Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Here’s a delicious and quick recipe for Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles that will elevate your weeknight dinners. This dish features a rich, thick sauce that pairs perfectly with any choice of vegetables, tofu, or mushrooms you have on hand. It’s not just a meal; it’s a versatile sauce that can be used in stir-fries as well! Perfect for busy evenings or cozy nights in, this recipe will satisfy your cravings in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick to Prepare: With just 25 minutes from start to finish, you can enjoy a homemade dinner without the fuss.
- Flavor Explosion: The sauce combines soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic for a taste that is both savory and slightly sweet.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies or proteins to make this dish truly your own.
- Healthy Ingredients: Packed with tofu and vegetables, this recipe is nutritious and filling.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make extra sauce and noodles ahead of time for quick lunches throughout the week.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into our recipe, gather these essential tools to ensure a smooth cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick pan
- Small pot
- Mixing bowl
- Strainer
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick pan: Prevents sticking and makes it easy to cook the noodles without burning.
- Strainer: Helps drain excess water from the noodles effectively.
- Mixing bowl: Ideal for combining all the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make these Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles:
Noodles
- 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes (or other noodles of choice (around 140 g total))
Protein & Veggies
- 10 oz extra firm tofu, veggies, or mushrooms of choice (sliced)
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup water (or vegetable broth (see notes))
- 5-7 tbsp soy sauce (adjust according to desired taste)
- 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce (optional for colour)
- 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)
How to Make Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Step 1: Prepare the Sauce
Mix all the sauce ingredients until well incorporated. Feel free to adjust the measurements based on your taste preferences. Set aside once mixed.
Step 2: Boil the Noodles
Boil some water in a small pot over high heat. Once boiling:
1. Add in the ramen or other noodles of choice.
2. Cook them until they are still very chewy—about 2-3 minutes less than package instructions.
Step 3: Drain and Cool the Noodles
Drain out the water or strain the noodles then set aside. Optionally:
– Run them through cold water to stop further cooking and remove excess starch.
Step 4: Sauté Your Protein and Veggies
While the noodles are cooking:
1. Heat a non-stick pan over medium-high heat with a bit of oil.
2. Sauté your chosen veggies, mushrooms, or tofu until cooked to your liking.
Step 5: Combine Sauce with Veggies
After sautéing:
1. Give the sauce another good mix.
2. Pour it into the pan with veggies and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until it starts thickening.
Step 6: Add in Noodles
Once the sauce has thickened slightly:
1. Add in the drained noodles.
2. Mix well so that the noodles are coated in the rich sauce.
Step 7: Final Cooking Phase
Cook everything together over medium-high heat:
– Stir constantly until the noodles absorb some of the sauce—around 3 minutes.
Step 8: Season and Serve
Taste your dish and adjust seasoning if necessary with more soy sauce or sweetener.
Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions as desired. Enjoy immediately while hot!
How to Serve Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Easy saucy ramen noodles are a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions to enhance your dining experience.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Add a variety of fresh vegetables like bok choy, spinach, or bell peppers for extra crunch and nutrition.
Topped with Protein
- Garnish your noodles with sliced grilled chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein boost.
Drizzled with Extra Sauce
- For those who love it saucy, drizzle some extra soy sauce or chili garlic sauce on top before serving.
With a Side of Pickles
- Serve alongside pickled cucumbers or radishes for a tangy contrast to the flavors of the ramen.
Sprinkled with Nuts or Seeds
- Top with crushed peanuts or sesame seeds for added texture and nutty flavor.
Served in a Bowl
- Present your ramen noodles in deep bowls to keep them warm longer and allow for easy slurping!
How to Perfect Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
To achieve the best results with your easy saucy ramen noodles, consider these helpful tips.
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Choose Quality Noodles: Select high-quality instant ramen noodles or fresh noodles for better texture and flavor.
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Adjust the Sauce: Taste the sauce before adding it to the pan; tweak sweetness, saltiness, and spice to suit your preferences.
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Don’t Overcook Noodles: Aim for al dente noodles that maintain their bite; they will absorb more flavor from the sauce later.
