Easy Vegan Ramen is a dish meant to impress, whether you’re a lifelong vegan or just looking to incorporate more plant-based meals into your life. This ramen is not only delicious but also super easy to whip up, making it a fantastic choice for busy weeknights. You’ll love the cozy feeling a bowl of warm broth brings, complemented by richly flavored mushrooms and crispy tofu. Plus, it’s packed with nourishing ingredients that leave you feeling good. The best part? It allows for creativity—whether you want to change the veggies or add extra spices, this recipe welcomes your personal touch. So, let’s get started on bringing this comforting dish to your table!
Why This Recipe Works
This Easy Vegan Ramen recipe shines due to its umami-rich flavors and wholesome ingredients. First off, the earthy taste of shiitake mushrooms pairs seamlessly with the savory broth. It’s quick to prepare, taking just around 30 minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknight dinners. Whether you’re planning a casual meal for one or a larger gathering for family, this ramen recipe fits the bill wonderfully.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Vegan Ramen
You’ll adore the comforting bowl of goodness that this ramen provides. It’s suitable for both vegans and non-vegans alike, which makes it a fantastic option for sharing. The best part? You can customize it to suit your taste preferences. Prefer it spicier? Just add a little chili oil. Want extra veggies? Toss in some bok choy or zucchini. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and nutritious, making it ideal for any occasion, from a cozy dinner at home to a fun gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 block super firm tofu, fried
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp white miso
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth (48 oz)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 8 oz ramen noodles
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Prepare the Tofu
Frying Tofu to Perfection
To begin with, you’ll want to heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. This step is crucial; a good sear gives the tofu a lovely crispness. Once the oil is hot, carefully add cubed tofu and fry until golden brown, which usually takes about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to turn the cubes occasionally to ensure even cooking. After frying, remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
Flavors that Start with the Basics
Next up, it’s time to build those delicious flavors! In the same skillet, add a dash of olive oil. Toss in the sliced green onions, shiitake mushrooms, and minced garlic. Sauté everything for about 2-3 minutes until the mushrooms soften and the garlic becomes fragrant. The aroma will start to fill your kitchen, creating that comforting vibe we all love.
Create the Broth
Building Richness in Every Spoonful
Now, for the star of the dish—the broth! Stir in the soy sauce, white miso, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil into the sautéed mixture. These ingredients come together to create a deep, rich flavor profile. Next, pour in the vegetable broth and bring everything to a boil. Once it reaches a bubbling point, reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 10 minutes. This simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Cook the Noodles
Perfectly Tender Ramen
After the broth has simmered, it’s time to add more life to the dish! Toss in the ramen noodles and fresh spinach into the simmering broth. Allow them to cook for about 2-3 minutes or until the noodles are tender but not mushy. The spinach will wilt perfectly, brightening the bowl with vibrant green.
Combine and Serve
Putting It All Together
Once everything is cooked, it’s time for the final touches. Stir in most of the crispy fried tofu into the broth to warm it through. When serving, ladle the delicious ramen into bowls, making sure to top each with the remaining tofu, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro. That beautiful presentation will surely tempt anyone to dig in!
Serving Suggestions
To complement this Easy Vegan Ramen, consider pairing it with a side of veggie spring rolls or a crisp, refreshing salad for a well-rounded meal. If you’re feeling adventurous, drizzle some extra soy sauce or chili oil for an added punch of flavor.
Tips for Success
To achieve the best texture, it’s key to use super firm tofu. This helps the tofu hold its shape and adds a delightful crunch. Don’t hesitate to mix up the veggies based on what you have at home; flexibility is what makes cooking fun! Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as you go—this allows you to cater the dish specifically to your preferences.
Variations
If you want to add even more nutrients, try incorporating bok choy or kale into your ramen. For those following a gluten-free diet, opting for gluten-free ramen or spiralized zucchini can be a fantastic alternative to traditional noodles.
Storage Tips
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days in an airtight container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, gently reheat on the stove, adding a splash of vegetable broth if necessary to restore that soupy goodness.
Pairing Ideas
This Easy Vegan Ramen pairs beautifully with a light, crisp beer or a refreshing iced tea. If you love contrasting flavors, enjoy it with pickled vegetables on the side; the tanginess is a delightful match.
FAQs
Q1: Can I make this ramen gluten-free?
A1: Yes! Use gluten-free ramen noodles and ensure your soy sauce is gluten-free.
Q2: How long can I store leftover vegan ramen?
A2: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Q3: Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
A3: Absolutely! Feel free to add any seasonal veggies you love.
Q4: What can I substitute for miso?
A4: You can substitute with tahini or simply omit it for a lighter broth.
Q5: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A5: Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep—just keep the noodles separate until serving.
Enjoy this Easy Vegan Ramen, a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’s perfect for any day of the week. With its quick prep time and adaptability, it’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Print
Easy Vegan Ramen
This Easy Vegan Ramen is a delicious, hearty dish that combines umami-rich flavors with wholesome ingredients. It’s quick to make, perfect for busy nights, and allows for creative customization.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 1 block super firm tofu, fried
- 2 green onions, sliced
- 1 1/2 cups shiitake mushrooms, sliced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp white miso
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 1/2 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 6 cups vegetable broth (48 oz)
- 1 cup fresh spinach
- 8 oz ramen noodles
- Fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and fry cubed tofu until golden brown, about 6-8 minutes.
- In the same skillet, sauté green onions, shiitake mushrooms, and minced garlic for 2-3 minutes.
- Add soy sauce, white miso, maple syrup, and toasted sesame oil, then pour in vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat and let simmer for 10 minutes.
- Add ramen noodles and spinach, cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles are tender.
- Stir in most of the crispy tofu, serve in bowls topped with remaining tofu, green onions, and cilantro.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
Use super firm tofu for the best texture and crunch.
Feel free to mix in seasonal veggies you have on hand.
Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary for best flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Vegan, Asian
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5
- Sodium: 800
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 36
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 15
- Cholesterol: 0
