Easy Vegan 15-minutes Instant Ramen Noodles Recipe
Instant or Homemade ramen noodles recipe: easy vegan 15-minutes vegetable Lo Mein
Looking for a quick, easy, and utterly delicious meal? This homemade ramen noodles recipe is exactly what you need. Whether you’re craving a comforting bowl of vegan instant ramen or a satisfying vegan Lo Mein, this easy vegetarian instant ramen recipe delivers on all fronts. Perfect for busy weeknights or a speedy lunch, it combines the rich, umami flavors of a traditional ramen with the simplicity of a 15-minute prep time.
Best easy vegetarian ramen recipe
Our vegetarian instant ramen recipe is designed to be both wholesome and convenient. It features a savory broth made from fresh ingredients, ensuring you get a homemade taste without the hassle. The beauty of this easy recipe lies in its versatility. You can customize it with your favorite vegetables, like crisp carrots and tender green onions, and easily adjust the seasoning to match your taste preferences.
Forget about the overly salty instant ramen packs and embrace a healthier, more flavorful alternative. This easy vegan ramen not only satisfies your taste buds but also nourishes your body with fresh, nutrient-rich ingredients. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy a hot, comforting bowl of ramen while keeping your preparation time to a minimum.
So why wait? Dive into this quick and delicious homemade ramen noodles recipe and enjoy a bowl of flavorful, nutritious, and effortless vegan Lo Mein that’s bound to become a new favorite in your kitchen.
In this Vegetarian instant ramen recipe we’re covering
Jump to RecipeWhy you’re going to love this vegetarian instant ramen recipe
You’re going to love this vegetarian ramen noodles recipe for several reasons:
1. Deliciously Flavorful: The combination of freshly sautéed garlic and ginger with a rich broth made from vegetable stock, soy sauce, and sweet chili sauce delivers a depth of flavor that’s both savory and slightly sweet.
2. Customizable: You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes. Add your favorite vegetables, like mushrooms, carrots, and green onions, to personalize the dish and make it your own.
3. Quick and Easy: This recipe is incredibly simple and can be made in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending too much time in the kitchen.
4. Nutrient-Rich: By incorporating fresh vegetables and a nourishing broth, this recipe provides a healthy and balanced meal that’s rich in vitamins and minerals.
5. Light Yet Satisfying: Unlike instant ramen with heavy sodium content, this homemade version is lighter on your stomach and won’t leave you feeling bloated, thanks to the use of fresh ingredients and lower sodium content.
6. Versatile: It’s easy to adapt this recipe based on what you have on hand or your dietary preferences. Whether you prefer more veggies, a different type of noodle, or extra protein, you can make it your own.
This vegetarian ramen noodles recipe offers a delightful blend of flavors and convenience, making it a dish you’ll want to enjoy time and time again.
How to make ramen noodles without the seasoning packet
You don’t need to rely on the spice packets that come with instant ramen; skipping them can give you a much fresher, more authentic taste. Start by sautéing aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger in sesame oil. Then, let them simmer in a blend of vegetable broth, soy sauce, and sweet chili sauce. As the flavors meld, add mushrooms such as shiitake and vegetables like green onions and carrots. This method not only enhances the flavor of your ramen noodles but also avoids the excessive salt found in the pre-packaged seasoning, leaving you feeling better after your meal.
Can you put ramen in the microwave
Yes, you can microwave ramen noodles. Here’s how to do it properly:
Microwaving Instant Ramen:
1. Prepare the Noodles:
– Place the instant ramen noodles in a microwave-safe bowl. Break them up if you prefer smaller pieces.
2. Add Water:
– Pour enough water over the noodles to cover them completely. If the package instructions call for a specific amount of water, follow that guideline.
3. Microwave:
– Microwave the bowl uncovered on high for 2 to 4 minutes. The exact time may vary depending on your microwave’s wattage and the type of ramen. Stir halfway through for even cooking.
4. Check for Doneness:
– After microwaving, check if the noodles are tender. If they need more time, microwave in 30-second increments until they reach the desired consistency.
5. Add Seasonings:
– If using a seasoning packet or flavor packet, stir it in after microwaving. For a more customized flavor, you can add your own spices, sauces, or additional ingredients like cooked vegetables or protein.