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Stir Constantly: When simmering the sauce, keep stirring to prevent it from sticking to the pan and ensure even thickness.
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Add Fresh Herbs: Enhance flavor by garnishing with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil just before serving.
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Serve Immediately: Enjoy your ramen hot off the stove for the best taste and texture—don’t let it sit too long!
Best Side Dishes for Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Pairing side dishes with your easy saucy ramen noodles can elevate your meal. Here are some great options to consider:
- Edamame: Steamed edamame sprinkled with sea salt makes a healthy and fun appetizer.
- Gyoza: Pan-fried dumplings filled with meat or vegetables offer a delicious complementary texture.
- Seaweed Salad: This refreshing salad adds a light touch and brings umami flavors to your meal.
- Miso Soup: A small bowl of miso soup warms up your palate and balances the meal.
- Spring Rolls: Crisp spring rolls filled with veggies provide a crunchy contrast.
- Cucumber Salad: A simple cucumber salad dressed in rice vinegar is cooling and enhances flavors.
- Kimchi: Spicy kimchi adds zing and probiotics to your meal.
- Fried Rice: A small side of fried rice provides heartiness without overshadowing the ramen’s flavors.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles, it’s easy to overlook a few details. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.
- Skipping the sauce mix: Not mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly can lead to uneven flavor. Take the time to whisk everything together until well blended.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cooking the noodles too long will make them mushy. Aim for a chewy texture by cooking them just under the package instructions.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient can affect the final taste. Always taste and adjust seasoning like soy sauce and sugar based on your preference.
- Not prepping ingredients ahead of time: Failing to slice veggies or tofu beforehand can slow you down. Prep everything in advance for a smoother cooking experience.
- Using low-quality noodles: Cheap instant ramen may not hold up well in the sauce. Opt for higher-quality noodles for a better dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
- Place cooled noodles in a freezer-safe container.
- They can be frozen for up to 2 months.
Reheating Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place noodles in a baking dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 15-20 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 1-2 minutes, stirring between intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles?
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are quick-cooking ramen tossed with a thick, flavorful sauce that you can customize with your favorite veggies and proteins.
Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes! While this recipe uses instant ramen, you can substitute any noodle type, such as udon or rice noodles, depending on your preference.
How do I make vegan Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles?
Simply omit any animal-based ingredients and use vegetable broth instead of water. Tofu and plenty of veggies keep it hearty and delicious.
Can I add more vegetables to my Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles?
Absolutely! Feel free to include your favorite vegetables like bell peppers, carrots, or broccoli for extra nutrition and flavor.
Final Thoughts
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles offer versatility and rich flavors that appeal to everyone. Customize this dish with your choice of vegetables or proteins for a meal that fits your tastes perfectly. Give it a try today!
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
Description
Indulge in the delightful flavors of Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles, a quick and versatile dish perfect for busy weeknights or cozy dinners at home. This recipe features chewy noodles coated in a rich, savory sauce made from soy sauce, garlic, and a hint of sweetness. Customize your bowl with fresh vegetables or protein options like tofu for a nutritious meal that satisfies your cravings. In just 25 minutes, you can whip up this comforting treat that doubles as an excellent base for stir-fries or meal prep lunches. Discover how to create this delicious ramen experience and enjoy the flexibility it offers!
Ingredients
- 2 servings dry instant ramen noodles (about 140 g)
- 10 oz extra firm tofu or choice of vegetables/mushrooms (sliced)
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 5–7 tbsp soy sauce
- 2–3 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Optional toppings: chopped scallions, sesame seeds
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by mixing all sauce ingredients until well combined.
- Boil water in a small pot and cook the noodles for about 2-3 minutes less than package instructions.
- Drain and optionally cool the noodles with cold water.
- Sauté your chosen veggies and tofu in a non-stick pan until cooked.
- Add the prepared sauce to the sautéed mixture and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Incorporate the drained noodles into the pan, ensuring they are coated with the sauce.
- Stir constantly over medium-high heat until everything is heated through and well mixed.
- Adjust seasoning if necessary and serve hot, garnished with sesame seeds and scallions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 1300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
