Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe
If you’re craving something warm, comforting, and packed with flavor that’s also plant-based, you’ve got to try this Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe. I remember the first time I whipped it up—simple ingredients, quick prep, and a broth so cozy it felt like a hug in a bowl. Whether it’s a chilly night or you just want a nourishing meal without fuss, this ramen won’t let you down. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through all my favorite tips to make sure your bowl turns out perfect every time!
Why This Recipe Works
- Deliciously Simple: Minimal ingredients, maximum flavor — perfect for weeknight dinners or casual lunch.
- Deep Umami Broth: The combo of shiitake mushrooms, soy sauce, and garlic creates a rich, satisfying base without any animal products.
- Customizable: Add your favorite veggies, spice levels, or proteins like tofu to make it your own.
- Quick to Make: Ready from start to finish in about 20 minutes — ramen cravings covered in no time.
Ingredients & Why They Work
This Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe uses fresh aromatics and umami-packed ingredients that come together to create a broth bursting with flavor, without hours of simmering. Plus, the dried shiitake mushrooms give it that meaty, earthy note that really makes it feel like a treat.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds a nutty, fragrant base that instantly ups the flavor game.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic gives that classic savory kick we all love in ramen.
- Fresh ginger: Brings warmth and a bit of zing that brightens the broth beautifully.
- Shredded carrots: Provide sweetness and texture, plus a lovely pop of color.
- Dried shiitake mushrooms: Their intense umami flavor is a game-changer for vegan broths.
- Vegetable broth: The core liquid — choose a good-quality, low-sodium one for balance.
- Water: To stretch out the broth and make it lighter, so it doesn’t get too heavy.
- Low sodium soy sauce: Layers in saltiness and depth without overpowering.
- Seasoned rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang that brightens the soup.
- Sriracha hot sauce: For that perfect hint of heat — adjust to your spice preference.
- Instant ramen noodles: Use the noodles, but toss the seasoning packets—this lets you control the flavor perfectly.
- Sliced scallions: Stirred in near the end for freshness and crunch.
Tweak to Your Taste
One of the best things about this Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe is how flexible it is. I often swap out ingredients based on what’s in my fridge or what season it is. Don’t be shy about making it truly yours!
- Add more veggies: Sometimes I toss in baby spinach, bok choy, or snap peas for extra freshness and nutrients.
- Protein punch: I love adding crispy pan-fried tofu or marinated baked tofu cubes—really makes it feel hearty.
- Spice adjustment: Feel free to dial up or down the Sriracha (or swap for another chili sauce) depending on your heat tolerance.
- Gluten-free: Use gluten-free tamari and noodles, like rice ramen or shirataki noodles, when needed.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics
Start by heating toasted sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in the chopped garlic and grated ginger, stirring gently for about 1-2 minutes until your kitchen smells heavenly and they’re just starting to soften. Don’t let them burn—the goal is fragrant, not bitter.
Step 2: Build the Broth
Add the shredded carrots, dried shiitake mushrooms, vegetable broth, water, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and Sriracha. Give everything a good stir and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat and simmer for about 10 minutes. This is where the magic happens—the carrots soften nicely and the mushrooms release their deep, umami flavor into the broth.
Step 3: Cook the Noodles
Drop in your instant ramen noodles (discard the flavor packets—they’re usually packed with salt and preservatives). Let them cook for about 5 minutes until soft but still a bit springy. Then stir in the sliced scallions—they add just the right freshness and a slight bite that balances the soup.
Step 4: Final Taste & Serve
Give your broth a taste test. You might want to add a splash more soy sauce or Sriracha depending on your flavor and spice preference. Then, it’s ready—serve in bowls and top with extra scallions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, and some pan-fried tofu if you like. Dive in immediately for the best texture and warmth.
Pro Tips for Making Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe
- Perfect Broth Balance: Taste your broth early and often—adjust soy sauce and vinegar gradually to get the seasoning just right.
- Mushroom Soak: For even richer flavor, soak shiitake mushrooms in warm water before adding—they plump up and amp umami.
- Noodle Timing: Add noodles last to avoid sogginess if you’re not eating immediately.
- Avoid Overheating Sesame Oil: Heat oil gently to preserve its nutty aroma rather than burning it away.
How to Serve Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe
Garnishes
I love piling on fresh scallions and toasted sesame seeds for crunch and freshness. Sometimes I add a handful of shredded carrots for extra sweetness and color. If you’re feeling fancy, a few slices of pan-fried extra-firm tofu give the bowl a lovely, chewy texture that feels indulgent but totally plant-based.
