Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles Recipe

Introduction

Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles make a quick and satisfying meal that’s full of flavor. With a rich, savory sauce and your choice of protein or veggies, this recipe is perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

• 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes (about 140 g total)
• 10 oz extra firm tofu or your choice of veggies/mushrooms
• 1 cup water or vegetable broth
• 5-7 tbsp soy sauce
• 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce (optional)
• 2-3 tbsp corn starch
• 2-3 tbsp sugar (or maple syrup)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic (optional)
• Toppings: Chopped scallions, sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, combine all the sauce ingredients: water or broth, soy sauce, dark soy sauce (if using), corn starch, sugar or maple syrup, rice vinegar, ground pepper, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic. Stir well and set aside.
2. Step 2: Bring a small pot of water to a boil. Cook the ramen noodles for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions indicate. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: Heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add your tofu or chosen veggies and sauté until cooked through and slightly browned.
4. Step 4: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the cooked protein or veggies. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Add the drained noodles to the pan. Toss well to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. Cook together for an additional 3 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Step 6: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Tips & Variations

• Try swapping tofu for cooked chicken, shrimp, or a mix of mushrooms for extra texture.
• For a spicier kick, add more chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes.
• If you prefer a thicker sauce, increase the corn starch slightly but mix it well to avoid lumps.
• Add fresh vegetables like bell peppers or snap peas during the sauté step for added crunch and nutrition.

Storage

Store leftover ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to keep the noodles’ texture intact.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh noodles instead of instant ramen?

Yes, fresh noodles work well. Adjust the cooking time accordingly, usually 1-2 minutes less in boiling water, so they don’t become mushy when combined with the sauce.

What can I use instead of corn starch to thicken the sauce?

You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a suitable substitute. Use the same amount as corn starch for similar thickening results.

Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles Recipe

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4.5 from 86 reviews

A quick and flavorful recipe for Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles featuring tender noodles coated in a savory, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce with sautéed tofu and vegetables. Perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner, this dish combines simple ingredients with an irresistible sauce and fresh toppings.

• Author: reem
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Asian
• Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

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Noodles and Protein

• 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes (about 140 g total)
• 10 oz extra firm tofu or your choice of veggies/mushrooms

Sauce

• 1 cup water or vegetable broth
• 5–7 tbsp soy sauce
• 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce (optional)
• 2–3 tbsp corn starch
• 2–3 tbsp sugar (or maple syrup)
• 2 tbsp rice vinegar
• 1/4 tsp ground pepper
• 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
• 1 tbsp sesame oil
• 2 cloves minced garlic (optional)

Toppings

• Chopped scallions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine water or vegetable broth, soy sauce, dark soy sauce if using, corn starch, sugar or maple syrup, rice vinegar, ground pepper, chili garlic sauce, sesame oil, and minced garlic if desired. Stir well and set the sauce aside to let the flavors meld.
2. Cook the Noodles: Boil water in a small pot and cook the ramen noodles for about 2-3 minutes less than package instructions to keep them slightly firm. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
3. Sauté Protein and Vegetables: In a pan over medium-high heat, sauté the tofu and/or chosen vegetables and mushrooms until they are cooked through and nicely tender, usually about 5-7 minutes.
4. Add Sauce and Simmer: Pour the prepared sauce into the pan with the cooked protein and veggies. Simmer the mixture for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken and coat everything evenly.
5. Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the drained noodles to the pan, toss thoroughly to coat the noodles with the sauce, and cook for an additional 3 minutes. This step ensures the noodles absorb the sauce flavors.
6. Season and Garnish: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning as needed with extra soy sauce or chili sauce. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds before serving to add crunch and freshness.

Notes

• Use extra firm tofu for best texture if using tofu as protein.
• Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce based on your desired spice level.
• Dark soy sauce adds deeper color and flavor but is optional.
• For a vegetarian version, use vegetable broth or water and skip any non-vegetarian toppings.
• You can swap sugar with maple syrup for a natural sweetener alternative.

Keywords: ramen noodles, easy dinner, tofu recipe, saucy noodles, vegetarian Asian dish, quick noodle recipe