A quick, customizable bowl of saucy ramen noodles that comes together in less than 30 minutes. This versatile dish features chewy noodles coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that you can easily adjust to your taste preferences. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need a satisfying meal with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish
Completely customizable with your choice of protein and vegetables
Uses pantry staples you likely already have on hand
Perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors
No special equipment needed
Easily made vegetarian or vegan
More economical than takeout
Can be adjusted to your preferred spice level
Makes excellent leftovers
A crowd-pleaser for both adults and kids

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Instant ramen noodles form the base of this dish, providing that perfect chewy texture. While the flavor packets aren’t used in this recipe, don’t throw them away – they can be saved for quick broths or seasoning other dishes.

Water or vegetable broth creates the foundation for our sauce. Using broth instead of water adds another layer of flavor, but water works perfectly fine if that’s what you have on hand.

Soy sauce brings that essential umami flavor and saltiness to the dish. The amount can be adjusted based on whether you’re using regular or low-sodium soy sauce.

Dark soy sauce is optional but gives the noodles that beautiful deep brown color you see in restaurant dishes. It’s less salty and slightly sweeter than regular soy sauce.

Cornstarch acts as our thickening agent, creating that glossy coating that clings to the noodles. The amount determines how thick your sauce will be – use less for a lighter sauce or more for something more substantial.

Sugar or maple syrup balances the saltiness of the soy sauce with a touch of sweetness. You can adjust this to your preference or even omit it if you prefer a less sweet dish.

Rice vinegar adds a bright tanginess that cuts through the richness of the dish. White vinegar or lemon juice can stand in if you don’t have rice vinegar available.

Sesame oil contributes a nutty, aromatic quality that’s distinctive in Asian cuisine. Just a tablespoon makes a big difference, so don’t skip this ingredient if possible.

Garlic adds a punchy flavor base. While optional, it significantly enhances the overall taste profile of the dish.

Tofu, vegetables, or mushrooms provide substance and nutrition. This is where you can really customize the dish based on your preferences or what you have in your refrigerator.

Scallions and sesame seeds make for a beautiful garnish that adds both flavor and texture to the finished dish.

Directions

Prepare the sauce: Mix all the sauce ingredients until well incorporated. Adjust the measurements of soy sauce, sweetener, vinegar, and spice to match your desired taste. Set the sauce aside. If using a lot of veggies and more noodles, double the sauce recipe to keep the noodles saucy.
Cook the noodles: Boil some water in a small pot over high heat. Add the ramen or noodles of choice. Cook the noodles until they are chewy and still have a bite in the middle, about 2-3 minutes less than the package instructions. This prevents them from overcooking in the sauce. Drain the water and set the noodles aside. You can run them under cold water to stop the cooking and remove excess starch if desired.
Sauté the veggies/tofu: While the noodles are cooking, heat a pan over medium-high heat and add a little oil. Sauté the vegetables, mushrooms, or tofu for a few minutes until cooked to your liking.
Combine the sauce and noodles: Give the sauce a quick stir to make sure the starch isn’t sticking to the bottom. Pour the sauce into the pan with the veggies/tofu and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken from the starch. Stir the sauce frequently to prevent sticking. Once the sauce has thickened slightly, add the cooked noodles to the pan and mix well to coat them in the sauce.
Finish cooking: Cook the noodles over medium-high heat for about 3 minutes, allowing them to absorb the sauce and for the sauce to thicken further. Taste the noodles and adjust the seasoning with more soy sauce, sweetener, soy sauce, or pepper if needed.
Serve: Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions, if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 servings, perfect for a quick dinner for two or a meal for one with leftovers for lunch the next day. Each serving contains approximately 401 calories.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Variations

Protein Options:

Substitute the tofu with sliced chicken breast, beef strips, or shrimp
Add a fried or soft-boiled egg on top for extra richness
Use tempeh or seitan for alternative plant-based proteins

Vegetable Ideas:

Add bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, or carrots for color and crunch
Include baby spinach or bok choy for leafy greens
Try sliced mushrooms like shiitake, oyster, or button mushrooms for an earthy flavor

Flavor Twists:

Spicy version: Add more chili garlic sauce or include sliced fresh chilis
Peanut variation: Stir in 2 tablespoons of natural peanut butter to the sauce
Curry inspired: Add 1-2 teaspoons of curry powder to the sauce
Lime-infused: Squeeze fresh lime juice over the finished dish and garnish with lime zest
Miso enhanced: Add 1 tablespoon of white miso paste to the sauce for depth of flavor

Storage/Reheating

Storage:
Store leftover noodles in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken significantly when cold, which is normal.

Reheating on Stovetop:

Add the noodles to a non-stick pan with a splash of water or broth
Heat over medium heat, stirring frequently
Cook until heated through, about 3-5 minutes

Reheating in Microwave:

Place noodles in a microwave-safe bowl
Add a tablespoon of water and cover loosely
Microwave on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through

Note: These noodles are best enjoyed fresh, as the texture can change slightly upon storage and reheating. The noodles will continue to absorb sauce while stored, so you may want to add a little extra liquid when reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of noodles instead of ramen?

Yes, absolutely! You can substitute with udon, soba, rice noodles, or even regular spaghetti. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions, always undercooking slightly to allow for the final cooking in the sauce.

My sauce is too thick. How can I thin it out?

If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add water or broth, one tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember to stir well after each addition.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the sauce and chop all vegetables in advance. Store them separately in the refrigerator, then simply cook the noodles and assemble everything when you’re ready to eat.

What can I substitute for cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder, potato starch, or tapioca starch can be used as a 1:1 replacement for cornstarch. All-purpose flour can also work in a pinch, though you may need to use about twice as much and cook it a bit longer.

How can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Use rice noodles or other gluten-free noodle alternatives, and substitute regular soy sauce with tamari or gluten-free soy sauce. Also ensure your other ingredients, like vegetable broth, are certified gluten-free.

Can I add more vegetables to make it healthier?

Definitely! This recipe is extremely versatile. Feel free to add any vegetables you enjoy – bell peppers, broccoli, spinach, carrots, or snow peas all work wonderfully. Just adjust the sauce quantity if adding significantly more vegetables.

How spicy is this recipe?

As written, this recipe has just a mild heat. You can easily adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili garlic sauce, or omitting it altogether for a non-spicy version.

Can I use frozen vegetables?

Yes, frozen vegetables work great in this recipe. There’s no need to thaw them first; just add them directly to the pan and cook until heated through, which may take a minute or two longer than fresh vegetables.

What is dark soy sauce and can I skip it?

Dark soy sauce is thicker, less salty, and has a more intense color than regular soy sauce. It’s used primarily for color in this recipe and can be omitted without significantly affecting the flavor. Your dish will simply have a lighter appearance.

Can I make a larger batch to feed more people?

Yes, this recipe doubles or triples easily. Just increase all ingredients proportionally and use a larger pan to ensure everything cooks evenly. You may need to slightly increase the cooking time.

Conclusion

These Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles are the perfect solution when you’re craving a restaurant-quality Asian dish without the fuss or expense of takeout. With just a handful of pantry staples and your choice of protein and vegetables, you can create a satisfying meal that’s ready in less than 30 minutes.

What makes this recipe special is its adaptability – whether you prefer it spicy or mild, loaded with vegetables or protein-focused, the basic technique remains the same while allowing for countless variations to suit your taste and what you have on hand.

Next time you’re tempted to order takeout, remember this simple recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. Your wallet will thank you, and your taste buds won’t know the difference!

The BEST Saucy Ramen Noodles EVER!!