Name: Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 2 servings dry instant ramen noodle cakes (around 140 g total) or other noodles of choice; 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 for desired sweetness); 2 tbsp rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice (adjust for sourness); 1/4 tsp ground pepper; 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce; 1 tbsp sesame oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional); Chopped scallions; Sesame seeds

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Introduction

This easy saucy ramen noodles recipe is perfect for a quick and flavorful meal. With a rich, savory sauce and your choice of tofu or veggies, it’s a satisfying dish that comes together in no time. Customize the sauce to match your taste and enjoy a cozy bowl of noodles any day.

A bowl filled with a large serving of cooked noodles that have a light brown sauce coating, giving them a shiny texture, with small bits of caramelized onions or garlic mixed in. The noodles are topped with sliced bright green scallions and sprinkled with small white sesame seeds. The bowl is a speckled gray ceramic, sitting on a wooden surface beside a pair of wooden chopsticks. In the background, a small bowl with dark red sauce and a silver spoon can be seen, along with a small dish of sesame seeds. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 according 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 desired sweetness)
2 tbsp rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice (adjust 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)

Instructions

Step 1: Mix all the sauce ingredients until well combined. Adjust the measurements depending on your preferred sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spice. Set the sauce aside. If using a lot of veggies or extra noodles, consider doubling the sauce.
Step 2: Bring a pot of water to a boil over high heat. Add the ramen or noodles of your choice.
Step 3: Cook the noodles until they are still very chewy, about 2-3 minutes less than package instructions, to prevent 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 your choice of tofu, veggies, or mushrooms until cooked to your liking.
Step 7: Stir the sauce again to ensure the corn starch is mixed well. Pour the sauce into the pan and simmer for 2-3 minutes over medium heat, stirring constantly until it thickens.
Step 8: Add the noodles to the pan with the sauce.
Step 9: Toss the noodles thoroughly to coat them in the sauce.
Step 10: Cook the noodles on medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the sauce and thicken further.
Step 11: Taste the noodles and adjust seasoning with more soy sauce, sweetener, or pepper if needed.
Step 12: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped scallions. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a richer flavor, use vegetable broth instead of water when cooking noodles.
Try swapping tofu for chicken or shrimp for a non-vegetarian version.
If you want a bit of heat, add extra chili garlic sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Use rice vinegar for a mild tang or lemon juice for a fresher sour note.
If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of water or broth to thin it out.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat, adding a little water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much. For best texture, reheat noodles quickly and avoid overcooking.

How to Serve

A close-up image shows a silver bowl filled with glossy, dark brown noodles coated in thick sauce, garnished with scattered white sesame seeds and small, bright green chopped scallions. A woman's hand holding black chopsticks picks up a tangle of noodles, emphasizing the texture and shine of the dish. In the background, there is a blurred second bowl with similar noodles and scallions. Green scallion stalks and scattered sesame seeds are visible on the white marbled surface beneath the bowls. The scene has a fresh and appetizing look. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh noodles instead of instant ramen?

Yes, fresh noodles work well. Adjust the cooking time according to the noodle type to avoid overcooking.

What can I substitute for corn starch?

Arrowroot powder or potato starch can be used as alternatives to corn starch for thickening the sauce.