Side Dishes
When serving, I often pair this ramen with simple edamame sprinkled with sea salt or a crunchy cucumber salad lightly dressed in rice vinegar and sesame oil. These sides keep the meal light yet satisfying—perfect for when you want a comforting but balanced dinner.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I sometimes serve the ramen in pretty bowls with colorful garnishes artfully arranged—think thinly sliced radishes, sheets of nori, and a drizzle of chili oil. It makes the meal feel festive and Instagram-worthy, without extra fuss.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I like to keep the broth and toppings separate from the noodles once cooled, especially if I plan to store leftovers. This prevents the noodles from getting mushy overnight. Store everything in airtight containers in the fridge and enjoy within 2-3 days for best quality.
Freezing
Broth freezes beautifully, so if you want to batch-make this Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe, freeze the soup base without noodles. Thaw in the fridge and quickly cook fresh noodles when serving for freshness.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the broth gently on the stove and cook fresh noodles separately. Then combine just before serving to maintain texture and avoid sogginess—which trust me, makes all the difference.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce for gluten-free tamari and choose gluten-free ramen or substitute noodles like rice vermicelli or shirataki noodles. The broth flavors stay delicious no matter the noodle choice.
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Can I use fresh mushrooms instead of dried shiitake?
You can, but dried shiitake mushrooms give a more concentrated umami punch to the broth. If using fresh, consider adding a splash of mushroom soy sauce or a bit more soy sauce to boost that depth.
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How spicy is this ramen? Can I adjust the heat?
The recipe uses Sriracha for mild to moderate heat, but you control it easily—add less for a milder bowl or more if you love a spicy kick. Feel free to swap with your favorite hot sauce or chili oil.
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Can I add other vegetables to this ramen?
Definitely! Baby spinach, bok choy, snap peas, or corn all work wonderfully. Add sturdy veggies early in the simmer and delicate greens towards the end.
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What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Keep the broth separate from noodles and toppings when possible. Store each in airtight containers in the fridge and reheat broth before cooking fresh noodles to preserve texture.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe has become one of my go-to meals when I want something cozy but quick. It’s fuss-free, kind to your schedule and diet, and downright comforting. I love sharing it with friends who are new to vegan cooking—it’s an easy win that impresses without stress. You’ll enjoy how flexible it is, so dive in, experiment a little, and make it yours. Trust me, once you get this recipe down, ramen nights will be a regular happy ritual!
Print
Easy Vegan Ramen Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
- Diet: Vegan
Description
A comforting and easy vegan ramen recipe featuring toasted sesame oil, fresh ginger, garlic, shiitake mushrooms, and flavorful broth, served with instant ramen noodles and customizable toppings like tofu and scallions.
Ingredients
Broth and Base
- 2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped garlic
- 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 cup shredded carrots
- 1 ounce dried shiitake mushrooms
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups water
- 6 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon seasoned rice vinegar
- 1-2 tablespoons Sriracha hot sauce
Noodles and Garnish
- 2 packages instant ramen, flavor packets discarded
- 1/2 cup sliced scallions
Optional Toppings
- More sliced scallions
- Sesame seeds
- More shredded carrots
- Extra-firm tofu, sliced
- More hot sauce
Instructions
- Heat Sesame Oil: Heat the sesame oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the chopped garlic and grated fresh ginger to the pot and stir fry for about 2 minutes until fragrant, taking care not to burn them.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Stir in the shredded carrots, dried shiitake mushrooms, vegetable broth, water, low sodium soy sauce, seasoned rice vinegar, and Sriracha hot sauce. Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Simmer Broth: Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for 10 minutes until the carrots and mushrooms soften and flavors meld.
- Cook Noodles: Add the instant ramen noodles to the simmering broth and cook for 5 minutes until the noodles are tender.
- Add Scallions and Adjust Flavor: Stir in the sliced scallions, then taste the broth and add more soy sauce or hot sauce if desired.
- Serve with Toppings: Remove the pot from heat and ladle the ramen into bowls. Garnish with additional sliced scallions, sesame seeds, shredded carrots, sliced extra-firm tofu, and extra hot sauce as preferred. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a gluten free version, use gluten free tamari instead of soy sauce and substitute with gluten free ramen noodles.
- For added protein and texture, marinated or pan-fried tofu works wonderfully as a topping.
- Adjust the amount of Sriracha hot sauce to match your preferred spice level.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like baby spinach or bok choy for extra nutrition.
- The dried shiitake mushrooms can be rehydrated before adding to speed up softening.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg