last for about 2–3 days. When you’re ready to eat them, reheat them in a pan on the stove or in the microwave.
If you want to freeze the noodles, it’s best to freeze them without the sauce. Store the noodles and sauce in separate containers. They can be frozen for up to a month. When you want to eat them, thaw them in the refrigerator overnight, reheat, and mix them together.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS
For serving, consider these ideas:
- Add extra protein, like cooked chicken or shrimp, to make it heartier.
- Serve with a side of pickled vegetables for a tangy flavor.
- Offer chili flakes or extra chili garlic sauce on the table for those who like it spicy.
- Pair it with a light soup or miso soup for a complete meal.
VARIATIONS
You can change up your Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles in many ways to keep things exciting:
- Different Noodles: Instead of instant ramen, try rice noodles, soba noodles, or udon noodles.
- Add More Protein: Include chicken, shrimp, or beef for an extra protein boost.
- Vegetable Options: Switch up the veggies with broccoli, bell peppers, or snap peas.
- Sauce Variations: Make a peanut sauce or teriyaki sauce instead of the basic sauce for a different flavor.
FAQs
- Can I make this recipe vegan?
Yes, this recipe is already vegan. The tofu and choice of vegetables make it plant-based. - How spicy is this dish?
The spice level can be adjusted with the amount of chili garlic sauce. You can add more or less based on your preference. - What can I use instead of tofu?
You can use tempeh, seitan, or even skip the protein and load up on more vegetables. - Can I use store-bought sauce?
Yes, you can use a store-bought stir-fry or noodle sauce instead of making your own for quick preparation.
MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
To save time, you can prepare some parts of this dish ahead:
- Make the Sauce Early: Prepare your sauce a day before and store it in the fridge. This will save time when you’re ready to cook.
- Chop Veggies Ahead: Wash and slice your vegetables in advance so you can quickly throw them into the pan when it’s time to cook.
- Cook Noodles in Advance: You can cook the noodles a few hours before eating. Just make sure to rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent them from getting mushy.
By using these tips, you can enjoy Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles with minimal effort on the day you plan to serve them. Enjoy making and eating this dish!
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients. Mix well until everything is combined. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and spice according to your taste. Set the sauce aside.
- In a small pot, boil water over high heat. Add the ramen noodles to the pot once the water is boiling. Cook the noodles until they have a chewy texture, typically about 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Rinse with cold water to cool them off.
- Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Add the veggies, mushrooms, or tofu. Cook for a few minutes until everything is tender.
- Give the sauce a stir to ensure there are no lumps from the corn starch. Pour the sauce into the pan with the cooked veggies and tofu. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring to prevent sticking.
- Add the drained noodles to the pan. Mix until well-coated and cook together on medium-high heat for about 3 more minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.