6. Let It Sit:
– Allow the ramen to sit for a minute or two before eating. This lets the noodles finish cooking and helps the flavors meld together.
Tips:
– Avoid Overflows: Use a large enough bowl to prevent the water from boiling over.
– Stir Often: Stirring helps cook the noodles evenly and prevents sticking.
– Be Cautious: The bowl and contents will be very hot, so handle with care.
– Ramen Noodle Soup: add extra vegan ramen broth to the ramen bowl for a cozy Japanese noodle soup. Top the vegetable ramen with your favorite toppings. It’s a ramen lovers dreamy easy meal.
Microwaving is a convenient way to prepare ramen quickly, especially if you’re short on time.
Vegan instant ramen recipe tips and tricks
Opt for Fresh Ingredients:
While pre-made garlic paste and ginger are convenient, using freshly minced garlic cloves offers a far superior flavor. The extra effort pays off in taste!
Prepare Your Own Broth:
Rather than relying on bouillon paste or store-bought vegetable broth, consider making your own veggie broth. You can use kitchen scraps like onion peels, carrot ends, and celery tops. Simmer these in water for a few hours to develop a rich, homemade broth. It’s a great way to use leftover veggie scraps to make a delicious creamy broth soup base.
Stock Up on Essentials:
To make this easy veggie ramen a regular dish, keep a well-stocked pantry with vegetable stock, instant noodles, sweet chili sauce, and fresh garlic. This way, you can whip up a delicious bowl of ramen quickly and effortlessly.
Gluten-Free Lo Mein Option
To make this easy vegan Asian takeaway favorite gluten-free, simply swap out the ramen noodles for rice noodles. Rice noodles have a fantastic taste and are just as quick to prepare. Just boil a pot of water, place the noodles in a large bowl, and cover them with the hot water. Then, cover the bowl with a lid and let the noodles soak for 5-10 minutes until they’re tender. It’s that simple.
Quick and Easy Vegan Ramen Noodles Lo Mein Cooking Hack
Lo Mein is already a fast dish to make, but if you want to speed things up even more, grab a bag of pre-cut frozen vegetables from the grocery store. These bags often contain a mix of chopped carrots, peppers, and broccoli. Sometimes you’ll find ones with spinach or kale, which work just as well.
If you can’t find a bag with the exact veggie mix, don’t worry—most vegetables pair wonderfully with Lo Mein.
Vegetarian instant ramen recipe ingredients
Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients used in the vegetarian ramen noodles recipe:
Vegan Ramen Sauce basic ingredients
– Soy Sauce or Tamari: 2 tbsp (30 ml) – Adds a rich umami flavor to the sauce.
– Sweet Chili Sauce: 2 tbsp (30 ml) – Provides a balance of sweetness and heat to the dish. Add extra chili sauce to make a spicy vegetarian ramen.
– Sesame Oil or Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) – Enhances the sauce with a nutty flavor (sesame oil) or a mild richness (olive oil).
– Garlic: 3 cloves, minced – Infuses the sauce with a robust, aromatic flavor.
– Vegetable Stock: 8 cups (2 liters) – Forms the base of the broth, adding depth and a savory profile to the ramen.
Vegan Lo Mein
– Dried Ramen Noodles: 4 packs (12 oz or 340 g), uncooked – The foundation of the dish, offering a chewy and satisfying texture. Cooked to a delicious al dente texture, the chewy noodles make a delicious base for the vegetarian ramen broth and toppings. Alternatively, you can easily substitute the quick ramen noodles for fresh homemade ramen noodles. The traditional Japanese ramen recipes usually use fresh ramen noodles. Simply make a ramen dough and use a pasta machine to turn the sheet of dough into noodles. It’s more work to make a ramen noodle dough, but the flavor is delicious. The good news is that both instant ramen noodles or fresh ramen noodles work equally well in this easy homemade ramen recipe. Use whichever you are in the mood for and have the time for. I made this recipe with instant ramen noodles because it’s not every day I have time to bring out my pasta maker and make homemade portions of noodles.
– Sesame Oil or Olive Oil: 1 tbsp (15 ml) – Used for stir-frying the vegetables, adding flavor and preventing sticking.
