Easy Saucy Ramen Noodles Recipe

Make delicious and easy saucy ramen noodles with this quick recipe, perfect for busy weeknights. Using instant ramen noodles, tofu, veggies, and a savory sauce made with soy sauce, sesame oil, and optional spices, this recipe is customizable and packed with flavor. Enjoy restaurant-style stir-fried ramen at home, topped with sesame seeds and green onions for added crunch. Ideal as a vegan-friendly meal or adaptable for various diets, this recipe creates the perfect balance of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Noodles

• 2 servings of dry instant ramen noodles or noodles of choice (about 140 g total)

For Sautéing

• 10 oz extra-firm tofu, vegetables, or mushrooms of choice, sliced

Sauce

• 1 cup water or vegetable broth
• 5–7 tablespoons soy sauce (adjust to taste)
• 1.5 teaspoons dark soy sauce (optional, for color)
• 2–3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1–3 tablespoons sugar, maple syrup, or other sweetener (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, white vinegar, or lemon juice (adjust to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• ½ tablespoon chili garlic sauce or hot sauce (optional, for spice)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)

For Serving

• Chopped scallions
• Sesame seeds

Instructions

1. Prepare the Sauce: In a bowl, mix all sauce ingredients until well combined. Adjust for sweetness, saltiness, sourness, and spice as desired, then set aside. (Tip: For a redder sauce, add more hot sauce.) If you’re using extra noodles or vegetables, double the sauce to keep everything saucy!
2. Cook the Noodles: In a small pot, bring water to a boil over high heat. Add the noodles and cook until they’re half done, still chewy in the center (about 2–3 minutes less than package instructions). Drain, then rinse under cold water to stop further cooking and remove excess starch. Set aside.
3. Sauté the Tofu, Veggies, or Mushrooms: While the noodles cook, heat a pan over medium-high heat with a little oil. Sauté the tofu, veggies, or mushrooms until cooked to your liking, then set aside.
4. Cook the Sauce: Give the sauce mixture a final stir to ensure the cornstarch hasn’t settled at the bottom. Pour the sauce into the pan and let it simmer over medium heat, stirring constantly for 2–3 minutes, until it starts to thicken.
5. Combine and Cook Noodles: Add the noodles to the pan, tossing them to coat in the sauce. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring often, until the noodles absorb some of the sauce and the mixture thickens, about 3 minutes.
6. Adjust and Serve: Taste and add more soy sauce, sweetener, or pepper if needed. Garnish with chopped scallions and sesame seeds. Enjoy your saucy ramen noodles hot!