These easy and comforting spicy ramen noodles come together in just under 30 minutes, making them a perfect meal for hectic weeknights. Picture warm bowls of steaming noodles topped with vibrant green onions and the enticing fragrance of garlic and ginger wafting through the kitchen — this dish is all about warmth, coziness, and a hint of spice.
Growing up, my family had a special ritual on chilly evenings: cozying up on the couch with blankets, indulging in steaming bowls of ramen while we swapped stories about our day. The comforting aroma of garlic simmering in sesame oil brought us together, creating a heartwarming atmosphere. This easy ramen recipe has a pinch of nostalgia and is sure to fill your home with laughter and warmth, just like in my childhood.
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Easy and Comforting Spicy Ramen Noodles
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A warming and comforting recipe for spicy ramen noodles, perfect for hectic weeknights, filled with rich flavors and nostalgic memories.
Ingredients
- 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
- Heat the sesame oil in a stockpot over medium-low heat. Add garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, and simmer for about 5 minutes until fragrant; transfer to a bowl and set aside.
- In the same pot, increase the heat to medium-high, add vegetable oil, and sauté shiitake mushrooms for 6-7 minutes until golden brown and tender. Chop two-thirds of the green onions and add them to the pot, sautéing for another 2 minutes.
- Stir in rice vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and vegetable broth, bringing to a gentle boil.
- Add ramen noodles, reduce heat, and simmer uncovered for 3-5 minutes until noodles are cooked through.
- Stir in reserved garlic-chili oil and thawed edamame. Ladle ramen into bowls and top with remaining chopped green onions and optional toppings.
Notes
For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil to the broth before serving. Customize with fresh vegetables or protein.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 7g
- Protein: 12g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Aside from the nostalgia, what truly makes these spicy ramen noodles special is their ability to comfort both the body and soul. The rich broth, bursting with flavor, pairs beautifully with tender noodles and fresh vegetables. Plus, it’s versatile enough to adapt based on your preferences. Whether it’s a solo night in or a family gathering, this dish has a way of making moments feel meaningful.
Let’s Cook It Together
It’s time to get cooking! Trust me, you’ll be amazed at how simple it is to whip this up. Gather your ingredients and let’s dive into each step.
Your Shopping List
- 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
Start by heating the sesame oil in a stockpot over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic, grated ginger, and chili flakes, allowing them to simmer together for about 5 minutes until fragrant. Transfer this delicious mix to a bowl and set aside.
In the same pot, increase the heat to medium-high and add a little vegetable oil. Toss in the shiitake mushrooms and sauté them for 6-7 minutes until they turn golden brown and tender. Chop two-thirds of the green onions and add them to the pot, sautéing everything together for another 2 minutes.
Now, it’s time to bring in the big flavors. Stir in the rice vinegar, soy sauce, fish sauce, and vegetable broth, bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
Add the ramen noodles, reduce the heat, and let everything simmer uncovered for about 3-5 minutes until the noodles are cooked through and irresistibly tender.
Finally, stir in the reserved garlic-chili oil and the thawed edamame. Ladle the ramen into bowls and top with the remaining chopped green onions and any optional toppings you desire.
Perfect Pairings for This Dish
These spicy ramen noodles are simply delightful on their own, but if you’re looking to elevate the experience, consider serving them with a side of crispy spring rolls or a fresh Asian-style salad. A light, tangy cucumber salad complements the warmth of the soup beautifully. Pairing it with a refreshing iced tea or a lovely fruity sake can enhance your cozy dinner experience even further. Imagine cozying up for a warm dinner with your loved ones and enjoying this soul-soothing meal, it’s the perfect recipe for togetherness!
Keeping It Fresh
If you have leftovers (which is highly unlikely, but just in case!), store any uneaten ramen in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed to loosen it up. If you’d like to freeze your ramen, avoid adding any toppings beforehand to maintain their texture; simply freeze the broth and noodles separately for optimal freshness.
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- For extra depth of flavor, consider adding a splash of sesame oil to the broth before serving.
- Experiment with your spices; add more chili flakes for a spicier bite or some cayenne pepper for an extra kick!
- Use fresh vegetables like bok choy or spinach for added nutrition — toss them in just before serving to retain their vibrant color and crunch.
- If you prefer a richer flavor profile, swap out vegetable broth for chicken broth.
- For a twist, try adding in some leftover roasted chicken or tofu — it’s a great way to use what you have on hand and make the dish even heartier.
Flavor Experiments
Feel like getting creative? Here are a couple of variations to consider:
- Swap out the shiitake mushrooms for sliced bell peppers and broccoli for a colorful and crunchy twist.
- Think sweetness! Try adding a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the broth for a subtly sweet flavor that beautifully balances the spiciness.
- Go ahead and change up the toppings by adding crushed peanuts for a nutty crunch or a dollop of spicy kimchi for a burst of flavor.
FAQs
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to store the ramen and broth separately to keep everything fresh. The noodles can become mushy if frozen with the broth, so it’s best to keep them apart.
What’s the best substitute for shiitake mushrooms?
If shiitake mushrooms aren’t available, you can easily use button or cremini mushrooms instead. They won’t have the same earthy flavor, but they’ll still lend a delicious touch to the broth.
How long will this stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the fridge, this ramen will stay fresh for 3-4 days. Just remember to reheat it slowly for the best texture.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Definitely! Doubling the recipe is a great idea, especially for meal prep. Just make sure you have a big enough pot to accommodate all those delicious ingredients.