Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Here’s an easy saucy ramen noodles recipe with a thick and flavorful sauce! Perfect for busy weeknights or a cozy weekend meal, Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are not just quick to prepare but also incredibly satisfying. You can customize this dish by adding your choice of veggies, tofu, or mushrooms, making it versatile for various dietary preferences. The sauce is rich and can even be used as a base for stir-fries. Slurp away and enjoy!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have a delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
- Flavorful Sauce: The combination of soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce creates a mouthwatering flavor that coats each noodle perfectly.
- Versatile Ingredients: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables or proteins to suit your taste. This recipe is adaptable!
- Budget-Friendly: Using simple ingredients like ramen noodles and tofu makes this dish easy on the wallet without compromising on taste.
- Satisfying Meal: Packed with carbs and protein, this dish will keep you full and satisfied.
Tools and Preparation
To make these Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles, having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience seamless.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Pot
- Strainer
- Frying pan
- Mixing bowl
- Wooden spatula
Importance of Each Tool
- Pot: Essential for cooking the noodles to the perfect chewiness.
- Strainer: Helps drain excess water from the noodles efficiently.
- Frying Pan: Ideal for sautéing vegetables and combining everything with the sauce.
- Mixing Bowl: Necessary for mixing the sauce ingredients thoroughly.
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you’ll need for making Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles:
- 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 (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))
- 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. Adjust measurements based on your desired sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spice levels.
- Set the sauce aside. If using hot sauce, expect a redder hue.
Step 2: Cook the Noodles
- Boil some water in a small pot over high heat.
- Once boiling, add in the ramen or other noodles of choice.
- Cook until still chewy; about 2–3 minutes less than package instructions.
Step 3: Drain Noodles
- Drain out the water or use a strainer to set aside the noodles.
- Optionally run them under cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
Step 4: Sauté Veggies & Tofu
- In a frying pan over medium-high heat, add a little oil.
- Sauté your choice of veggies, mushrooms, or tofu for a few minutes until cooked to your liking.
Step 5: Combine Sauce and Noodles
- Give the sauce another good mix to ensure no starch is stuck at the bottom.
- Pour in the sauce into the pan and simmer for about 2–3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
- Add in the drained noodles and mix well to coat in the sauce.
Step 6: Final Cooking Steps
- Cook over medium-high heat until noodles absorb some sauce; around 3 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed with more soy sauce or sweetener.
Step 7: Serve
- Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions if desired.
- Enjoy immediately while hot!
How to Serve Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are not only delicious but also versatile. You can serve them in various ways to enhance your meal experience. Here are some serving suggestions to make your dish even more enjoyable.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Add fresh veggies like bell peppers, carrots, or snap peas for a crunchy texture.
- Toss in some baby spinach or bok choy for added nutrition and color.
Topped with Protein
- For a heartier meal, top with grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef slices.
- Include fried or poached eggs for an extra protein boost and richness.
As a Cold Noodle Salad
- Chill the noodles after cooking and toss them with a sesame dressing.
- Add cucumbers and radishes for a refreshing twist on the traditional recipe.
Garnished with Fresh Herbs
- Sprinkle chopped cilantro or basil on top for an aromatic finish.
- Use mint for a unique flavor profile that pairs well with the sauce.
Served in a Broth
- Transform your dish into a soup by adding vegetable broth and additional seasonings.
- Include mushrooms and green onions to enrich the flavor profile.
With Spicy Kick
- Drizzle extra chili garlic sauce over the top for those who enjoy heat.
- Serve with sliced jalapeños or sriracha on the side for customization.
How to Perfect Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Perfecting your Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles ensures that each bite is flavorful and satisfying. Here are some tips to master this dish.
- Use Quality Ingredients: Choose high-quality soy sauce and fresh vegetables for better flavor.
- Adjust Cooking Time: Be careful not to overcook your noodles; they should remain chewy.
- Experiment with Sauce Ratios: Tailor the sauce ingredients according to your taste preferences for sweetness, saltiness, and spice.
- Mix While Cooking: Stir continuously while simmering the sauce to prevent it from sticking or burning.