– Spring Onions/Scallions: 3, chopped (about 45 g) – Adds a mild onion flavor and a bit of crunch to the dish.
– Carrot: 1, julienned or sliced (about 60 g) – Contributes sweetness, color, and a crisp texture to ramen recipes.
– Red Bell Pepper: 1, julienned or sliced (about 120 g) – Brings a slight sweetness, vibrant color, and crunch to the noodles.
Flavor and texture ingredients
– Sweet Chili Sauce: 2 tbsp (30 ml) – Adds a touch of sweetness and spice to the stir-fry.
– Sesame Seeds: 3 tbsp (30 g) – Provides a nutty flavor and extra crunch, enhancing the texture of the dish.
– Fresh Cilantro or Fresh Basil: 1 bunch, chopped (about 15 g) – Fresh herbs that add a burst of flavor and aroma to the final dish.
Optional Extras
– Baby Spinach: 1 cup (30 g) – An optional addition for added nutrition, offering a mild flavor and tender texture that complements the other vegetables.
Note: if you want to add protein to the great recipe, simply cut extra firm tofu into slices. Add them as is or fry them into golden brown crispy tofu. Alternatively, tempeh also makes a great protein of choice in the vegan meal.
Homemade ramen noodles recipe
Homemade ramen noodles recipe: easy vegan 15-minutes vegetable Lo Mein
Introducing my incredibly easy and delicious vegan Lo Mein recipe, ready in just 15 minutes. This quick and flavorful Asian noodle stir fry is the perfect solution for those last-minute dinner needs, without compromising on taste.
This 15-minute vegetarian ramen noodles recipe is a true lifesaver. Packed with simple yet flavorful ingredients like carrots, fresh herbs, spring onions, and sesame seeds, it’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.
Vegetarian Instant Ramen Recipe Ingredients
Easy Vegan ramen Sauce
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Soy Sauce or Tamari
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Sesame Oil or Olive Oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 8 cups (2 liters) Vegetable Stock
Vegan Lo Mein
- 4 packs (12 oz or 340 g) Dried Ramen Noodles, uncooked
- 1 tbsp (15 ml) Sesame Oil or Olive Oil
- 3 Spring Onions/Scallions, chopped (about 45 g)
- 1 Carrot, julienned or sliced (about 60 g)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper, julienned or sliced (about 120 g)
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Sweet Chili Sauce
- 3 tbsp (30 g) Sesame Seeds
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro or Fresh Basil, chopped (about 15 g)
Easy Vegan ramen recipe: Optional Extras
- 1 cup (30 g) Baby Spinach
How to make vegan Lo mein
How to make homemade ramen noodles recipe
- Warm the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the garlic, carrots, and bell peppers, cooking for a few minutes until they soften and release their aroma. Stir in the soy sauce and sweet chili sauce, allowing them to cook for another minute. Pour in the stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the spring onions and continue cooking for a few more minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Add the ramen noodles to the simmering stock and cook for 2-3 minutes, or follow the package directions. If using, stir in some baby spinach until wilted.
- Ladle the soup into 4 large bowls. Finish with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a handful of fresh cilantro or basil. Enjoy!
Note: I made this easy ramen recipe in the pictures with less water than normal, to give you a better idea of the ingredients in the recipe. For a more traditional homemade ramen soup style of serving, simply follow the detailed instructions on the recipe card. You can adjust the amount of soup broth by adding more or less water. I like to eat my ramen with a generous amount of soup, but I know lots of people who prefer a more dry less sauce rich ramen.
What vegetables can you add to Instant Ramen
You can enhance instant ramen by adding a variety of vegetables. Here are some great options:
Fresh Vegetables:
1. Spinach: Adds a nutritious boost and wilts quickly in hot broth.
2. Bell Peppers: Adds color and crunch; thinly slice or dice.
3. Carrots: Can be julienned or sliced; adds sweetness and texture.
4. Green Onions (Scallions): Adds a fresh, mild onion flavor to the popular Japanese noodle soup.
5. Bean Sprouts: Adds a crunchy texture and freshness.
6. Corn: Adds a sweet crunch; can be used fresh or frozen.
7. Bok Choy: Adds a mild, slightly sweet flavor and crunchy texture. I like to add sliced baby bok Choi to give the vegan meal a little bite.
