Spicy Ramen Noodles

There’s nothing quite like a bowl of spicy ramen noodles to warm the soul, especially when the weather turns crisp. With just under 30 minutes of your time, this cozy dish offers a delightful punch of flavor, featuring comforting noodles nestled in a savory broth. Imagine the enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen, making even the busiest weeknight feel like a special family occasion.

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Spicy Ramen Noodles

A warm and cozy bowl of spicy ramen noodles, perfect for chilly evenings, featuring comforting noodles in a savory broth.

  • Author: anytimesrecipegmail-com
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Asian
  • Diet: Vegetarian

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
  • 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
  • 1 1/2 tsp. chili flakes
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 6 oz. shiitake mushrooms, tough stems removed
  • 1 bunch green onions, divided
  • 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 tsp. fish sauce
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 (3-oz.) packs dry ramen noodles (seasoning packs discarded)
  • 3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
  • Optional toppings: fresh basil or cilantro, bean sprouts, soft-boiled egg

Instructions

  1. Heat sesame oil in a stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Add garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, and simmer for about 5 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to a bowl.
  2. In the same pot, add vegetable oil and increase heat to medium-high. Sauté shiitake mushrooms for 6 to 7 minutes until golden brown. Add two-thirds of chopped green onions and sauté for another 2 minutes.
  3. Pour in rice vinegar, stirring to clean up browned bits. Add soy sauce, fish sauce, and vegetable broth. Bring to a gentle boil.
  4. Add ramen noodles and reduce heat, letting it simmer uncovered for about 3 to 5 minutes until noodles are cooked.
  5. Stir in reserved garlic-chili oil and edamame. Ladle into bowls and garnish with remaining green onions and optional toppings.

Notes

Adjust chili flakes to your spice preference. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 298
  • Sugar: 5g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 42g
  • Fiber: 5g
  • Protein: 12g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg

Enjoy it 🙂

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This spicy ramen noodles recipe became a family favorite during chilly evenings when we craved something quick yet satisfying. The noodle’s tender bite combined with the warmth of the spicy broth has a way of bringing everyone together around the table. I can almost hear my kids cheer, “More noodles, please!” as we dig in. Each slurp feels like a comforting hug, and those few moments of clattering bowls and shared smiles are what make these late-night meals worth every minute spent cooking.

Let’s Cook It Together

Are you ready to whip up a steaming hot bowl of spicy ramen? I promise it’s easier than you think. Let’s gather our ingredients and dive right into the step-by-step magic of transforming simple items into a dish bursting with flavor.

What You’ll Need

  • 2 Tbsp. sesame oil
  • 1 Tbsp. minced fresh garlic
  • 2 tsp. freshly grated ginger
  • 1 1/2 tsp. chili flakes
  • 1 to 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 6 oz. shiitake mushrooms, tough stems removed
  • 1 bunch green onions, divided
  • 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
  • 2 Tbsp. soy sauce
  • 2 tsp. fish sauce
  • 4 cups vegetable broth
  • 4 (3-oz.) packs dry ramen noodles (seasoning packs discarded)
  • 3/4 cup frozen shelled edamame, thawed
  • Optional toppings: fresh basil or cilantro, bean sprouts, soft-boiled egg

Step-by-Step Directions

  1. Start by heating the sesame oil in a stockpot or Dutch oven over medium-low heat. Once fragrant, add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until everything is aromatic, then transfer this delightful garlic-chili oil to a bowl.

  2. In the same pot, pour in the vegetable oil and increase the heat to medium-high. Add the shiitake mushrooms and sauté for 6 to 7 minutes, until they turn golden brown. Roughly chop two-thirds of the green onions and toss them into the pan, reserving the rest for garnish. Sauté for an additional 2 minutes.

  3. Pour in the rice vinegar, stirring well to ensure you clean up any browned bits stuck to the bottom of your pot. Add the soy sauce, fish sauce, and vegetable broth. Bring it all to a gentle boil.

  4. Once boiling, add the ramen noodles. Reduce the heat and let it all simmer uncovered for about 3 to 5 minutes, until the noodles are cooked to perfection.

  5. Finally, stir in the reserved garlic-chili oil and edamame. Ladle the spicy ramen mixture into four bowls and sprinkle with the remaining thinly sliced green onions. Feel free to add any of the optional toppings to elevate your dish.

Nutrition Values

  • Calories: 298
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbs: 42g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Fiber: 5g

Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps you full longer without feeling heavy.

Perfect Pairings for This Dish

There’s something so delightful about serving spicy ramen on a cozy evening. For a complete meal, I love to pair it with crispy tempura vegetables or a simple salad tossed with a light sesame dressing. As for drinks, nothing beats a refreshing iced green tea or sparkling water laced with a hint of lime. Trust me, the combination is perfection!

Keeping It Fresh

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store any uneaten ramen in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. As the flavors mingle, it just gets better! For longer storage, consider freezing the broth and noodles separately; they’ll keep well for about a month. To reheat, gently warm on the stove, adding a splash of water if needed to bring it back to life.

Chef Betty’s Secrets

  1. Timing is Key: Don’t overcook the noodles! They should have a slight bite to them and will continue to soften after you remove them from the heat.

  2. Flavor Boost: Feel free to adjust the chili flakes to your spice preference or add in your favorite hot sauce for an extra kick.

  3. Vegetable Add-Ins: Feel free to add spinach, bok choy, or other favorites for a nutritional boost and a touch of color.

  4. Savory Broth: For a deeper flavor, consider using homemade vegetable broth instead of store-bought.

  5. Custom Toppings: Top your ramen with whatever delights you. Soft-boiled eggs, crunchy bean sprouts, or fresh herbs add a special touch.

Fun Variations

  1. Miso Ramen: Swap out the soy sauce for miso paste for an earthy depth and richness.

  2. Creamy Ramen: Stir in a splash of coconut milk for a creamy, dreamy broth that balances the spice.

  3. Protein Bolt-On: Add cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu for a protein-packed meal that keeps the family satisfied.

FAQs

Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! To freeze, separate the broth from the noodles, storing each in airtight containers. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw and reheat on the stove, adding fresh noodles for the best texture.

What’s the best substitute for fish sauce?
If you’re looking for an alternative, you can use soy sauce mixed with a touch of lime juice or a splash of Worcestershire sauce to mimic that savory depth.

How long will this stay fresh?
When stored in the fridge in an airtight container, your spicy ramen can last up to three days. If you have leftovers, they often taste even better on the second day!

With this spicy ramen noodles recipe, you’re not just making dinner; you’re creating a comforting experience filled with aroma and warmth that lingers long after the last bite. Gather your family for an evening of cozy slurping and savoring the comforting flavors together. Enjoy!