- Add Optional Toppings: Consider toppings like sesame seeds or scallions to enhance texture and presentation.
- Serve Immediately: Enjoy while hot for the best taste and texture; reheating may alter the dish’s quality.
Best Side Dishes for Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
Complementing your Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles with side dishes can elevate your meal. Here are some fantastic options.
- Edamame: Steamed edamame pods sprinkled with sea salt make a nutritious snack.
- Spring Rolls: Fresh spring rolls filled with veggies offer a light contrast to the noodles.
- Seaweed Salad: A tangy seaweed salad adds umami flavors that pair perfectly with ramen.
- Dumplings: Steamed or pan-fried dumplings filled with vegetables or meat complement the main dish deliciously.
- Miso Soup: A warm bowl of miso soup provides comfort and is a classic Asian pairing.
- Pickled Vegetables: Serve pickled cucumbers or radishes as a tangy palate cleanser alongside the rich noodles.
- Grilled Corn: Sweet grilled corn on the cob adds sweetness and charred flavor that balances the savory notes of ramen.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles, it’s easy to overlook a few important details. Here are some common mistakes to avoid.
- Ignoring sauce adjustments: Not adjusting the sauce ingredients can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Always taste and modify the sweetness, saltiness, and sourness according to your preference.
- Overcooking the noodles: Cooking noodles for too long can result in mushy ramen. Aim for slightly undercooked noodles as they will continue to cook when mixed with the sauce.
- Skipping vegetable prep: Failing to slice veggies and tofu properly may lead to uneven cooking. Make sure everything is cut into similar sizes for even cooking.
- Not stirring enough: If you don’t stir the sauce while it simmers, it may stick to the pan. Constantly mix the sauce to prevent burning and ensure even thickening.
- Using low-quality soy sauce: Low-quality soy sauce can ruin the dish’s flavor. Opt for a good brand of soy sauce for a richer taste in your Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container.
- They can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
- Place cooled noodles in freezer-safe containers or bags.
- You can freeze them for up to 2 months; however, texture may change upon thawing.
Reheating Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on medium power in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
- Stovetop: Add a splash of water or broth in a pan over medium heat and stir until heated.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles that might help clarify your cooking process.
Can I use different types of noodles?
Yes! While this recipe is designed for instant ramen noodles, you can substitute other noodle types like udon or soba.
What veggies work best with Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles?
Any vegetables you like will work great! Popular choices include bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas.
Is this recipe customizable?
Absolutely! You can add proteins such as chicken or shrimp, or experiment with various sauces based on your taste preferences.
How do I make Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles vegetarian?
Simply replace any non-vegetarian ingredients with plant-based options like tofu or mushrooms.
Final Thoughts
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are not only quick and simple but also incredibly versatile. You can customize this dish by adding your favorite vegetables and proteins, making it perfect for any occasion. Enjoy this delightful meal that’s sure to satisfy your cravings!
Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 2
- Category: Main
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Description
Indulge in the delightful simplicity of Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles, a quick and flavorful dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. This recipe brings together tender ramen noodles coated in a rich sauce made from soy sauce, sesame oil, and chili garlic sauce. Customize your bowl with a variety of vegetables, tofu, or mushrooms to suit your taste and dietary preferences. Ready in under 30 minutes, this versatile meal is not only budget-friendly but also satisfying enough to keep hunger at bay. Whether you serve it as a stir-fry or enjoy it straight from the bowl, Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes (approx. 140 g)
- 10 oz extra firm tofu or choice of veggies/mushrooms
- 5–7 tbsp soy sauce
- 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce (optional)
- 2–3 tbsp corn starch
- 1–3 tbsp sugar or sweetener
- 2 tbsp rice vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- Chopped scallions and sesame seeds for garnish
Instructions
- Prepare the sauce by mixing all sauce ingredients until well incorporated.
- Boil water in a pot and cook the ramen noodles for about 2-3 minutes less than package instructions.
- Drain the noodles and set aside.
- In a frying pan over medium-high heat, sauté your choice of veggies or tofu until cooked.
- Add the prepared sauce to the pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Mix in the drained noodles until well coated with the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with scallions and sesame seeds.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximately 350g)
- Calories: 490
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 63g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
