These Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are the perfect quick and satisfying dish. Coated in a thick and flavorful sauce, these noodles are a crowd-pleaser that comes together in just 20 minutes or less! Whether you’re looking for a quick meal after a busy day or a versatile recipe to customize with your favorite veggies or protein, this dish delivers every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re a fan of ramen, you’ll love this easy-to-make, saucy, and satisfying noodle dish. With a rich sauce that can be tailored to your taste, these noodles are perfect for anyone who loves quick meals without compromising on flavor. The best part? You can customize the dish by adding your choice of protein (like tofu or tempeh) and vegetables (like mushrooms, spinach, or peppers). It’s a versatile recipe that is easily adapted to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand. Plus, it’s vegan, making it perfect for a plant-based meal.

Ingredients

2 servings dry instant ramen noodles (around 140g total)
10 oz extra firm tofu, veggies, or mushrooms of choice, sliced
For the Sauce:
- 1 cup water or vegetable broth
- 5-7 tbsp soy sauce (adjust according to taste)
- 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce (optional for color)
- 2-3 tbsp corn starch
- 1-3 tbsp maple syrup, sugar, or other liquid sweetener (adjust to your preferred sweetness)
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice (adjust for 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)
For Serving:
- Chopped scallions
- Sesame seeds

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

Directions

Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Adjust the seasoning to taste, adding more soy sauce, sweetener, or vinegar if needed.
Cook the Noodles: Boil water in a small pot. Add the ramen noodles and cook until they are still slightly chewy, about 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. Drain the noodles and set them aside.
Sauté the Protein & Veggies: While the noodles are cooking, heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add a bit of oil. Sauté your choice of vegetables and tofu for a few minutes, until cooked to your liking.
Add the Sauce: Once your vegetables and tofu are ready, pour the sauce into the pan. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce begins to thicken.
Combine Noodles & Sauce: Add the cooked noodles into the sauce and stir to coat evenly. Continue cooking over medium-high heat for another 3 minutes or until the noodles absorb the sauce.
Garnish & Serve: Serve hot, garnished with chopped scallions and sesame seeds.

Servings and Timing

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

Variations

This recipe is highly customizable. You can switch up the ingredients based on what you have available or your dietary preferences. Some variations include:

Protein: Add extra tofu, tempeh, or edamame for more plant-based protein.
Veggies: Use mushrooms, spinach, bok choy, or bell peppers for a variety of textures and flavors.
Spice Level: Adjust the chili garlic sauce based on your spice tolerance. Add more or skip it entirely for a milder dish.
Noodles: You can swap out the ramen noodles for udon, soba, or even rice noodles if you prefer.

Storage/Reheating

If you have leftovers, you can store the noodles and sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, the noodles may absorb more sauce, so you might need to add a splash of water or vegetable broth to loosen the sauce. Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use any type of noodles for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any noodles you prefer, such as udon, soba, or even spaghetti, though they won’t technically be ramen noodles.

2. How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free noodles and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free (look for tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative).

3. Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just reheat it before mixing with the noodles.

4. Can I freeze the sauce?

The sauce can be frozen, but because it contains cornstarch, it may thicken and become gel-like when thawed. Reheat it in a pan and add a little water to loosen it up.

5. Can I use a different sweetener instead of maple syrup?

Yes, you can use other liquid sweeteners like agave, coconut sugar, or even brown sugar, depending on what you have on hand.

6. How spicy can I make these noodles?

The level of spiciness depends on how much chili garlic sauce or hot sauce you add. You can make it as mild or as spicy as you like by adjusting the amount.

7. Can I add more vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables you have on hand, like carrots, peas, or bok choy. This dish is super versatile.

8. Can I use other oils besides sesame oil?

Yes, you can substitute sesame oil with vegetable oil or olive oil, though sesame oil adds a unique flavor that enhances the dish.

9. Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients if you’re serving more people. Just ensure the sauce is enough to coat all the noodles.

10. Can I use the leftover sauce for other dishes?

Definitely! This sauce is versatile and can be used for stir-fries, vegetable bowls, or even as a marinade for tofu or tempeh.

Conclusion

This easy saucy ramen noodle recipe is a simple, quick, and delicious dish that can be customized to your taste. Whether you want to add extra veggies, spice it up, or make it gluten-free, this dish has endless possibilities. It’s the perfect meal for a busy day or when you’re craving comfort food with a bit of flair. Enjoy your flavorful bowl of saucy ramen noodles!

Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles