Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly easy to make with just a handful of pantry ingredients. It’s also super flexible—I can switch up the veggies or protein, adjust the sauce to fit my taste, and have dinner ready in under 30 minutes. Whether I’m craving a cozy bowl of noodles or need a satisfying meat-free dish, this recipe never disappoints. Plus, it’s great for meal prepping or cleaning out the fridge!

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 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

Sauce

• 1 cup water or vegetable broth

• 5-7 tbsp soy sauce

• 1.5 tsp dark soy sauce (optional, for color)

• 2-3 tbsp corn starch

• 1-3 tbsp sugar, maple syrup, or other liquid sweetener

• 2 tbsp rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice

• 1/4 tsp ground pepper

• 1/2 tbsp chili garlic sauce or other hot sauce (optional)

• 1 tbsp sesame oil

• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

For Serving

• Chopped scallions

• Sesame seeds

Directions

1. I start by mixing all the sauce ingredients in a bowl until well combined. I adjust the saltiness, sweetness, sourness, and spice to my liking, then set it aside.

2. I bring a small pot of water to a boil and add the ramen noodles. I cook them 2–3 minutes less than the package suggests so they stay chewy and don’t overcook later.

3. I drain the noodles and run them under cold water to stop the cooking process and remove excess starch.

4. While the noodles cook, I heat a pan over medium-high heat, add a little oil, and sauté my choice of tofu, mushrooms, or veggies until cooked to my liking.

5. I give the sauce a quick stir to make sure the starch isn’t settled, then pour it into the pan with the sautéed ingredients. I let it simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

6. I add the noodles to the pan and toss everything together until the noodles are evenly coated.

7. I let the noodles cook for another 2–3 minutes so they soak up some sauce and everything thickens nicely.

8. I taste and adjust the seasoning if needed, then serve hot, topped with sesame seeds and chopped scallions.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 2 generous servings. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to cook, making it a 25-minute meal from start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights or a quick lunch!

Variations

• I sometimes use rice noodles, soba, or udon instead of ramen for a fun twist.

• For extra protein, I like to add baked tofu, edamame, or even chickpeas.

• I toss in whatever veggies I have on hand—bell peppers, spinach, carrots, or bok choy all work great.

• When I want more heat, I add extra chili garlic sauce or top with crushed red pepper flakes.

• A spoonful of peanut butter stirred into the sauce makes it rich and creamy.

storage/reheating

I store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I add a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce, then warm everything in a pan over medium heat or microwave until hot. The noodles reheat really well and are just as tasty the next day.

FAQs

How can I keep the noodles from getting mushy?

I cook the noodles slightly under before adding them to the sauce. This way, they stay firm and chewy even after simmering.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Yes, I use gluten-free soy sauce (like tamari) and rice noodles instead of ramen to make it gluten-free.

What if I don’t have cornstarch?

I can use arrowroot powder or potato starch instead. These will also thicken the sauce nicely.

Is this recipe spicy?

It can be! I control the spice level by adjusting the amount of chili garlic sauce or hot sauce I add.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. I mix the sauce and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I just give it a good stir before using, especially if starch settles.

Conclusion

These Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are a quick, comforting dish I keep coming back to. The thick, flavorful sauce is endlessly customizable, and I love how simple it is to make. Whether I’m looking for a cozy solo dinner or a crowd-pleasing meal, this recipe checks all the boxes.

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