8. Zucchini: Sliced or diced, it cooks quickly and adds mild flavor.
Frozen Vegetables:
1. Edamame: Provides protein and a bit of crunch.
2. Mixed Vegetables: Pre-packaged frozen mixes often include carrots, peas, corn, and green beans.
Others:
1. Mushrooms: Shiitake, cremini, or button mushrooms add umami and depth of flavor. Whether you use dried shiitake mushrooms or fresh mushrooms, these flavor packed add ins are a great addition to creamy vegan ramen.
2. Broccoli: Adds texture and a slightly bitter flavor; best to steam or blanch before adding.
3. Kale: Adds heartiness and nutrients; should be chopped and cooked briefly.
4. Snow Peas: Adds crunch and a slightly sweet flavor; can be added raw or briefly cooked.
Tips for Adding Vegetables:
– Cook Timing: Add vegetables that take longer to cook (like carrots and broccoli) earlier in the cooking process, while quick-cooking vegetables (like spinach and bean sprouts) can be added towards the end.
– Texture: Consider the texture of vegetables; some, like bell peppers, can be added raw if you prefer a crunchier texture, while others may benefit from being briefly cooked.
– Flavor: Experiment with combinations and seasonings to match your taste preferences and create a more flavorful broth. For a bit of heat, try adding some fresh ginger to the sauce. Or add extra savory flavors by mixing in some miso paste and make it a delicious miso ramen.
These additions can make your instant ramen more nutritious and flavorful, enhancing the overall meal.
How to store and reheat vegetarian homemade ramen noodles recipe
To properly store and reheat your vegetarian homemade ramen noodles, follow these steps to ensure the noodles maintain their texture and flavor:
Storing Vegetarian Ramen Noodles:
1. Separate the Broth and Noodles:
– If possible, store the broth and noodles separately to prevent the noodles from soaking up too much liquid and becoming mushy.
– Store each in airtight containers.
2. Refrigeration:
– Place the broth and noodles in the refrigerator.
– The ramen will stay fresh for up to 3 days when stored this way.
3. Freezing (Optional):
– If you want to store the ramen for a longer period, you can freeze the broth separately from the noodles.
– Freeze the broth in a freezer-safe container, and the noodles in another container or a freezer bag.
– The broth can last up to 2 months in the freezer. Freezing noodles can slightly alter their texture, so it’s best to add freshly cooked noodles when reheating if possible.
Reheating Vegetarian Ramen Noodles:
1. Reheating on the Stove (Preferred Method):
– Broth: Pour the broth into a saucepan and heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
– Noodles: If stored separately, you can briefly reheat the noodles by placing them in a colander and dipping them in boiling water for 1-2 minutes. If they were stored together with the broth, simply add them to the saucepan to heat through.
– Combine: Once both are heated, combine the broth and noodles. Stir well to ensure even heating.
2. Reheating in the Microwave:
– Broth: Pour the broth into a microwave-safe bowl and microwave on high for 2-3 minutes, or until hot.
– Noodles: If reheating noodles separately, place them in a microwave-safe bowl with a little water (to prevent drying out) and microwave for about 1-2 minutes.
– Combine: Mix the broth and noodles together once they’re both heated.
3. Add Fresh Toppings (Optional):
– For the best flavor and texture, you can add fresh herbs, a drizzle of fresh chili sauce, or sesame seeds after reheating.
Tips:
Avoid Overheating: Be careful not to overheat the noodles, as this can make them mushy.
Check for Freshness: Always check the smell and appearance of the ramen before reheating, especially if it’s been stored for a few days. Discard if it smells off or has an unusual appearance.
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Vegetarian instant ramen recipe FAQs
Yes, vegetarians can eat instant ramen, but it depends on the specific brand and flavor of the ramen. Here’s what to consider:
1. Broth Base:
– Vegetarian-Friendly: Some instant ramen packets are made with a vegetable-based broth or contain seasoning that doesn’t include animal products.
– Non-Vegetarian: Many traditional instant ramen flavors, like chicken, beef, or seafood, contain meat-derived ingredients in their seasoning packets, making them unsuitable for vegetarians.
