Name: Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes or other noodles of your 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; 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 or other hot sauce (optional, for spice); 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic (minced, optional); Chopped scallions (for topping); Sesame seeds (for topping)

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you're looking for a satisfying meal that’s both easy to prepare and customizable, this Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles recipe is perfect for you. The sauce, which is both savory and sweet with a slight tang, makes the noodles irresistibly flavorful. It’s simple to make, and you can tweak it to your liking. Plus, the noodles absorb the sauce beautifully, making each bite a saucy delight. You can also add your choice of veggies, tofu, or mushrooms to make it heartier.

The best part? This dish is not just limited to ramen – you can use the same sauce for stir-fries and other noodle dishes. It’s versatile, quick, and incredibly satisfying!

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the noodles:

2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes or other noodles of your choice (around 140 g total)

For sautéing:

10 oz extra firm tofu, veggies, or mushrooms of choice (sliced)

For the sauce:

1 cup water or vegetable broth
5-7 tablespoon soy sauce (adjust according to desired taste)
1.5 teaspoon dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
2-3 tablespoon corn starch
1-3 tablespoon sugar, maple syrup, or other liquid sweetener (adjust according to desired sweetness)
2 tablespoon rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice (adjust according to desired sourness)
¼ teaspoon ground pepper
½ tablespoon chili garlic sauce or other hot sauce (optional, for spice)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic (minced, optional)

For serving:

Chopped scallions (for topping)
Sesame seeds (for topping)

Directions

Make the Sauce: In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until well incorporated. Adjust the measurements of soy sauce, sugar, vinegar, and hot sauce to your preference. Set aside.
Cook the Noodles: Bring water to a boil in a small pot. Add the ramen noodles (or other noodles of your choice) and cook until they are slightly underdone, about 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. This will ensure they don’t overcook in the sauce later. Drain the noodles and set them aside. Optionally, rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.
Sauté Veggies or Tofu: While the noodles are cooking, heat a pan over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil and sauté your chosen veggies, mushrooms, or tofu until they are cooked to your liking.
Simmer the Sauce: Once the veggies or tofu are ready, give the sauce a final stir to ensure the starch is well mixed. Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken.
Combine Noodles and Sauce: Add the cooked noodles to the pan and mix them well with the sauce, ensuring they are evenly coated. Continue cooking over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, letting the noodles absorb the sauce and thicken it further.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more soy sauce, sweetener, or pepper to suit your taste.
Serve: Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian: You can add more veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or spinach for extra nutrition.
Protein Boost: Tofu is a great addition for protein, but you can also add cooked chicken, shrimp, or even tempeh for variety.
Spicy: Adjust the amount of chili garlic sauce to your desired spice level, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
Noodles: Feel free to swap out the instant ramen noodles for other types of noodles such as udon, soba, or rice noodles.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Reheating: To reheat, warm the noodles in a pan with a splash of water or vegetable broth to help loosen the sauce. Stir occasionally to prevent the noodles from sticking.

FAQs

1. Can I use other types of noodles besides ramen?

Yes, you can use any noodles you prefer, such as soba, udon, or even spaghetti. Just adjust the cooking time according to the type of noodle.

2. Can I add meat to this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add cooked chicken, beef, pork, or shrimp to the dish for extra protein.

3. What can I use instead of soy sauce?

If you prefer a gluten-free version, you can use tamari or coconut aminos as a soy sauce substitute.

4. Can I make this recipe spicy?

Yes, you can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili garlic sauce or adding hot sauce to taste.

5. Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes, you can swap out maple syrup or sugar for any other liquid sweetener like agave or honey, depending on your preference.

6. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the sauce in advance and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before using.

7. How can I make this dish vegan?

To make this dish vegan, simply use tofu or vegetables as the protein source and ensure you use a plant-based sweetener like maple syrup.

8. Can I add extra vegetables to the dish?

Definitely! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli.

9. How do I prevent the noodles from sticking together?

Make sure to drain the noodles well and give them a quick rinse under cold water if you want to stop the cooking process. This will also remove excess starch that can cause them to stick.

10. How do I make the sauce thicker?

To thicken the sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch or let it simmer longer to reduce and thicken.

Conclusion

This Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles recipe is a perfect balance of flavors with a rich, savory sauce that coats every bite of noodle. It's quick, customizable, and can easily be adjusted to your taste preferences. Whether you're in the mood for something spicy, sweet, or savory, this dish can be tailored to suit your cravings. Enjoy it as a standalone meal or load it up with your favorite veggies and protein for an extra heartiness!

Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles