Introduction

This Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy a comforting bowl of noodles. With a rich, tangy sauce and your choice of tofu or vegetables, it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or whenever you crave something satisfying and saucy.

Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

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)
5-7 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to 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 to taste)
2 tbsp rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice (adjust to taste)
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)

Instructions

Step 1: Mix all the sauce ingredients until well incorporated. Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spice to your liking. Set the sauce aside. For more noodles or veggies, consider doubling the sauce to keep it saucy.
Step 2: Bring water to a boil in a small pot over high heat. Add the noodles.
Step 3: Cook the noodles until just half done and still chewy, about 2-3 minutes less than the package recommends to avoid overcooking later.
Step 4: Drain the noodles and set aside. Optionally rinse with cold water to stop cooking and remove excess starch.
Step 5: Heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil.
Step 6: Sauté the tofu, veggies, or mushrooms until cooked to your liking.
Step 7: Stir the sauce again, ensuring no starch is stuck at the bottom. Pour the sauce into the pan and simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until it thickens.
Step 8: Add the partially cooked noodles to the pan with the sauce.
Step 9: Toss the noodles well to coat them evenly in the sauce.
Step 10: Cook over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes until the noodles absorb some sauce and it thickens further.
Step 11: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional soy sauce, sweetener, or pepper if needed.
Step 12: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili garlic sauce or add red pepper flakes.
Try different vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or snap peas for varied textures and flavors.
For gluten-free options, use rice noodles and tamari instead of soy sauce.
Add a soft boiled egg on top for extra protein and richness.

Storage

Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water to loosen the sauce and avoid drying out. It’s best enjoyed fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

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 cooking time accordingly to prevent overcooking, as fresh noodles typically require less time than dried instant noodles.

How can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?

This recipe is naturally vegetarian and can easily be vegan if you ensure your soy sauce and chili garlic sauce are vegan-friendly. Use tofu or vegetables as your protein source.

Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 53 reviews

This Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles recipe features chewy noodles coated in a flavorful, slightly thickened soy-based sauce with a perfect balance of sweetness, sourness, and spice. Enhanced by sautéed tofu or veggies, garlic, and garnished with sesame seeds and scallions, this quick stovetop meal is perfect for a delicious and satisfying dinner.

Author: Dylan
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

Scale

Noodles & Protein

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)

Sauce

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 color)
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)

Instructions

Prepare the sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients thoroughly until well incorporated. Adjust measurements based on your preferred sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spice. Set the sauce aside. If using more noodles or veggies, consider doubling the sauce to ensure plenty of coating.
Boil water: Bring water to a boil in a small pot over high heat, ready for cooking the noodles.
Cook noodles partially: Add the ramen or preferred noodles to boiling water and cook them 2-3 minutes less than package instructions so they remain chewy and slightly undercooked.
Drain and cool noodles: Drain the noodles using a strainer and optionally rinse with cold water to halt cooking and remove excess starch. Set noodles aside.
Sauté protein/veggies: Heat a pan over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil. Sauté the sliced tofu, veggies, or mushrooms for a few minutes until cooked to your desired doneness.
Simmer the sauce: Stir the sauce again to redistribute any settled starch. Pour it into the pan and simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens to a saucy consistency without sticking.
Add noodles: Add the noodles to the pan with the thickened sauce, tossing well to evenly coat each strand.
Finish cooking: Continue cooking the noodles over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the sauce and further thicken it.
Season to taste: Taste the noodle dish and adjust flavor by adding more soy sauce, sweetener, or pepper if desired.
Garnish and serve: Plate the noodles and garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Serve immediately while hot for best flavor and texture.

Notes

Using vegetable broth instead of water adds extra depth to the sauce.
You can replace corn starch with arrowroot starch or potato starch to thicken the sauce.
Adjust the sweetness with sugar, maple syrup, or liquid sweetener to your preference.
Running noodles under cold water stops cooking and reduces stickiness due to excess starch.
If you prefer spicier noodles, increase the chili garlic sauce amount.

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