2. Ingredients to Watch Out For:
– Meat Extracts: Some instant ramen flavors may include chicken, beef, or pork extracts in the seasoning.
– Fish Sauce or Fish Powder: Common in some Asian ramen varieties.
– Gelatin or Animal Fats: Occasionally found in some ramen noodles or seasonings.
– Natural Flavors: These can sometimes be derived from animal products, so check the label if you’re unsure.
Veggie ramen recipe FAQs
Yes, you can use fresh vegetables instead of frozen ones. Fresh veggies like carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and spinach work wonderfully in this recipe. Just chop them into bite-sized pieces and sauté them until tender before adding the noodles.
Absolutely! To make the ramen gluten-free, simply replace the ramen noodles with gluten-free noodles, such as rice noodles or gluten-free ramen. Also, ensure that your soy sauce or tamari is labeled gluten-free.
You can add protein by including ingredients like tofu, tempeh, edamame, or soft-boiled eggs (if not strictly vegan). You can also add chickpeas or lentils for an extra protein boost.
To add more spice, you can increase the amount of sweet chili sauce, or add a dash of hot sauce, Sriracha, or chili flakes. You can also incorporate fresh sliced chilies if you prefer more heat.
While you can prepare the broth and chop the vegetables ahead of time, it’s best to cook the noodles right before serving to maintain their texture. If you prepare the noodles too early, they might become too soft and lose their springy texture.
More Ramen Noodles FAQs
Store any leftover ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. When reheating, you might need to add a bit more broth or water to bring the soup back to its original consistency.
Yes, adding a tablespoon of miso paste to the broth will give the ramen a rich, umami flavor. Just be sure to stir it in after the broth has simmered and been removed from the heat, as boiling miso can alter its flavor and health benefits.
To make the broth creamier, you can add a splash of coconut milk, almond milk, or cashew milk to the broth. This will give the ramen a rich and creamy texture without overpowering the other flavors.
Yes, you can use any type of noodle you prefer. Udon, soba, or rice noodles can be great substitutes for ramen noodles, depending on your dietary preferences or what you have on hand.
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Homemade ramen noodles recipe: easy vegan 15-minutes vegetable Lo Mein
Ingredients
Vegetarian Instant Ramen Recipe Ingredients
Vegan ramen Sauce
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Soy Sauce or Tamari
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Sweet Chili Sauce
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Sesame Oil or Olive Oil
- 3 cloves garlic – minced
- 8 cups (2liters) Vegetable Stock
Vegan Lo Mein
- 4 packs (12oz/340g) Dried Ramen Noodles – uncooked
- 1 tbsp (15ml) Sesame Oil or Olive Oil
- 3 Spring Onions/Scallions – chopped (about 45 g)
- 1 Carrot – julienned or sliced (about 60 g)
- 1 Red Bell Pepper – julienned or sliced (about 120 g)
- 2 tbsp (30ml) Sweet Chili Sauce
- 3 tbsp (30g) Sesame Seeds
- 1 bunch Fresh Cilantro or Fresh Basil – chopped (about 15 g)
Optional Extras
- 1 cup (30g) Baby Spinach
Instructions
How to make homemade ramen noodles recipe
- Warm the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Once heated, add the garlic, carrots, and bell peppers, cooking for a few minutes until they soften and release their aroma. Stir in the soy sauce and sweet chili sauce, allowing them to cook for another minute. Pour in the stock and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it simmer for 5 minutes.
- Add the spring onions and continue cooking for a few more minutes while stirring occasionally.
- Add the ramen noodles to the simmering stock and cook for 2-3 minutes, or follow the package directions. If using, stir in some baby spinach until wilted.
- Ladle the soup into 4 large bowls. Finish with a drizzle of sweet chili sauce, a sprinkle of sesame seeds, and a handful of fresh cilantro or basil. Enjoy!
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This vegan 15-minute ramen noodles recipe is a game-changer, I love how quick and easy it is to make, especially on busy days when time is limited. The combination of flavors and the simplicity of the ingredients make it a perfect go-to meal. Thank you for sharing such a delicious and accessible recipe.