Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles

These Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are a quick and flavorful dish that’s packed with a thick, tangy sauce. With a combination of savory, sweet, and spicy flavors, this dish is not only easy to make but also highly customizable. You can add your favorite veggies, tofu, or mushrooms for a satisfying, comforting meal that’s perfect for any time of day.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you’re craving something delicious but don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking, these saucy ramen noodles are the answer. The homemade sauce is rich and thick, sticking to the noodles perfectly and offering just the right balance of sweet, salty, tangy, and spicy flavors. It’s a great dish for experimenting—add extra vegetables, switch up the protein, or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Whether you’re looking for a simple meal or a hearty comfort food, this easy ramen dish hits the spot every time.

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 choice, about 140g 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 tbsp soy sauce (adjust to taste)

• 1 ½ tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)

• 2-3 tbsp cornstarch (see notes)

• 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)

• ¼ tsp ground pepper

• ½ 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

Directions

1. Prepare the Sauce:

• In a bowl, mix all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning based on your desired sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spice level. Set the sauce aside.

2. Cook the Noodles:

• Boil water in a small pot over high heat. Add the ramen noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions to keep them chewy. Drain the noodles and set aside. You can rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch (optional).

3. Sauté the Veggies/Tofu:

• While the noodles cook, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sauté your veggies, mushrooms, or tofu for a few minutes until cooked to your liking.

4. Simmer the Sauce:

• Stir the sauce well and pour it into the pan with the sautéed ingredients. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken from the cornstarch.

5. Combine:

• Add the cooked noodles to the pan and toss them in the sauce to coat well. Continue cooking over medium-high heat for another 3 minutes until the noodles absorb the sauce and everything is well combined.

6. Taste and Adjust:

• Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning with additional soy sauce, sweetener, and pepper if needed.

7. Serve:

• Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy your delicious, saucy ramen noodles!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 2 servings

• Prep Time: 10 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Add more veggies: Feel free to add any of your favorite vegetables, like bell peppers, carrots, spinach, or bok choy, for extra nutrients and flavor.

• Protein options: For a non-vegan option, try adding cooked chicken, shrimp, or beef. Tofu or tempeh work well for a plant-based alternative.

• Spice it up: Add more chili garlic sauce, red pepper flakes, or even fresh chili peppers to give the dish an extra kick of heat.

• Use different noodles: You can use other types of noodles like udon, soba, or even rice noodles for a different texture and flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover ramen noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Freezing: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze leftovers for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce.

• Reheating: Reheat in a pan over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce as needed.

FAQs

Can I use instant ramen noodles?

Yes, instant ramen noodles work perfectly for this recipe. Just discard the seasoning packets and follow the same method for cooking the noodles.

Can I use other sauces in place of soy sauce?

Yes! If you’re looking for a gluten-free option, use tamari instead of soy sauce. You can also try coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.

How can I thicken the sauce if it’s too thin?

If the sauce is too thin, you can mix a little extra cornstarch with water and add it to the sauce while it’s simmering to thicken it further.

Can I add more protein to this dish?

Absolutely! This dish is very versatile—try adding some grilled chicken, shrimp, or beef for extra protein. You can also use chickpeas or tempeh for a plant-based protein boost.

Can I make this dish spicier?

Yes, you can increase the amount of chili garlic sauce or red pepper flakes to make it spicier. You can also add a fresh chili pepper to the sauce for extra heat.

Conclusion

These Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are the perfect quick meal that combines bold, savory flavors and a satisfying texture. With a simple sauce that’s easy to customize and a variety of options for vegetables and protein, this dish is incredibly versatile and will quickly become a favorite go-to recipe. Whether you enjoy it as a simple meal or add your own twist, this saucy ramen is sure to hit the spot!